“There are old sellswords and bold sellswords, but no old bold sellswords.”
— George R.R. Martin
Simplified Meaning:
This quote means that in dangerous jobs, like being a warrior for hire, being too brave or taking too many risks can be deadly. If a warrior lives to be old, it's because they were careful and didn't take unnecessary chances. But, if a warrior is always bold and reckless, they likely won't live long enough to get old. For example, think about a firefighter. A firefighter who is always rushing into burning buildings without thinking may be seen as brave, but they also might get hurt or worse, not survive. On the other hand, a firefighter who assesses the situation carefully and takes calculated risks is more likely to have a long career and stay safe. The advice here is to be wise and thoughtful in dangerous situations, rather than rushing in without thinking. In our own lives, we can apply this by being cautious in our decisions and actions. Instead of jumping into risky situations, we should think things through and consider the consequences. This way, we can achieve our goals without putting ourselves in unnecessary danger.