It is not in my nature

A sense check one should always run before proposing a sensible, rational and logical change to a well-established process. Rational, logical and sensible processes are not always the prime motivating force when you deal with another human. Especially an attorney. What is his nature?

Lecter: First principles, Clarice. Simplicity. Read Marcus Aurelius. Of each particular thing ask: what is it in itself? What is its nature? What does he do, this man you seek?

Clarice: He kills women —

Lecter: No! That is incidental. What is the first and principal thing he does? What needs does he serve by killing?

Clarice: Anger — social acceptance — and — sexual frustrations, sir —

Lecter: No! He covets. That is his nature. And how do we begin to covet, Clarice? Do we seek out things to covet?

Lecter: First principles, Clarice. Simplicity. Read Marcus Aurelius. Of each particular thing ask: what is it in itself? What is its nature? What does he do, this man you seek?
Clarice Starling: He kills women...
Lecter: No! That is incidental. What is the first and principal thing he does? What needs does he serve by killing?
Starling: Anger ... social acceptance .... and ... sexual frustrations, sir...
Lecter: No! He covets. That is his nature. And how do we begin to covet, Clarice? Do we seek out things to covet?

See also

• Frog and the scorpion