Thomas Mann. Magic mountain (№ 235765)

Duel is the last means, a return to a primitive state, only slightly mellowed some of the rules of chivalry, but mellowed very superficially. It remains the main point of the primitive physical combat, and every man, no matter how he was far from the natural beginning, if it comes to that, it has to be on top. And he may any day get into that position. Someone who is not able to defend its ideals by force of his personality, with his own hand, his blood, he is unworthy of it; the main thing was that with all the spirituality to be brave and courageous.