A brass key held upright in a small red vise beside a green pear on a slate-blue surface.

Original artwork, not a still

Jean Rasczak

You once asked me for advice. You want some now? Never give up a good thing.

— Starship Troopers • 1997

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker recalls an earlier request for advice, asks whether advice is wanted now, and delivers a short maxim. The final instruction values keeping something good. Its bluntness makes the recommendation memorable, while leaving the particular thing and circumstances unstated.

Context reviewed

Share this quote