"Arrakis teaches the attitude of the knife - chopping off what's incomplete and saying: "Now it's complete because it's ended here."" - Muad'dib, "Dune"
In the vast and unforgiving landscape of Arrakis, the planet known to its inhabitants as Dune, a powerful lesson is taught through an ancient adage that has been passed down through generations

In the vast and unforgiving landscape of Arrakis, the planet known to its inhabitants as Dune, a powerful lesson is taught through an ancient adage that has been passed down through generations. The quote, "Arrakis teaches the attitude of the knife - chopping off what's incomplete and saying: 'Now it's complete because it's ended here.'" - is from Muad'dib, a revered figure in Dune lore. This saying has become an emblem of survival and adaptation for those who inhabit this harsh, desert world.
The inhabitants of Arrakis are no strangers to hardship and struggle. The planet, known to be rich in spice - a rare and valuable resource that holds the power to extend one's life and heighten consciousness - is also home to a myriad of dangers, from its ever-shifting sands to the fearsome creatures that roam its barren expanse. In order to survive on this unforgiving world, the people of Dune have learned to adapt to their environment, embracing the attitude of the knife - the ability to recognize what is incomplete and eliminate it, leaving behind a more perfected, complete version.
This concept is echoed throughout the lives of those who call Arrakis home. They must constantly be on guard, wary of potential dangers lurking around every corner. Their daily lives are a constant balancing act between survival and progress, with the only constant being change itself. Those who have come to understand this lesson have discovered that the path to mastery lies in recognizing incompleteness and embracing the ruthless efficiency of ending what is not yet whole.
The quote from Muad'dib has become a guiding principle for the people of Dune, shaping their worldview and shaping the way they approach life on this unforgiving planet. It speaks to the essence of survival in the face of overwhelming obstacles - an attitude that requires ruthless efficiency and unwavering focus. By recognizing incompleteness and taking action to remedy it, one can create a more perfected version of themselves or their circumstances, forging ahead with newfound clarity and purpose.
This message resonates not only with the inhabitants of Arrakis, but also with those who have been touched by the world of Dune, either through the pages of Frank Herbert's classic novel or through one of its subsequent adaptations. It serves as a reminder that we must continuously evolve and adapt in order to survive - and thrive - in an ever-changing universe. By embracing the attitude of the knife and ruthlessly cutting away what is not yet complete, we can forge ahead with newfound clarity and purpose, shaping our lives and the world around us into something greater than before.