The Saga of Tanya the Evil, Vol. 4 Quotes

“Everything comes down to how work is outsourced. There are more options out there than the subpar you-get-what-you-pay-for. The saying "Every man to his trade" is true in the same way as the Ricardian formulation of comparative advantage*. Tanya's quiet voice is a good excuse to delegate this job.

Ricardian formulation of comparative advantage - Also known as the comparative cost theory. The basis of commerce theory. To put it in extremely simple terms, it says that everyone should make what they are good at and trade it.”
― Carlo Zen, 幼女戦記 4 Dabit deus his quoque finem.

“Though it depends on the time and place, putting on a silly grin and countering a joke with a joke has its merits. Clowning around can ease nerves and serve as a tool for employing some of humanity's highly developed linguistic abilities: criticism and cursing.”
― Carlo Zen, 幼女戦記 4 Dabit deus his quoque finem.

“Even if it doesn't have anything to do with the current mission, that human tendency toward certain modes of thinking must be important for mental stability.
We need to believe in freedom, fairness, and the market. Humans are political animals by nature.
If that's the case... we should act politically as well, competing freely and fairly in the market.
...
Conversely, in an environment where there is no market, there's no need to play fair.”
― Carlo Zen, 幼女戦記 4 Dabit deus his quoque finem.

“The moment they hear what she says, her subordinates erupt together in laughter and whistles; none of them looks worried. They all wear cheerful smiles that say, Let's give it to 'em!
Well, even if it's nothing more than pre-sortie bravado, I'm glad they have wherewithal to put on a brave face. It means they trust me enough not to complain in my presence.
A superior who isn't trusted by their subordinates is liable to be dismissed for lack of management ability, so this is key.”
― Carlo Zen, 幼女戦記 4 Dabit deus his quoque finem.