"I read the book and followed the instructions"

Both were unintentionally hilarious lines.

True.

It reminds me of how, during the Black Death, a lot of doctors would simply refuse to try to treat patients out of fear of contracting it themselves. I was just reading about that recently. Of course the plague was more contagious than greyscale, due to physical contact being required for the latter. But still.

Much as I enjoy this discussion, it's focus has shifted away from its object, which is the endearing Samwell Tarly. I think Sam is a character too often overlooked. Clearly, he is a true scholar, and that is the meat of the quotation that is this topic's title: something so simple, yet so RARELY done. In my experience as a consumer electronics professional, almost NO ONE reads any instructions, nor follows them. Why not? Because doing that requires two things: work, and brains. In the case of operating on Ser Jorah, it also required faith and guts. Here's something else to consider: Sam has a son of a cunt father who encouraged him even less (if that's possible) than Tywin supported Tyrian--yet look at all that he has accomplished. He's killed a fucking White Walker! And his love for Gilly is inspiring. Please, don't stop posting; but can you also spare a thought, and possibly a word, for overlooked Samwell Tarly? Thank you.