Chance And Life

In addition to the issues already discussed, Poul Anderson's "Cold Victory" is about the role of chance in history. Because of an accident and a coincidence, the Humanists are defeated. "For want of a nail..." On the other hand, the problems addressed by the Humanists have not been resolved. Therefore, history as a whole remains at the same stage of development.

The phrase:

"'...minor ripples in the mainstream of history...'" (Cold Victory, p. 193)

- reminds us of Anderson's Time Patrol series. The Patrol works hard to ensure that historical accidents occur on schedule.

Whatever the eventual outcome:

"'...you people bought for Earth a few more decades of freedom. They can't take that away from you.'" (p. 194)

Other Anderson heroes work to extend periods of peace in which human beings can live.

"Men died and civilizations died, but before they died they lived." (ibid.)

- as Time Patrolman Manse Everard reflects in Hiram's Tyre.