He knew the man's motivations and desires-better, perhaps, than Entreri knew them.
He assaulted his captors and escaped, without knowing their motivations.
"I do not know their motivations, but I know they took our son."
In warfare, he said, knowing the enemy's motivations, techniques and weapons is critical.
Since we do not know their true motivations for capturing us, we cannot predict how they will react when confronted by a starship.
History cannot know Pender's motivations; he was mortally wounded the next day and left no report.
I'm not sure I want to know their motivations.
"How can this young girl be expected to know the defendant's motivations for whatever bizarre acts he performs?"
He does not know her motivations but as they are both trying to escape the guards they decide to work together.