Both the pads and the fruit of the prickly pear cactus are edible, but you have to know how to get past the thorns first, for the plant has armed itself well against those who would get too close.
How do you arm yourself against those who would come too close to your vulnerability?
Nice picture, but I live where there are a lot of prickly pears and the picture is not a prickly pear.
Speak softly and carry a big stick. My friends appreciate it and those who would do me harm get the message quickly.