296 quotes
Freedom, privileges, options, must constantly be exercised, even at the risk of inconvenience. Otherwise they fall into desuetude and become unfashionable, unorthodox—finally irregulationary.
Emphyrio (1969)
“Adam Reith, you have made a serious mistake.”
Reith nodded grimly. “Instead of an honest man I hired you.”
Planet of Adventure (1968)
It had been suggested to her that the flaw lay not in the universe but in herself.
Dying Earth (1950)
He was neither lazy nor incompetent; he merely had occupational claustrophobia.
Space Opera (1965)
Often their grievances were real; often they complained from sheer petulance.
The Gray Prince (1975)
“You have not accepted my advice.”
Fair shrugged. “You asked me to remain ignorant, to accept my stupidity and ineptitude.”
The Narrow Land (1982)
“Tomorrow?”
“Sh.” She put her hand across his lips. “Never say the word!”
Emphyrio (1969)
This was fantastic, insane—contrary to the axioms of her existence.
Nopalgarth (1980)
Kings, like children, tend to be opportunistic. Generosity only spoils them. They equate affability with weakness and hasten to exploit it.
Lyonesse Trilogy (1983)
If the dictators and militarists who used to start wars had to earn by manual labor what their wars cost, there would have been very few wars.
Vandals of the Void (1953)
Of all questions, why? is the least pertinent. It begs the question; it assumes the larger part of its own response; to wit, that a sensible response exists.
Dying Earth (1950)
Roger tried to find out all about her: he wanted, in one brief hour, to make up for a lifetime of non-acquaintance, a lifetime for all practical purposes wasted.
Space Opera (1965)
King Aillas talks softly and with great politeness; he has the uncomfortable skill of calling one a false-hearted blackguard, a liar, a cheat and a villain, but making it seem a fulsome compliment.
Lyonesse Trilogy (1983)
The life we’ve been leading couldn’t last forever. It’s a wonder it lasted as long as it did.
The Last Castle (1966)
I still feel that we should act with restraint. It’s much easier not to do than to undo.
Rumfuddle (1973)
Notice this rent in my garment; I am at a loss to explain its presence! I am even more puzzled by the existence of the universe.
Dying Earth (1950)
Dismount and kneel before me, that I may strike off your head with fullest ease. You shall die in this tragic golden light of sunset.
Lyonesse Trilogy (1983)
You have frightened and daunted me. I will stop stealing at once.
Lyonesse Trilogy (1983)
There can’t be two of me. Sometimes I doubt if there’s even one.
Galactic Effectuator (1980)
I must cite an intrinsic condition of the universe. We set forth in any direction which seems convenient; each leads to the same place: the end of the universe.
Dying Earth (1950)