543 quotes
I guess it just doesn’t look very heroic to sneak up behind somebody and shoot them in the back. I can’t help thinking it would be more efficient, though.
The Warrior's Apprentice (1986)
How can you stand me? I can’t even stand me.
A Civil Campaign (1999)
“For all you Betans seem soft, you have an appalling cold-blooded streak in you.”
“Rational streak, sir. Rationality has its merits. You Barrayarans ought to try it sometime.”
Barrayar (1991)
I’d have worn them as a courtesy to your friend...I’ll wear them now as a defiance to our enemies.
Winterfair Gifts (2004)
“And what guidance did you receive for all your prayers, lady?”
She bit her lip. “None.”
The Hallowed Hunt (2005)
“If I got assassinated now,” he shrugged helplessly, “my father would kill me.”
Brothers in Arms (1989)
“Power is safety.”
“Let me give you a hint,” said Miles. “There is no safety. Only varying states of risk. And failure.”
Brothers in Arms (1989)
I don’t know whose judgement is worse, yours or the jerk’s who hired you—
Falling Free (1988)
I do think, half of what we call madness is just some poor slob dealing with pain by a strategy that annoys the people around him.
Mirror Dance (1994)
So. This one has never struck a man for real before. Nor killed either, I wager. Oh, little virgin, are you ever in for a bloody deflowering.
Brothers in Arms (1989)
Our children change us…whether they live or not.
Barrayar (1991)
The will to be stupid is a very powerful force—
Brothers in Arms (1989)
What an obituary. When I go down into the ground at last, as God is my judge, I pray my best-beloved may have better to say of me than, “He didn’t hit me.”
Komarr (1998)
Curiosity is not a theological virtue.
Ethan of Athos (1986)
The arrow of justice flies one way.
The Vor Game (1990)
Power corrupts, but we want energy.
Komarr (1998)
Do not mistake charm for virtue.
Ethan of Athos (1986)
I don’t see people, young or otherwise, as having a right to be idiots. It’s just impractical to try to stop them, unless they’re hurting somebody, and this sport—extreme art?—does not appear to be lethal.
Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen (2016)
Stupidity, yes, but not unilateral stupidity. Something this screwed up had to have taken a committee.
Barrayar (1991)
“We’ve run into a problem, Leo.”
“But of course. Who ever tracks me down to impart good news?
Falling Free (1988)