543 quotes
Let’s be sensible and wish for both of us there, while we’re wishing. I mean, it’s not like wishes are rationed.
Captain Vorpatril's Alliance (2012)
I’m not responsible for my weird ancestors. Quite the reverse. Exactly the inverse.
Brothers in Arms (1989)
Suicidal glory is the luxury of the irresponsible. We’re not giving up. We’re waiting for a better opportunity to win.
Barrayar (1991)
Do you know, I think you’d like politics at least on Barrayar. Maybe because it’s so similar to what we call war, elsewhere.
Shards of Honor (1986)
Were you born inhuman, or did you grow so by degrees—M.S., M.D., Ph.D...
Falling Free (1988)
A well-practiced prayer that he knew how to do. So he did, whispering the words aloud.
In all, he was relieved that no one answered.
Penric's Demon (2015)
How can I give you up? You’re the mountains and the lake, the memories—you have them all. When you’re with me, I’m at home, wherever I am.
The Warrior's Apprentice (1986)
I did not say that well, Pen fretted.
No, said Des thoughtfully as they turned away, but you said it true. Which is better, and more rare.
The Assassins of Thasalon (2021)
“I could bring almost nothing—I scarcely knew what to choose.”
“Think of the vast amounts of money we shall save on shipping charges, then.”
Falling Free (1988)
“I will consider this contention,” said Greenlaw dryly, with the For about ten seconds, after which I shall toss it out the nearest airlock hanging unspoken.
Diplomatic Immunity (2002)
Geography is the mother of strategy.
The Vor Game (1990)
His further study of humanity had revealed just how much people could convince themselves that their own needs were those of the gods, and not the other way around.
The Assassins of Thasalon (2021)
He lived, therefore he learned.
A Civil Campaign (1999)
"Such a perilous concentration of demons would create chaos all around it."
"War gathers on these borders," said Ista. "A greater concentration of chaos I can hardly imagine."
Paladin of Souls (2003)
Real expertise, the kind that means you can’t be intimidated or, or…persuaded to go along with something stupid because you think everyone in the universe knows more than you do.
Komarr (1998)
Government by thugs in the Bloody Centuries gave Barrayar many colorful historical incidents, suitable for high drama. I don’t think it’s a drama we wish to return to in real life.
A Civil Campaign (1999)
He said that permitting private judgments to turn my duty in the smallest matter would be just like getting a little bit pregnant—that the consequences would very soon get beyond me.
Shards of Honor (1986)
The admiral did not invite Ivan to sit, so Ivan took up a prudent sort-of parade rest and waited. Someone would tell him what was going on shortly; they always did, however little he wanted to know.
Captain Vorpatril's Alliance (2012)
The demands of motherhood especially consume the old self, and replace it with something new, often better and wiser, sometimes wearier or disillusioned, or tense and terrified, certainly more self-knowing, but never the same again.
Cordelia's Honor (1996)
He had looked forward to making posthumous reports to Illyan. Now he wondered if he was going to live long enough.
Mirror Dance (1994)