21 quotes
I'm neutral on lying, seeing as how there's times when the truth just hurts people.
The Crystal City (2003)
That is the ultimate power, to stare death in the face and be unafraid.
The Crystal City (2003)
Knowing something may be a terrible burden to bear, but it holds no danger to them as aren't afraid of truth.
The Crystal City (2003)
“I’m a terrible salesman,” he finally said. “I always tell the truth about what I’m selling, and then nobody buys it.”
The Crystal City (2003)
“The woman is the subtlest beast in the garden,” said Papa Moose, “now that snakes can’t talk.”
The Crystal City (2003)
It is the essence of dignity to pretend to desire what you cannot prevent.
The Crystal City (2003)
“Hey, you’re getting to be almost worth how much it costs to feed you.”
“Good thing, ’cause I got no plan to eat less.”
The Crystal City (2003)
“Everybody thinks they want to see the truth,” said Tenkswa-Tawa. “That’s one of the lies we tell ourselves.”
The Crystal City (2003)
This is serious, and you gotta keep your mind open in case an idea comes along—you want there to be some room for it to fit in.
The Crystal City (2003)
Folks always seemed to think that as long as they didn't know about something bad, it wasn't happening, so whoever told them actually caused it to be true.
The Crystal City (2003)
“I don’t plan to die for any cause,” said Jim Bowie. “Nor any man, excepting only myself. I know that ain’t noble, but it prolongs my days, which is philosophy enough for me.”
The Crystal City (2003)
La Tia was fearless, but that could mean either that she had no guile or that she had no conscience.
The Crystal City (2003)
Once he had been so formidable that he was surrounded by enemies. Now even his enemies has lost interest in him. What clearer sign of failure could you find than that?
The Crystal City (2003)
“A man like that thinks that fear can win loyalty.”
“Plenty of masters with a lash who can testify it works.”
“Don’t win loyalty, just obedience, and only while the lash is in the room.”
The Crystal City (2003)
The dreamers always seem to think their dream is worth the price that other people will pay. They also delude themselves that they will control whatever evil they use to try to bring about their dream.
The Crystal City (2003)
Arthur had heard Peggy say that she didn't wish for more comfortable furniture, because if the chairs were softer, company would be inclined to stay longer.
The Crystal City (2003)
How short life is for fools.
The Crystal City (2003)
Every terrible thing in the world was caused by a whole combination of things. But everybody wanted to narrow it down to one cause—and not even the real one. Much better to have one cause—one person to punish. Then the unbearable could be borne.
The Crystal City (2003)
“I see Alvin with a son. That what he want most.”
“I see him with a woman,” said Rien. “That is what he miss the most.”
“I see him kneeling by a child’s grave,” said Dead Mary. “That is what he fears the most.”
The Crystal City (2003)
Sometimes it felt to him as though he's spent most of his life traveling, and never quite got to anywhere that mattered.
Then again, that might be as good a description of what life was supposed to be as anyone ever thought of. The only real destination was death, and our lives consisted of finding the most circuitous and pleasant path to get there.
The Crystal City (2003)