254 quotes
Do not wish to live forever. Do not believe that every man-shaped thing is holier than something else. Do not look into the mirror to see the face of God.
Shadow's End (1994)
Evil comes from unchecked power.
Sideshow (1992)
Here priests and prophets are doing what priests and prophets have always done, forbidding their people to become anything except what they already are! No interference. God, what foolishness!
Sideshow (1992)
“Wisdom,” growled the Agirul. “Painful, isn’t it? We assume so much and resist learning to the contrary.”
The Song of Mavin Manyshaped (1985)
What kind of a universe would it be if we could not do small kindnesses for one another?
Marianne, the Madame, and the Momentary Gods (1988)
When agony is not present, no matter how imminent it looms, painful change must come from outside. This is a truth.
The Fresco (2000)
A man may not face both ways at once. If he looks back, he cannot look forward.
Raising the Stones (1990)
It cheered me a little. Enmities among one’s enemies are always comforting.
Jinian Star-Eye (1986)
Don’t waste your time on penitence or guilt. Solving the problem is better!
Grass (1989)
If a society thinks it needs weapons, it must accept killing. If it thinks it needs violent men, it must accept rapine and assault.
The Visitor (2002)
I have often wondered why anger is considered by some Western religions to be a sin. It is such a marvelous protection against evil.
Marianne, the Magus, and the Manticore (1985)
What’s coming is reality. Politics has nothing to do with reality!
Gibbon's Decline & Fall (1996)
“It could be any way at all by the will of Aitun,” snapped Chiddy. Aitun lets everything happen that can happen! It is up to intelligence to select!”
The Fresco (2000)
Something in their history has moved them to patience. Wise leaders do not go to war with enemies, not even evil enemies, unless they have thought it through to the end.
The Margarets (2007)
I meant the petitions to provoke thought, to create discussion, but I underestimated the inertia in the system. I forgot that inertia is what bureaucracies are all about!
Sideshow (1992)
Infanticide and infant neglect exist in inverse ratio to the accessibility of abortion services.
Gibbon's Decline & Fall (1996)
Let us consider, said Theology Panel: “Is Voorstod a slave state, or is it merely pious?”
Raising the Stones (1990)
Godmongers have always found it easy to pay for their beliefs with women’s lives.…
Shadow's End (1994)
Picture this:
A mountain splintering the sky like a broken bone, its western precipice plummeting onto jumbled scree.
The Visitor (2002)
We obey orders, and we don’t ask if the officer is crazy or not!
The Gate to Women's Country (1988)