42 quotes
Do not be too quick to judge the makers of worlds. Will you ever write a story for which no character will have caused to reproach you?
The Power that Preserves (1977)
Don’t talk like a damned mystic. Say something I can understand.
Lord Foul's Bane (1977)
I would say that happiness lies in serving the Land. And I would say that there is no happiness in times of war.
The Illearth War (1977)
Then he grinned. “But it is said that hunger teaches many things. My friend, a wealth of wisdom awaits us on this journey.”
The Power that Preserves (1977)
It may be that hope misleads. But hate—hate corrupts. I have been too quick to hate. I become like what I abhor.
Lord Foul's Bane (1977)
I have no special virtue to make me resent him. One must have strength in order to judge the weakness of others. I am not so mighty.
The Illearth War (1977)
The answer to death was to make use of it rather than fall victim to it—master it by making it serve his goals, beliefs. This was not a good answer. But it was the only answer he had.
The Power that Preserves (1977)
Power was dreadful and treacherous. When it was not great enough to accomplish its wielder’s desires, it turned against the hands which held it.
The Power that Preserves (1977)
You did not cause his despair. Had you treated him with distrust, you would have achieved nothing but the confirmation of his distress. Distrust—vindicates itself.
The Power that Preserves (1977)
I was trying to give her something, make it up to her somehow. But that doesn’t work. When you’ve hurt someone that badly, you can’t go around giving them gifts. That’s arrogant and cruel.
The Illearth War (1977)
I loved you before that. I love you now. I’m just an unconscionable bastard, and I used you, that’s all. Now I regret it.
The Illearth War (1977)
“Why? Why do you trust me?”
The Hirebrand’s eyes gleamed as if he were on the verge of tears, but he was smiling as he said, “You are a man who knows the value of beauty.”
Lord Foul's Bane (1977)
He smiled because he was alive.
The Power that Preserves (1977)
“We have searched the seas, and have waited for the omens to come to pass.” Foamfollower paused to look thoughtfully at Covenant, then went on: “Ah, my Lords, omening is curious. So much is said—and so little made clear.”
Lord Foul's Bane (1977)
“Then why do you delay? Why do you fear?”
Because I am mortal, weak. The way is only clear—not sure. In my time, I have been a seer and oracle. Now I—I desire a sign. I require to see.”
The Power that Preserves (1977)
Do not hurt where holding is enough;
do not wound where hurting is enough;
do not maim where wounding is enough;
and kill not where maiming is enough;
the greatest warrior is he who does not need to kill.
The Illearth War (1977)
You know, where I come from, the people who did this to a forest would be called pioneers—a very special breed of heroes, since instead of killing other human beings they concentrate on slaughtering nature itself.
The Illearth War (1977)
He no longer accused himself; he knew then that no one could be blamed for being inadequate in the face of such unanswerable malevolence. Destruction was easier than preservation, and when destruction had risen high enough, mere men and women could not be condemned if they failed to throw back the tide.
The Power that Preserves (1977)
“That’s madness!” Covenant gasped thickly. Elena’s gaze wavered on the edge of focus, and he could not bear to look at her. “Do you think that some existence after death is going to vindicate you after you’ve simply extirpated life from the earth? That was exactly Kevin’s mistake. I tell you, he is roasting in hell!”
The Illearth War (1977)
“I’ll tell you what it is. It’s a goddam miracle, that’s what it is.”
“Come, now,” the older man murmured. “I don’t believe in miracles—neither do you.”
The Power that Preserves (1977)