245 quotes
When true myth rises into consciousness, that is always its message. You must change your life.
Myth and Archetype in Science Fiction (1976)
The end justifies the means. But what if there never is an end? All we have is means.
The Lathe of Heaven (1971)
Great artists make the roads; good teachers and good companions can point them out. But there ain't no free rides, baby.
The Language of the Night (1979)
A profound love between two people involves, after all, the power and chance of doing profound hurt.
The Left Hand of Darkness (1969)
When action grows unprofitable, gather information; when information grows unprofitable, sleep.
The Left Hand of Darkness (1969)
It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.
The Left Hand of Darkness (1969)
Elegance is a small price to pay for enlightenment, and I was glad to pay it.
The Left Hand of Darkness (1969)
The bond between true lovers is as close as we come to what endures forever.
The Other Wind (2001)
The sunlights differ, but there is only one darkness.
The Dispossessed (1974)
The artist deals in what cannot be said in words. The artist whose medium is fiction does this in words. The novelist says in words what cannot be said in words.
The Left Hand of Darkness (1969)
To claim power over what you do not understand is not wise, nor is the end of it likely to be good.
The Farthest Shore (1972)
After a lifetime of living on hope because there is nothing but hope, one loses the taste for victory.
The Wind’s Twelve Quarters (1975)
It’s not a weapon or a woman can make a man, or magery either, or any power, anything but himself.
Tehanu (1990)
One voice, speaking truth is a greater force than fleets and armies, given time; plenty of time.
The Left Hand of Darkness (1969)
How can people be anything but ignorant when knowledge isn’t saved, isn’t taught?
Tales from Earthsea (2001)
“In innocence there is no strength against evil,” said Sparrowhawk, a little wryly. “But there is strength in it for good.”
The Farthest Shore (1972)
The danger in trying to do good is that the mind comes to confuse the intent of goodness with the act of doing things well.
Tales from Earthsea (2001)
Have you never thought how danger must surround power as shadow does light?
A Wizard of Earthsea (1968)
Highdrake said that to make love is to unmake power.
Tales from Earthsea (2001)
If I don’t speak truth I can’t seek truth.
The Eye of the Heron (1978)