Skip to content

“We are all subject to the fates. But we must all act as if we are not,” said the witch, “or die of despair.”

— Philip Pullman Northern Lights (1995)

Another quote →

Topics

Fate

More quotes by Philip Pullman

It tells you the truth. As for how to read it, you'll have to learn by yourself.

Northern Lights (1995)

Everything has a meaning, if only we could read it.

Lyra's Oxford (2003)

This edge," said Giacomo Paradisi, touching the steel with the handle of a spoon, "will cut through any material in the world.

The Subtle Knife (1997)

Argue with anything else, but don't argue with your own nature.

The Subtle Knife (1997)

Every little increase in human freedom has been fought over ferociously between those who want us to know more and be wiser and stronger, and those who want us to obey and be humble and submit.

The Subtle Knife (1997)

All Philip Pullman quotes →

You may also like

One country, one constitution, one destiny.

Daniel Webster

We may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.

John Lewis

Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.

William Jennings Bryan

“Destiny,” said John. “The ghastliest word a man can speak.”

Poul Anderson The Corridors of Time (1965)

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Philip Pullman (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.