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Death is lighter than a feather, duty heavier than a mountain.
Although some believe that Jordan is the author of this, it is in fact a Japanese proverb (義は険しい山よりも重く、死は大鳥の羽よりも軽い) best known for its use in the Imperial Rescript to Soldiers and Sailors. It is itself a variation of a Chinese proverb that can be traced back at the very least to Han dynasty writer Sima Qian, Death can be as heavy as Mount Tai, or lighter than a goose feather (死有重於泰山,輕於鴻毛).

— Robert Jordan Misattributed

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More quotes by Robert Jordan

A man’s word must be as good as an oath sworn beneath the Light or it was no good at all.

New Spring (2004)

Jump in a hole without looking, and there’ll be a snake in it every time.

The Great Hunt (1990)

Always plan for the worst, child; that way, all your surprises will be pleasant ones.

The Dragon Reborn (1991)

It is better to guide people than try to hammer them into a line.

The Shadow Rising (1992)

When there are fish heads and blood in the water, you don’t need to see the silverpike to know they are there.

The Dragon Reborn (1991)

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Attribution

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