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The way to screw up somebody's life is to give them what they want.

Books are a poor substitute for female companionship, but they are easier to find.

Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket. But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.

Just handle the books gently and you’ll get along fine.

Fear tends to come from ignorance. Once I knew what the problem was, it was just a problem, nothing to fear.

There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.

Half of seeming clever is keeping your mouth shut at the right times.

Roses! I swear you men have all your romance from the same worn book. Flowers are a good thing, a sweet thing to give a lady. But it is always roses, always red, and always perfect hothouse blooms when they can come by them.

... for most practical purposes, Tarbean had two parts: Waterside and Hillside. Waterside is where people are poor. That makes them beggars, thieves and whores. Hillside is where people are rich. That makes them solicitors, politicians and courtesans.

There are so many men, all endlessly attempting to sweep me off my feet. And there is one of you, trying just the opposite. Making sure my feet are firm beneath me, lest I fall.

It’s not over if you’re still here, Chronicler said. It’s not a tragedy if you’re still alive.

When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown, you must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for you to stand upon or you will be taught to fly.