Christopher Paolini Quotes

My father's work will not go unfinished, even if it takes me to the grave. That is what I want you, as a rider, to understand. All of Ajihad's plans, all his strategies and goals, they are mine now. I will not fail him by being weak. The empire will be brought down, Galbatorix will with dethroned, and the rightful government will be raised.

From now on, I promise I wil consult with you before I do anything you don't expect. Is that acceptable? Only if it involves weapons, magic, kings, or family members, she said. Or flowers. Or flowers, she agreed.

For he who has the audacity to determine who should live and who should die no longer serves the law but dictates the law.

Elva just stared, a wise conversational technique that I recommend in a great many situations.

"It's a difficult question and not one you can answer until you're faced with it. Keep in mind that many people have died for their beliefs; it's actually quite common. The real courage is in living and suffering for what you believe." -Brom

So the question becomes, If you are ever faced with this choice are you willing to die for what you believe in? For that is the only way you will deny him. [...] It's a difficult question and not one you can answer until you're faced with it. Keep in mind that many people have died for their beliefs; it's actually quite common. The real courage is in living and suffering for what you believe.

It got so that when he closed his eyes, letters and words danced in his mind. He thought of little else during that time.

"Eragon looked back at him, confused. "I don't understand."
"Of course you don't," said Brom impatiently. "That's why I'm teaching you and not the other way around.

Victory is victory, dead is dead, however it is achieved.

You're right though. I should have discussed my plan with you. I'm sorry. From now on, I promise I will consult with you before I do anything you don't expect. Is that exceptable?' (Eragon)
Only if it involves weapons, magic, kings, or family members.' (Saphira)
Or flowers.' (Eragon)
Or flowers. I don't need to know if you decide to eat some bread and cheese in the middle of the night.' (Saphira)
Unless a man with a very long knife is waiting for me outside of my tent.'(Eragon)
If you could not defeat a single man with a very long knife, you would be a poor excuse for a Rider indeed.' (Saphira)

When you teach them—teach them not to fear. Fear is good in small amounts, but when it is a constant, pounding companion, it cuts away at who you are and makes it hard to do what is right.

Have I ever told you how glad I am we're not enemies? Eragon asked.
No, but it's very sweet of you.

Wise? No, I simply learned to think.

The future will be what it will, and fretting about it will only make your fears more likely to come true.

"They were quiet for a while, eating, then Oromis asked, "Can you tell me, What is the most important mental tool a person can possess?"
It was a serious question, and Eragon considered it for a reasonable span before he ventured to say, "Determination."
Oromis tore the loaf in half with his long white fingers. "I can understand why you arrived at that conclusion-determination has served you well in your adventures-but no. I meant the tool most necessary to choose the best course of action in any given situation. Determination is as common among men who are dull and foolish as it is among those who are brilliant intellects. So, no, determination cannot be what we're looking for.