Lloyd Alexander Quotes

Take this as a gift from a crone to a maiden, and know there is not so much difference between the two. For even a tottering granddam keeps a portion of girlish heart, and the youngest maiden a thread of old woman’s wisdom.

This much have I learned: A man’s life weighs more than glory, and a price paid in blood is a heavy reckoning.

A crown is more discomfort than adornment. If you have learned that, you have already learned much.

I saw myself," Taran answered. "In the time I watched, I saw strength – and frailty. Pride and vanity, courage and fear. Of wisdom, a little. Of folly, much. Of intentions, many good ones; but many more left undone. In this, alas, I saw myself a man like any other.
"But this, too, I saw," he went on. "Alike as men may seem, each is different as flakes of snow, no two the same. You told me you had no need to seek the Mirror, knowing you were Annlaw Clay-Shaper. Now I know who I am: myself and none other. I am Taran.

When I was a child I dreamed of adventure, glory, honor in feats of arms. I think now that these things are shadows."
"If you see them as shadows then you see them for what they are," Annlaw agreed. "Many have pursued honor, and in the pursuit lost more of it than ever they could gain.

Count yourself lucky," the potter went on, "that you have understood this now and not spent your years in vain hope. This much have you learned, and no learning is wasted.

If I do find pride, I'll not find it in what I was or what I am, but what I may become. Not in my birth, but in myself.

In the race of men is much greed and envy; but of truth, little.

Believe what you like. You'll be surprised how comforting it is."
"I ask no comfort," Taran replied, "but the truth, be it harsh or happy.

Speak up, my boy. If you want truth, you should begin by giving it.

The destinies of men are woven one with the other, and you can turn aside from them no more than you can turn aside from your own.

So you say, so you say," murmured Fflewddur, hurrying after him. "Look closer into your heart. You may find your opinion to be somewhat different.

It is easy to judge evil unmixed," replied Gwydion. "But, alas, in most of us good and bad are closely woven as the threads on a loom; greater wisdom than mine is needed for the judging.

We’re neither good nor evil. We’re simply interested in things as they are.

There is truth in all things, if you understand them well.