Paula Brackston Quotes

Must we always bedeck ourselves in prettiness to be thought pleasing? It would appear so. A woman must look a certain way to be worthy of a man’s attentions. It is expected.

Faith requires no proof. No evidence. No explanation. Faith is entirely a matter of trust and belief. We cannot know, we can only believe.

Slowly Tegan looked up and I saw wonderment on her face. It was of the variety only ever found in those young enough to yet have minds as open as the oceans and hearts longing to have proof of magic.

Knowledge cannot be unknown. Experience cannot be unlived.

fear it is written somewhere in the terms of my parental contract: Fret frequently about well-being of offspring.

There is none so quick to dismiss what they don’t understand as those who are afraid of it. And maybe with reason.

And as for company … I do not crave the companionship of other women, for I have never found one who did not judge me against herself and find me either to be envied or pitied. As for the friendship of men … well, when the day comes when one is man enough to treat me as his equal, then, only then, will I allow desire to be my guide.

She needs the hand of friendship extended. Are we not all of us, at some time or another, dependent on the kindness of others? Would we not wish someone to act selflessly for our sake?

there is no courage in being fearless. Do you not know that? A person who knows fear and yet can still think of others, well, he be a brave man.

Nevertheless, disease and misfortune knew no social bounds. Nor did the immensely dangerous business of childbirth

Reputation is for those who can afford it.

To learn, you must be humble. You must be prepared to admit your ignorance. You must allow yourselves to be filled with the vital information presented to you via the skills and dedication of those who have gone before you down the long path to enlightenment.

After all, are we not measured by the way in which we treat the most vulnerable members of our society?

Who was it, I wonder, who decided that heartbroken relatives should host a party at the very moment all they wished for was to be left alone to grieve?

My mind is like the willow; it flexes and springs. My heart is a knot of oak. Let them try to wound me.