Stephen R. Donaldson

I was trying to give her something, make it up to her somehow. But that doesn’t work. When you’ve hurt someone that badly, you can’t go around giving them gifts. That’s arrogant and cruel.

Then he grinned. “But it is said that hunger teaches many things. My friend, a wealth of wisdom awaits us on this journey.”

No one person has the right to withhold knowledge from another. No one is wise enough.

We have searched the seas, and have waited for the omens to come to pass." Foamfollower paused to look thoughtfully at Covenant, then went on: "Ah, my Lords, omening is curious. So much is said—and so little made clear.

Do not be too quick to judge the makers of worlds. Will you ever write a story for which no character will have caused to reproach you?

You know, where I come from, the people who did this to a forest would be called pioneers—a very special breed of heroes, since instead of killing other human beings they concentrate on slaughtering nature itself.

Power was dreadful and treacherous. When it was not great enough to accomplish its wielder’s desires, it turned against the hands which held it.

In war men pass like shadows that stain the grass,
Leaving their lives upon the green:
While Earth bewails the crimson sheen,
Men’s dreams and stars and whispers all helpless pass.

I loved you before that. I love you now. I’m just an unconscionable bastard, and I used you, that’s all. Now I regret it.

It was clear to all there gathered that power is a dreadful thing, and that knowledge of power dims the seeing of the wise.

Verily, wisdom is like hunger. Perhaps it is a very fine thing—but who would willingly partake of it?

Are you wise, Unbeliever?"
"Who knows? If I am—wisdom is overrated.

All you need to avoid despair is irremediable stupidity or unlimited stubbornness.

We will soon know."
"Yes, indeed," Covenant muttered. "Only I hate surprises. You never know when one of them is going to ruin your life.

War puts burdens on people without caring whether they are ready for them or not.