Stephen R. Donaldson Quotes

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

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

Power is power. Its uses are in the hands of the user.

Don’t talk like a damned mystic. Say something I can understand.

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.

Go to hell," Covenant mumbled. "Don't you ever sleep?"
"The Bloodguard do not sleep."
"What?"
"No Bloodguard has slept since the Haruchai swore their Vow."
With an effort, Covenant pulled himself into a sitting position. He peered blearily at Bannor for a moment, then muttered, "You're already in hell.

You did not cause his despair. Had you treated him with distrust, you would have achieved nothing but the confirmation of his distress. Distrust—vindicates itself.

It may be that hope misleads. But hate—hate corrupts. I have been too quick to hate. I become like what I abhor.

Then why do you delay? Why do you fear?"
Because I am mortal, weak. The way is only clear—not sure. In my time, I have been a seer and oracle. Now I—I desire a sign. I require to see.

Abruptly Loerya joined the probing. “And if there is no Creator? Or if the creation is untended?”
“Then who is there to reproach us? We provide the meaning of our own lives. If we serve the Land purely to the furthest limit of our abilities, what more can we ask of ourselves?”

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?

He smiled because he was alive.

Are you so ashamed of what you were?"
Bannon cocked a white eyebrow at the question, as if it came close to the truth. "I am not shamed," he said distinctly. "But I am saddened that so many centuries were required to teach us the limits of our worth. We went too far, in pride and folly. Mortal men should not give up wives and sleep and death for any service—less the face of failure become too abhorrent to be endured.

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.

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