Kareen was by no means sure Mark was a potential husband. He was still working his heart out on becoming a potential human being. - Lois McMaster Bujold

“Ah, yes. I recall from your file that you are some sort of theist.” said the Emperor. “I am an atheist, myself. A simple faith, but a great comfort to me, in these last days.”
“Yes, I have often felt the pull of it myself.”

I can’t quit, once I’ve started. I’ve been told I’m pathologically persistent. I can’t quit.

There is no more hollow feeling than to stand with your honor shattered at your feet while soaring public reputation wraps you in rewards. That's soul-destroying. The other way around is merely very, very irritating.