We are all fools with our sons. We wipe them and suckle them and all we expect is for them to be grateful to the end of their days.

It's all you can say, when the end comes: 'I did not waste my time.' I think that matters. I think it may be all that matters.

History was more than just stories, he reminded himself as the men walked forward with their burdens. It taught lessons as well.

The world cannot be full of lead dogs, or the pack would pull itself apart.

There is a price for all things, my son, for all men. I have merely to find his.

No worthy goal should come easily, he told himself. Suffering created value.

I am not you and all my choices have already been made, good and bad.

I am the rightful khan of the nation. I am the gur-khan. My word is iron and my word is law.

Predators did not need mercy.

Sung Win smiled to himself, enjoying the tension across his shoulders and the way his pulse beat in his veins. All life involved risk.

You have a powerful army, Kublai, but the best force is one you do not have to use.

Writing fiction feels like an adventurous act, nudging aside reality a word at a time.

He looked so silly that I could not stop laughing, even as my tears kept flowing. Is the root of laughter also sorrow? As I laughed, I was filled with both joy and sorrow.

Everything that we have in this earthly life should serve the Kingdom of God.

All cities are mad: but the madness is gallant. All cities are beautiful: but the beauty is grim.

Animal abusers are not the only culprits - the consumers are the biggest abusers! As long as buyers, users, attendees at animal performances, etc., keep using, abusers keep abusing!!!

I don't have a car." His eyes sliced into mine. "I walked here," I explained. "I'm on foot." "Angel," he said in a way that sounded like he sincerely hoped I was joking.

Strength is for service, not status

For who, to dumb forgetfulness a prey, This pleasing anxious being e'er resign'd, Left the warm precincts of the cheerful day, Nor cast one longing ling'ring look behind?

I'd love to be in Paul McCartney's shoes for a day. I'd love to pick up a guitar and write songs like he does. Or to experience what it might have been like to be a Beatle for a day.

Paradigms power perceptions, perceptions power emotions.