It seems that the rebels found the chaos of transition more difficult to accept than the tyranny they had known before. They joyfully welcomed back authority-even oppressive authority-for it was less painful for them than uncertainty.

The best performances, are those that can be performed once.

In the end, I worry that my arrogance shall destroy us all.

The problem with being clever, Serene thought with a sigh, is that everyone assumes you're always planning something.

We were like deaf people trying to dance to a beat we couldn't hear, long after the music actually stopped.

Elend: I kind of lost track of time… Breeze: For two hours? Elend: There were books involved.

A man can only lead when others accept him as their leader, and he has only as much authority as his subjects give to him. All of the brilliant ideas in the world cannot save your kingdom if no one will listen to them.