Expectations were like fine pottery. The harder you held them, the more likely they were to crack.

Everything is a contest. All dealings among men are a contest in which some will succeed and others fail. And some are failing quite spectacularly.

Overcome your guilt. Care, but not too much. Take responsibility, but don't blame yourself. Protect, save, help- but know when to give up. They're precarious ledges to walk. How do I do it?

Impossible things are really rough to do, you know.

Every action we take has consequences, Vin," Kelsier said. "I've found that in both Allomancy and life, the person who can best judge the consequences of their actions will be the most successful.

Words are where most change begins.

If you give up what you want most for what you think you should want more, you'll end up miserable.