A person must earn enlightenment, Eragon. It is not handed down to you by others, regardless of how revered they be.

Personally, I had a great education. My mum was a trained teacher, a Montessori teacher, and I know that I could not have written 'Eragon' if I had gone into a public school system because I would have just been too busy attending classes and doing homework - I wouldn't have had the time to write.

Sometimes there are no answers.

I love telling stories and I love writing so the fact that I can do it professionally is something that I've always been very grateful for.

The greatest enemy is one that has nothing to lose.

My mind is the only sanctuary that has not been stolen from me. Men have tried to breach it before, but I've learned to defend it vigorously, for I am only safe with my innermost thoughts.

Because you can't argue with all the fools in the world. It's easier to let them have their way, then trick them when they're not paying attention.