A hundred wise men have said in various ways that love transcends the power of death, and millions of fools have supposed that they meant nothing by it. At this late hour in my life I have learned what they meant. They meant that love transcends death. They are correct.

There is no magic. There is only knowledge, more or less hidden.

Weak people believe what is forced on them. Strong people what they wish to believe, forcing that to be real.

That we are capable only of being what we are remains our unforgivable sin.

People don't want other people to be people.

My definition of good literature is that which can be read by an educated reader, and reread with increased pleasure.

Men are said to desire women, Severian. Why do they despise the women they obtain?