That isn't a desperate act. That's a PLAN.

Interesting doesn't always equal practical, but being practical is always less interesting.

If you know something bad is coming, can't you plan to avoid it or try to do something differently?" said Charles. Probably", said the Cartographer, "but then the good events would have no flavor. The joy you find in life is paid for by suffering that comes later, just as sometimes, the suffering is redeemed by a joy unexpected. That's the trade that makes a life worth living.

Power, true power, comes from the belief in true things, and the willingness to stand behind that belief, even if the universe itself conspires to thwart your plans. Chaos may settle; flames may die; worlds may rise and fall. But true things will remain so, and will never fail to guide you to your goals.

Your ability to shape your destiny is directly proportional to your belief that it is a matter of will and determination--however much or little that belief may be.

Bad things can happen, and often do--but they only take up a few pages of your story; and anyone can survive a few pages.

Just because I'm a murdering, thieving, cowardly, traitorous sort doesn't mean I can't do my job properly.