- My instructors in science and technology have taught us about how the brain works. It's full of electrical impulses. It's like a computer. If you stimulate one part of the brain with an electrode, it... - They know nothing.

Reading is the most important way to prepare for life.

Time goes on, and your life is still there, and you have to live it. After a while you remember the good things more often than the bad. Then, gradually, the empty silent parts of you fill up with sounds of talking and laughter again, and the jagged edges of sadness are softened by memories.

So many of my books, I don't want to say they have messages, but they have important things to say.

The community of the Giver had achieved at such great price. A community without danger or pain. But also, a community without music, color or art. And books.

If you were to be lost in the river, Jonas, your memories would not be lost with you. Memories are forever.

Our people made that choice, the choice to go to Sameness. Before my time, before the previous time, back and back and back. We relinquished color when we relinquished sunshine and did away with difference. We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others.