Endure pain, find joy, and make your own meaning, because the universe certainly isn't going to supply it.

The good face pain. But the great? They embrace it.

And this was your friend?" Cordelia raised her eyebrows. "Seems to me the only difference between your friends and your enemies is how long the stand around chatting before they shoot you.

Never do yourself, what you can con professionals into doing for you.

Yes," Vorkosigan agreed, "I could take over the universe with this army if I could ever get all their weapons pointed in the same direction.

My home is not a place, it is people.

Some prices are just too high, no matter how much you may want the prize. The one thing you can't trade for your heart's desire is your heart.