Great men are not born great, they grow great . . .

Fredo, you're my older brother and I love you. But don't ever take sides against the Family again. Ever.

Even the strongest man needs friends.

All gamblers are paranoid, though they call it superstition.

Why should I be afraid now? Strange men have come to kill me ever since I was twelve years old.

When I was young, some women told me they loved me for my long eyelashes. I accepted. Later it was for my wit. Then for my power and money. Then for my talent. Then for my mind-deep. OK, I can handle all of it. The only woman who scares me is the one who loves me for myself alone. I have plans for her. I have poisons and daggers and dark graves in caves to hide her head. She can't be allowed to live. Especially if she's sexually faithful and never lies and always puts me ahead of everything and everyone.

Yet, he thought, if I can die saying, "Life is so beautiful," then nothing else is important. If i can believe in myself that much, nothing else matters.