Elric knew that everything that existed had its opposite. In danger he might find peace. And yet, of course, in peace there was danger. Being an imperfect creature in an imperfect world he would always know paradox. And that was why in paradox there was always a kind of truth. That was why philosophers and soothsayers flourished. In a perfect world there would be no place for them. In an imperfect world the mysteries were always without solution and that was why there was always a great choice of solutions.

I think of myself as a bad writer with big ideas, but I'd rather be that than a big writer with bad ideas.

Time is the enemy of identity

What happened to fantasy for me is what also happened to rock and roll. It found a common denominator for making maximum money. As a result, it lost its tensions, its anger, its edginess and turned into one big cup of cocoa.

It's getting late. I must return to my ship or my men will think I've drowned and be celebrating.

If the people at the top think that reaching for a gun will solve the problem, why shouldn't the people at the bottom think the same?

There was no more dangerous kind of madman than one who devoted a good brain and a courageous heart to unhealthy ambitions.