Good will, that curious product of consciousness, of leisure and energy to spare and share. That thing we put out against the forces of interest. That extra thing. Religions and nations and political parties have taken it and used it as coinage, have said you must only give it in exchange for value.

there is nothing sorer to the spirit than falling below what one's lover thinks of one.

... the fishermen of Port Sonas care only for the two things, fishing and women. And there's some that are no' that keen on the fishing.

Of course there were areas of safety; nothing could get at me if I curled up on my father's lap, holding his ear with one thumb tucked into it... All about him was safe.

The lesser evil is also evil.

It's possible to go faster than folk are ready for; that's the key to democracy.

the best committee's a committee of one!