You want to make me the best soldier possible. Go down and look at the standings. Look at the all-time standings. So far you're doing an excellent job with me. Congratulations. Now when are you going to put me up against a good army?

Most victories came from instantly exploiting your enemy's stupid mistakes, and not from any particular brilliance in your own plan.

It is a common trait of primates to become submissive and even worshipful toward one who has the power to kill them.

Let me be loved like that, by a man who will not replace me with concubines when I'm old and ugly. Let me be loved by a man who loves God more than me.

Oh, Val," said Father. "All you have to do is live your life, and everyone around you will be happier." "No greatness, then." "Val," said Mother, "goodness trumps greatness any day." "Not in the history books," said Valentine. "Then the wrong people are writing history, aren't they?" said Father.

Your trust in rationality makes you irrational.

Darkness bound them closer than light.