All the common people want is to be left alone. All the ordinary soldier wants is to collect his pay and not get killed. That's why the great forces of history can be manipulated by astonishingly small groups of determined people.

Nobody ever completely means what they say. Even when they think they're telling the truth, there's always something hidden behind their words.

Nonsense," said Graff. "Ender always has plans within plans.

If you lay a hand on me I'll ram your testicles so far up inside your abdomen it'll take a heart surgeon to get them out.

Whoop-de-do," said Ram. "What?" "I'm celebrating." "Was that irony or loss of mental function?" asked the expendable. "Was that a rhetorical questions, a bit of humor, or a sign that you are losing confidence in me?" "I have no confidence in you, Ram," said the expendable. "Well, thanks." "You're welcome.

If you read to your kids you'll make readers out of them, partly because they'll associate reading with good parent time.

The only people who think children are carefree are the ones who've forgotten their own childhood.