Sometimes I really think people ought to have to pass a proper exam before they're allowed to be parents. Not just the practical, I mean.

When much is taken, something is returned.

I saved a man's life once," said Granny. "Special medicine, twice a day. Boiled water with a bit of berry juice in it. Told him I'd bought it from the dwarves. That's the biggest part of doct'rin, really. Most people'll get over most things if they put their minds to it, you just have to give them an interest.

The universe danced towards life. Life was a remarkably common commodity. Anything sufficiently complicated seemed to get cut in for some, in the same way that anything massive enough got a generous helping of gravity. The universe had a definite tendency towards awareness. This suggested a certain subtle cruelty woven into the very fabric of space-time.

See a pin and pick it up, and, all day long, you'll have a pin.

I mean, I wouldn't pay more than a couple of quid to see me, and I'm me.

The brain works fast when it thinks it’s about to be cut in half.