“But then, he thought, most politicians are small and shabby, the sort of people who have been bullied at school.That's why they become politicians.”

“I have a couple of questions," he said."Do, please, go ahead.""My first one is for Yassen Gregorovich." He turned to the Russian. "Why are you working for this lunatic?""I sometimes think that I was richer when I was eight years old than most people will be in their lifetime!""Do we have to listen to this?" Alex asked.”

“He who fight monsters must take care that he doesn't become one himself.”

“A German philosopher once wrote that he who fights monsters must take care that he doesn't become one himself.”

“It sometimes seemed to Alex that the whole universe was against him. Getting away from FLamingo Bay had almost killed him. It had been an exhausting struggle against time, the elements, and Drevin's firepower.And now he was going back.It was the CIA agent, Ed Shulsky, who had made it happen.Alex, you know the place. I need you to tell me where they're holding Tamara. You can give me a layout of the island. Anyway, we don't have much time. You saw for yourself. The rocket is on its way, and if what you've told me is true-"It is." Alex felt a spurt of annoyance. Why should the American doubt, even for a moment, what he said? Was it perhaps because he was only fourteen?Shulsky noticed his reaction. "I'm sorry. That was out of line. But this plan of his, Ark Angel...Washington..." He shook his head. "It's beyond anything we could have imagined. And that's why we have to take him out. Right now. We don't have time to drop you off."But you're too late," Alex argued. "Gabriel 7 has gone. What are going to do? Shoot it down?”

“We have no money. We have no possessions. Maybe that is why we value the things we do have ... loyalty and friendship.”

“Look at self-satisfied pop singers or greasy, semi-literate athletes. People worship them. Why?”"Because they’re talented.”