“By nature of definition only the coward is capable of the highestheroism”

“There's no shame in fear. But understand this - the coward is ruled by fear, while the hero rides it like a wild stallion.”

“Man is capable of greatness, love, nobility, compassion. Yet never forget that his capacity for evil is infinite. It is a sad truth, boy, that if you sit now and think of the worst tortures that could ever be inflicted on another human being, they will already have been practiced somewhere. If there is one sound that follows the march of humanity, it is the scream.”

“... Life can be savored only if you look to the future and leave vengeance to the gods”

“One day the enemy will cross the Great Green. They will bring war and tragedy to these eastern lands. Such is the nature of vile men. Yet we cannot live in dread of them. We cannot hide behind these high walls, our hearts trembling. For that is not life. We must accept the needs and the duties of each day, and face them one at a time.”

“Our souls are but leaves in a storm, and only the gods know where we will come to rest.”

“It is said that the gates of paradise can only be opened by the tears of those left behind. I do not know whether that be true. It should be, I think.”