“My brother,' Mortin says as Leidan shuffles away. 'So much potential, wasted.' He takes a swig of beer. I wonder whose potential he really thinks is wasted. I look through his upturned drink at the walls and ceiling. Things look sadder when glimpsed through alcohol.”

“There is nothing sadder in this world than the waste of human potential. The purpose of evolution is to raise us out of the mud, not have us grovelling in it”

“Every human life contains a potential, if that potential is not fulfilled, then that life was wasted...”

“When shall we break into the jail, then?" John asked."Midnight. The guard changes then, and you'll fair certain look less conspicuous in that crowd.""So you think I look like a guard? I'll take that nicely." He took a drink of his beer, his eyes shining at me over the brim.I flicked my eyes over him. "Brutish and stupid? Yes, you look quite like a guard.”

“Everybody has the same energy potential. The average person wastes his in a dozen little ways. I bring mine to bear on one thing only: my paintings, and everything else is sacrificed to it...myself included.”

“You're not going to say hi to Thomas?" I whispered. He didn't look at me when he spoke, watching his family hug and laugh. "I got one night with you. I'm not going to waste a second of it.”