“I am a Gordian knot. Don't unravel, just slice.”

“It's what I was born for, isn't it? If I don't go, why am I alive?”

“Ender leaned his head against the wall of the corridor and cried until the bus came. I am just like Peter. Take my monitor away, and I am just like Peter.”

“I don't give up and I don't wear down. I'm not just rock, I'm diamond.”

“History's got no bows on it, only frayed ends of ribbons and knots that can't be untied.”

“I will remember this, thought Ender, when I am defeated. To keep dignity, and give honor where it's due, so that defeat is not disgrace. And I hope I don't have to do it often.”

“What am I now, Alai?""Still good.""At what?""At--anything. There's a million soldiers who'd follow you to the end of the universe.""I don't want to go to the end of the universe.""So where do you want to go? They'll follow you."I want to go home, thought Ender, but I don't know where it is.”