This world, this human earth, this dirty spot within heavenly sphere, — John C. Wright

"Death was soon and growing sooner."

"I will grant you three wishes, but do not ask for immortality without asking for eternal youth."

"I resolved, as I walked, to be the most dangerous one I could be. And in my mind, that meant one thing: thought. Think things through; then act. First be patient; then be brave."

"There was no point in debating the advantages of reality over unreality. There was no reasoning with someone to whom truth was a matter of taste."

"Merlin and Solomon can tell you how well the wise and learned can withstand the foolishness of love!"

"Those who work are free. There are only three categories of nonproductive people: babies, beggars, robbers."