Quotes by David Baldacci

Libraries are the mainstays of democracy. The first thing dictators do when taking over a country is close all the libraries, because libraries are full of ideas and differences of opinion, all the things we say we want in a free and open society. So keep ‘em, fund ‘em, embrace and cherish ‘em.

Its my experience that most folk who ride trains could care less where theyre going. For them its the journey itself and the people they meet along the way. You see, at every stop this train makes, a little bit of America, a little bit of your country, gets on and says hello.

Its not getting from A to B. Its not the beginning or the destination that counts. Its the ride in between...This train is alive with things that should be seen and heard. Its a living, breathing something -- you just have to want to learn its rhythm.

It’s been my experience that most folk who ride trains could care less where they’re going. For them it’s the journey itself and the people they meet along the way. You see, at every stop this train makes, a little bit of America, a little bit of your country, gets on and says hello. That’s why trains are so popular at Christmas. People get on to meet their country over the holidays. They’re looking for some friendship, a warm body to talk to. People don’t rush on a train, because that’s not what trains are for. How do you put a dollar value on that? What accounting line does that go on?

-“Why do men like you do the job you do? It can’t be for the medals. And it’s certainly not the money.”Stone said nothing.-“Why then? God and country?”-“Both simpler and more complex, Mr. President.”-“What then?”-“So I can look at myself in the mirror.

In his mind progress was always to be measured in inches, especially when you didn’t have yards or even feet of success to show off.

She apparently didnt expect any trouble but she also never expected everything to go perfectly either. That was a good rule to live by Robie knew. Because perfection was rarely the case in the field.

If Jackson had learned one thing over the years it was that nothing, absolutely nothing, was above corruption so long as human beings were involved, because, in truth, most people were not above the lure of the dollar or other material entitlements.

Its the hardest thing in the world to put yourself in someone elses place, try to really feel what they feel, figure out why they do the things they do. Especially when its easier to stick a label on something. Or someone.

So the criminals win, thats what youre saying? For now they do. But its a long game, Jamison. And I always play for the long game.

you ask too many questions, snapped Cletus.I kept my gaze on Roman. thats because I get too few answers.

Woe be to the wug who forgets that destroying one part of a thing does not equal victory

The military is a very cool world to write about. I went down to Ft. Benning, Ga., for military training, and I learned a lot about soldiers and officers and why they joined up and what their life has been like.

“Pender laughed. Verify? In this day and age? Who cares about verifying anything? Its all about the speed. Who gets there first defines the truth. You know that as well as any man living.”