Quotes by Rae Carson

I think sometimes when we find love we pretend it away, or ignore it, or tell ourselves we’re imagining it. Because it is the most painful kind of hope there is.

From the mouths of the innocents flows truth.

The mind of God is a mystery and none can understand it.

Honor from death,” I snap, “is a myth. Invented by the war torn to make sense of the horrific. If we die, it will be so that others may live. Truly honorable death, the only honorable death, is one that enables life.

One thing I have learned from many years of watching my father is that some people, the best ones, are motivated more by the chance to prove themselves than by a command to serve. It is the work itself that calls them onward, especially if they believe they are the only ones who can do it.

Every place theres people, theres badness.

Peace is such hard work. Harder than war. It takes way more effort to forgive than to kill.

Men can be relentless, she agrees, when they think a woman belongs to them.

Theres not a place in the whole world where everyone isnt willing--no, eager--to give a girl up to a man.

You look beautiful, Alodia says. I startle at the compliment. Then I smile. I’m beautiful to the one person who matters.She nods. Hector’s mouth is going to drop open when he sees you.”“I hope so. But I meant me. I’m beautiful to me.

Well, well have no more of such foolishness, I say harshly, to cover the wavering in my voice. Were getting married, and thats that.

I wont lie to you. There is always a cost. All I can gurantee is that it will be the right thing.Its insane, he says, but without vehemence.Its faith, I say.

Its the easiest thing in the world to get to California-you just aim yourself west and start walking.

I loved and lost and survived.

Men. And their no-good, fool-headed proposals.

Cosmé is in constant attendance. Though no one will take Aneaxi’s place, Cosmé is the most efficient maid I’ve ever had. I tell her so, frequently, and it gives me such a twist of pleasure to watch her react to praise from someone she despises. The Scriptura Sancta calls it “the fire of kindness.

I want to feel the victory of being desired by someone I once found desirable.

When the rain finally abates, I decide to wait out the night instead of trying to climb in the dark.

Speak of evil, and you summon it.

Reading can only take you so far, up to the moment where you must take action with your own hands