With Sardaukar, you must scan them, scope them—both reflex and hard ray—cut off every scrap of body hair. And when you're through, be certain you haven't discovered everything.

Command must always look confident, he thought. All that faith riding on your shoulders while you sit in the critical seat and never show it.

A world is supported by four things…." She held up four big-knuckled fingers. "…the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the righteous and the valor of the brave.

Grave this on your memory, lad: A world is supported by four things... She held up four big-knuckled fingers. .. the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the righteous and the valor of the brave. But all of these are as nothing... She closed her fingers into a fist. .. without a ruler who knows the art of ruling. Make that the science of your tradition!

To sit back hoping that someday, some way, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last - but eat you he will.

The person who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore.

Relatively mild gusts of wind blow some trees down. Graceful palm trees, for example, are lovely to look at but will not stand up in a heavy wind because they are not well anchored.

As a heterosexual ballet dancer, you develop a thick skin.

She was enfolded in the great wings of Mrs. Whatsit and she felt comfort and strength pouring through her. Mrs. Whatsit was not speaking aloud, and yet through the wings Meg understood words. My child, do not despair. Do you think we would have brought you here if there was no hope? We are asking you to do a difficult thing, but we are confident that you can do it. Your father needs help, he needs courage, and for his children he may be able to do what he cannot do for himself.

We are going to your father, Mrs. Which said. But where is he? Meg went over to Mrs. Which and stamped as though she were as young as Charles Wallace. Mrs. Whatsit answered in a voice that was low but quite firm. On a planet that has given in. So you must prepare to be very strong.

On a planet that has given in... you must prepare to be very strong.

To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funnybone.