200+ Quotes & Sayings By Brandon Sanderson

I'm not really sure why. But... do you stop loving someone just because they betray you? I don't think so. That's what makes the betrayal hurt so much - pain, frustration, anger... and I still loved her. I still do. Brandon Sanderson

If you give up what you want most for what you think you should want more, you'll end up miserable. Brandon Sanderson

Somehow, we'll find it. The balance between whom we wish to be and whom we need to be. But for now, we simply have to be satisfied with who we are. Brandon Sanderson

I ask of you your lives, ” Elend said, voice echoing, “and your courage. I ask of you your faith, and your honor–your strength, and your compassion. For today, I lead you to die. I will not ask you to welcome this event. I will not insult you by calling it well, or just, or even glorious. But I will say this.“ Each moment you fight is a gift to those in this cavern. Each second we fight is a second longer that thousands of people can draw breath. Each stroke of the sword, each koloss felled, each breath earned is a victory! It is a person protected for a moment longer, a life extended, an enemy frustrated! ” There was a brief pause. us! . Brandon Sanderson

I want you to go back into the barrack and tell the men to come out after the storm. Tell them to look up at me tied here. Tell them I’ll open my eyes and look back at them, and they’ll know hat I survived. Brandon Sanderson

Kaladin screamed, reaching the end of the bridge. Finding a tiny surge of strength somewhere, he raised his spear and threw himself off the end of the wooden platform, launching into the air above the cavernous void. Bridgemen cried out in dismay. Syl zipped about him with worry. Parshendi looked up with amazement as a lone bridgeman sailed through the air toward them. His drained, worn-out body barely had any strength left. In that moment of crystallized time, he looked down on his enemies. Parshendi with their marbled red and black skin. Soldiers raising finely crafted weapons, as if to cut him from the sky. Strangers, oddities in carapace breastplates and skullcaps. Many of them wearing beards. Beards woven with glowing gemstones. Kaladin breathed in. Like the power of salvation itself–like rays of sunlight from the eyes of the Almighty–Stormlight exploded from those gemstones. It streamed through the air, pulled in visible streams, like glowing columns of luminescent smoke. Twisting and turning and spiraling like tiny funnel clouds until they slammed into him. And the storm came to life again. Brandon Sanderson

Elend: I kind of lost track of time… Breeze: For two hours? Elend: There were books involved. Brandon Sanderson

I try to avoid having thoughts. They lead to other thoughts, and–if you’re not careful–those lead to actions. Actions make you tired. I have this on rather good authority from someone who once read it in a book. Brandon Sanderson

Breeze strolled over to the table and chose a seat with his characteristic decorum. The portly man raised his dueling cane, pointing it at Ham. 'I see that my period of intellectual respite has come to an end.' Ham smiled. 'I thought up a couple beastly questions while I was gone, and I've been saving them just for you, Breeze.''I'm dying of anticipation, ' Breeze said. He turned his cane toward Lestibournes. 'Spook, drink.' Spook rushed over and fetched Breeze a cup of wine.' He's such a fine lad, ' Breeze noted, accepting the drink. 'I barely even have to nudge him Allomantically. If only the rest of you ruffians were so accommodating.' Spook frowned. 'Niceing the not on the playing without.'' I have no idea what you just said, child, ' Breeze said. 'So I'm simply going to pretend it was coherent, then move on.' Kelsier rolled his eyes. 'Losing the stress on the nip, ' he said. 'Notting without the needing of care.'' Riding the rile of the rids to the right, ' Spook said with a nod.' What are you two babbling about?' Breeze said testily.' Wasing the was of brightness, ' Spook said. 'Nip the having of wishing of this.'' Ever wasing the doing of this, ' Kelsier agreed.' Ever wasing the wish of having the have, ' Ham added with a smile. 'Brighting the wish of wasing the not.' Breeze turned to Dockson with exasperation. 'I believe our companions have finally lost their minds, dear friend.' Dockson shrugged. Then, with a perfectly straight face, he said, 'Wasing not of wasing is. . Brandon Sanderson

Marsh: Our best efforts were never even a mild annoyance to the Lord Ruler."Kelsier: Ah, but being an annoyance is something that I am very good at. In fact, I'm far more than just a 'mild' annoyance--people tell me I can be downright frustrating. Might as well use this talent for the cause of good, eh? Brandon Sanderson

It was amazing how many books one could fit into a room, assuming one didn't want to move around very much. Brandon Sanderson

Why hasn't anyone killed him yet?”“ Dumb luck, ” Wit said. “In that I’m lucky you’re all so dumb. Brandon Sanderson

Personally, I like it much better when someone else does the decision making. That way you have legitimate grounds to whine and complain. I tend to find both whining and complaining quite interesting and amusing, though sometimes--unfortunately--it's hard to choose which one of the two I want to do. Sigh. LIfe can be so tough sometimes. Brandon Sanderson

You're a very difficult person to manipulate, you know."" Nonsense, " he said. "You just have to promise me that I won't have to do a thing, and then I'll do anything you want."" Anything?"" Anything that doesn't require doing anything."" That's nothing, then."" Is it?"" Yes."" Well, that's something. Brandon Sanderson

There were a group of people before the Ascension known as the Astalsi. They claimed that each person was born with a certain finite amount of ill luck. And so, when an unfortunate event happened, they thought themselves blessed–thereafter, their lives could only get better. Brandon Sanderson

What would you think if I told you that I wasn’t an Allomancer?” Sazed asked.“ I’d think that you were lying, ” Vin said.“ Have you known me to lie before?”“ The best liars are those who tell the truth most of the time. Brandon Sanderson

Ignorance is hardly unusual, Miss Davar. The longer I live, the more I come to realize that it is the natural state of the human mind. There are many who will strive to defend its sanctity and then expect you to be impressed with their efforts. Brandon Sanderson

The Shaod, it was called. The Transformation... When it came, the fortuante person's life ended and began anew; he would discard his old, mundane existence and move to Elantris. Elantris, where he could live in bliss, rule in wisdom, and be worshiped for eternity. Eternity ended ten years ago. Brandon Sanderson

In the end, all men die. How you lived will be far more important to the Almighty than what you accomplished. Brandon Sanderson

The strong lines of the woman's face bespoke hard-won wisdom and courage, and somehow that made watching her more difficult. If such a woman could be defeated by Elantris, what hope was there for Raoden? Brandon Sanderson

Wayne's a little attached to that hat, " Waxillium said. "He thinks it's lucky." Wayne: "It is lucky. I ain't never died while wearing that hat." Marasi frowned. "I ... I'm not sure I know how to respond." Wax: "That's a common reaction to Wayne. Brandon Sanderson

There are two kinds of people in this world, son. Those who save lives, and those who take lives."" And what of those who protect and defend? Those who save lives by taking lives?"" That's like trying to stop a storm by blowing harder. Ridiculous. You can't protect by killing. Brandon Sanderson

Why did they believe? Because they saw miracles. Things one man took as chance, a man of faith took as a sign. A loved one recovering from disease, a fortunate business deal, a chance meeting with a long lost friend. It wasn't the grand doctrines or the sweeping ideals that seemed to make believers out of men. It was the simple magic in the world around them. Brandon Sanderson

By now, it is probably very late at night, and you have stayed up to read this book when you should have gone to sleep. If this is the case, then I commend you for falling into my trap. It is a writer's greatest pleasure to hear that someone was kept up until the unholy hours of the morning reading one of his books. It goes back to authors being terrible people who delight in the suffering of others. Plus, we get a kickback from the caffeine industry.. Brandon Sanderson

Just because I do not accept the teachings of the devotaries does not mean I've discarded a belief in right and wrong." determines what is right! " right? I believe that my own morality -- which answers only to my heart -- is more sure and true than the morality of those who do right only because they fear retribution. Brandon Sanderson

I believe in rendering to science the things that belong to science. I have no problem with evolution or discussions of the age of the Earth, for I don't believe that we come anywhere near comprehending the mind of God or the workings of the universe. Science can explain a lot, but it cannot give us faith, and I think we need both. Brandon Sanderson

Vin paused. "And you have all of these religions memorized?"" As much as is possible, " Sazed said. "Their prayers, their beliefs, their mythologies. Many are very similar -- break-offs or sects of one another."" Even still, how can you remember all of that?"" I have..methods, " Sazed said." But, what's the point?" Sazed frowned. "The answer should be obvious, I think. People are valuable, Mistress Vin, and so--therefore--are their beliefs. Brandon Sanderson

You said their prayer — is this the religion you believe in, then?" „I believe in them all.” Vin frowned. „None of them contradict each other?” Sazed smiled. "Oh, often and frequently they do. But, I respect the truths behind them all — and I believe in the need for each one to be remembered Brandon Sanderson

Attacking a provincial lord in his manor house, surrounded by guards.. Honestly, Kell, I'd nearly forgotten how foolhardy you can be." Foolhardy?" Kelsier asked with a laugh. "that wasn't foolhardy - that was just a small diversion. You should see some of the things I'm planning to do! Dockson stood for a moment then he laughed too. "By the Lord Ruler, it's good to have you back, kell! I'm afraid I've grown rather boring during the last few years"" We'll fix that" Kelsier promised. Brandon Sanderson

Wayne: You wanna know why I really came to find you? Waxilliam: Why?Wayne: I thought of you happy in a comfy bed, resting and relaxing, spending the rest of your life sipping tea and reading papers while people bring you food and maids rub your toes and stuff. Waxilliam: And?Wayne: And I just couldn't leave you to a fate like that.. I'm too good a friend to let a mate of mine die in such a terrible situation. Waxilliam: Comfortable?Wayne: No. Boring. Brandon Sanderson

I wasn’t a nerd, mind you, but I’d spent a lot of my youth studying Epics, so I’d had limited experience with social interaction. I mixed with ordinary people about the same way that a bucket of paint mixed with a bag of gerbils. Brandon Sanderson

Kelsier exhaled in exasperation. “Elend Venture? You risked your life–risked the plan, and our lives–for that fool of a boy?” Vin looked up, glaring at him. “Yes.”“What is wrong with you, girl?” Kelsier asked. “Elend Venture isn’t worth this.” She stood angrily, Sazed backing away, the cloak falling the ï¬â€šoor. “He’s a good man! ”“ He’s a nobleman! ”“ So are you! ” Vin snapped. She waved a frustrated arm toward the kitchen and the crew. “What do you think this is, Kelsier? The life of a skaa? What do any of you know about skaa? Aristocratic suits, stalking your enemies in the night, full meals and nightcaps around the table with your friends? That’s not the life of a skaa! ” She took a step forward, glaring at Kelsier. He blinked in surprise at the outburst.“ What do you know about them, Kelsier?” she asked. “When’s the last time you slept in an alley, shivering in the cold rain, listening to the beggar next to you cough with a sickness you knew would kill him? When’s the last time you had to lay awake at night, terrified that one of the men in your crew would try to rape you? Have you ever knelt, starving, wishing you had the courage to knife the crewmember beside you just so you could take his crust of bread? Have you ever cowered before your brother as he beat you, all the time feeling thankful because at least you had someone who paid attention to you?” She fell silent, puffing slightly, the crewmembers staring at her.“ Don’t talk to me about noblemen, ” Vin said. “And don’t say things about people you don’t know. You’re no skaa– you’re just noblemen without titles.” She turned, stalking from the room. Kelsier watched her go, shocked, hearing her footsteps on the stairs. He stood, dumbfounded, feeling a surprising ï¬â€šush of ashamed guilt. And, for once, found himself without anything to say. Brandon Sanderson

...Regardless, I still do not believe that your duty is to do as the people wish. Your duty is to lead as best you can, following the dictates of your conscience. You must be true. Your Majesty, to the man you wish to become.... Brandon Sanderson

There was rarely an obvious branching point in a person's life. People changed slowly, over time. You didn't take one step, then find yourself in a completely new location. You first took a little step off the path to avoid some rocks. For a while, you walked alongside the path, but then you wandered out a little way to step on softer soil. Then you stopped paying attention as you drifted farther and farther away. Finally, you found yourself in the wrong city, wondering why the signs on the roadway hadn't led you better. . Brandon Sanderson

They didn’t speak as the sun slowly sank before them. Why was it most colorful when it was about to vanish for the night? Was it angry at being forced belong the horizon? Or was it a showman, giving a performance before retiring? Why was the most colorful part of people’s bodies–the brightness of their blood–hidden beneath the skin, never to be seen unless something went wrong? Brandon Sanderson

I wish that I could know you. Not your soul, but you. I've read about you; I've seen into your heart. I've rebuilt your soul, as best I could. But that isn't the same. It isn't knowing someone, is it? That's knowing about someone. Brandon Sanderson

A man can only lead when others accept him as their leader, and he has only as much authority as his subjects give to him. All of the brilliant ideas in the world cannot save your kingdom if no one will listen to them. Brandon Sanderson

I've never understood one thing: Why do all these megalomaniac dictators, secret societies, mad scientists, and totalitarian aliens want to rule the world? I mean really? Don't they know what a pain in the neck it is to be in charge? People are always making unreasonable demands of kings. "Please save us from the invading Vandal hoards! Please make sure we have proper sanitation to prevent the spread of disease! Please stop beheading your wives so often; it's ruining the rugs! . Brandon Sanderson

People don't read anymore. And, when they do, they don't read books like this one, but instead read books that depress them, because those books are seen as important. Somehow, the Librarians have successfully managed to convince most people in the Hushlands that they shouldn't read anything that isn't boring. It comes down to Biblioden the Scrivener's great vision for the world – a vision in which people never do anything abnormal, never dream, and never experience anything strange. His minions teach people to stop reading fun books, and instead focus on fantasy novels. That's what I call them, because these books keep people trapped. Keep them inside the nice little fantasy that they consider to be the 'real' world. A fantasy that tells them they don't need to try something new. After all, trying new things can be difficult. Brandon Sanderson

The ending of a book is, in my experience, both the best and worst part to read. For the ending will often determine whether you love or hate the book. Both emotions lead to disappointment. If the ending was good, and the book was worth your time, then you are left annoyed and depressed because there is no more book to read. However, if the ending was bad, then it's too late to stop reading. You're left annoyed and depressed because you wasted so much time on a book with a bad ending. Therefore, reading is obviously worthless, and you should go spend your time on other, more valuable pursuits. . Brandon Sanderson

A person knows when they’re in darkness, even when they can’t see. -Nightblood Brandon Sanderson

Llarimar had told him to do his best. That sounded like an awful lot of work. Unfortunately, doing nothing was beginning to seem like even MORE work. Brandon Sanderson

That was the nature of the waters. You never knew what lurked below. Brandon Sanderson

Pain lost it's power when other things became more important. Kahar didn't need a potion or an Aon to save him-he just needed something to do.- Brandon sanderson( Elantris) Brandon Sanderson

Cleaning the wound is often more painfulthan the cut itself. Brandon Sanderson

Marryin' is the one thing people seem to get worse at the more they do it. Well, that and bein' alive. Brandon Sanderson

All people are musicians" Wit countered. "The question is whether or not they share their songs. Brandon Sanderson

What a pair they were - a Mistborn who felt guilty wasting coins to jump and a nobleman who thought balls were too expensive. Brandon Sanderson

Only expectation has value as currency, Brandon Sanderson

Just because I do not accept the teachings of the devotaries does not mean I've discarded a belief in right and w Brandon Sanderson

Eternity ended ten years ago. Brandon Sanderson

I think given the choice between loving Mare - betrayal included - and never knowing her, I'd chose love. I risked, and I lost, but the risk was still worth it. Brandon Sanderson

A scholar knows not to waste time rediscovering information already known. Brandon Sanderson

Err on the side of awesome. Brandon Sanderson

It is not the destination that matters, but how one arrives there. Brandon Sanderson