105 Quotes & Sayings By Christopher Paolini

Christopher Paolini is the author of the New York Times bestselling series Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, and Inheritance. He was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Utah. His first fantasy novel, Eragon, was published by Knopf Books for Young Readers in 2002. The second book in the series, Eldest, followed at the end of 2003 and was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year Read more

The third book, Brisingr, was released on September 7th. Christopher lives with his wife and daughter near their family home outside of Seattle.

Those whom we most love are often the most alien...
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Those whom we most love are often the most alien to us. Christopher Paolini
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It's impossible to go through life unscathed. Nor should you want to. By the hurts we accumulate, we measure both our follies and our accomplishments. Christopher Paolini
Live in the present, remember the past, and fear not...
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Live in the present, remember the past, and fear not the future, for it doesn't exist and never shall. There is only now. Christopher Paolini
Without fear there cannot be courage.
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Without fear there cannot be courage. Christopher Paolini
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Consider non your superior, whatever their rank or station in life. Treat all fairly or they will seek revenge. Be careful with your money. Hold fast to your belief and others will listen." he continued at a slower pace, " of the affairs of love. .. my only advice is to be honest. thats your most powerfull too to unlock a heart or gain forgiveness. that is all i have to say" Garrow to Roran p 64 Christopher Paolini
Because you can't argue with all the fools in the...
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Because you can't argue with all the fools in the world. It's easier to let them have their way, then trick them when they're not paying attention. Christopher Paolini
People have an annoying habit of remembering things they shouldn't.
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People have an annoying habit of remembering things they shouldn't. Christopher Paolini
Eragon looked back at him, confused.
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Eragon looked back at him, confused. "I don't understand."" Of course you don't, " said Brom impatiently. "That's why I'm teaching you and not the other way around. Christopher Paolini
Ah, pay no heed if your enemies laugh. They'll not...
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Ah, pay no heed if your enemies laugh. They'll not be able to once you lop off their heads. Christopher Paolini
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Saphira waved her tail, the tip whistling loudly. "I'm not asking you to. However, if we attack first, we may gain the advantage." "Have you gone crazy? They'll..." Eragon's voice trailed off as he thought about it. "They won't be able to do a thing." "Exactly, " said Saphira. "We can inflict lots of damage from a safe height." "Let's drop rocks on them! Christopher Paolini
You would be amazed how many magicians have died after...
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You would be amazed how many magicians have died after being bitten by mad rabbits. It's far more common than you might think. -Angela the Herbalist Christopher Paolini
If you don't make a few ememies now and then,...
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If you don't make a few ememies now and then, you're a coward-or worse. Besides, it as worth it to see his reaction. Oh, he was angry! - Angela to Eragon Christopher Paolini
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Perhaps not one religion contains all of the truth of the world. Perhaps every religion contains fragments of the truth, and it is our responsibility to identify those fragments and piece them together. Christopher Paolini
As far as I am concerned, philosophic questioning is just...
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As far as I am concerned, philosophic questioning is just as likely to make you confused and depressed as it is to improve your condition. Christopher Paolini
Go slowly, so that you do not bite your tail...
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Go slowly, so that you do not bite your tail by accident. Christopher Paolini
Wise? No, I simply learned to think.
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Wise? No, I simply learned to think. Christopher Paolini
The future will be what it will, and fretting about...
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The future will be what it will, and fretting about it will only make your fears more likely to come true. Christopher Paolini
He's acting as foolish as a kitten... but then, everyone's...
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He's acting as foolish as a kitten... but then, everyone's entitled to a little foolishness once in a while. Christopher Paolini
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They were quiet for a while, eating, then Oromis asked, "Can you tell me, What is the most important mental tool a person can possess?" It was a serious question, and Eragon considered it for a reasonable span before he ventured to say, "Determination."Oromis tore the loaf in half with his long white fingers. "I can understand why you arrived at that conclusion-determination has served you well in your adventures-but no. I meant the tool most necessary to choose the best course of action in any given situation. Determination is as common among men who are dull and foolish as it is among those who are brilliant intellects. So, no, determination cannot be what we're looking for. Christopher Paolini
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I cannot pretend that I regard this with favor, but the purpose of life is not to do what we want but what needs to be done. This is what fate demands of us. - Oromis Christopher Paolini
Understanding breeds empathy.
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Understanding breeds empathy. Christopher Paolini
Ignorance, fear, hate: these are our enemies. Deny them with...
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Ignorance, fear, hate: these are our enemies. Deny them with all your might. -Oromis Christopher Paolini
If you wish to be happy, Eragon, Think not of...
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If you wish to be happy, Eragon, Think not of what is to come nor of that which you have no control over but rather of the now and that which you are able to change Christopher Paolini
Death is part of who we are. It guidesus. It...
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Death is part of who we are. It guidesus. It shapes us. It drives us to madness. Can you still be human if you have no mortal end Christopher Paolini
How terrible,
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How terrible, " said Eragon, "to die alone, separate even from the one who is closest to you." Christopher Paolini
Death, he had come to believe, was a corrosive thing,...
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Death, he had come to believe, was a corrosive thing, and the more he was around it , the more it gnawed away at who he was. Christopher Paolini
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I need no master to punish me in order to behave as I ought. If I did, I would be no more than a child who obeys his father's rules only because he fears the whip, and not because he actually means good. Christopher Paolini
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It is a better world. A place where we ate responsible for our actions, where we can be kind to one another because we want to and becauseit is the right thing to do instead of being frightened into behaving by the threat of divine punishment. Christopher Paolini
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Anger has its place, but it will not serve you here, the way of the warrior is the way of knowing. Of that knowledge requires you to use anger, then you use anger, but you cannot wrest forth knowledge by losing your temper. Christopher Paolini
A person must earn enlightenment, Eragon. It is not handed...
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A person must earn enlightenment, Eragon. It is not handed down to you by others, regardless of how revered they be. Christopher Paolini
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They shared a laugh, and then the silence that so often intruded on their discussion asserted itself once again, a gap born of equal parts weariness, familiarity and--conversely--the many differences that fate had created between those who had once gone about lives that were but variations on a single melody. Christopher Paolini
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First, let no one rule your mind or body. Take special care that your thoughts remain unfettered.. Give men your ear, but not your heart. Show respect for those in power, but don't follow them blindly. Judge with logic and reason, but comment not. Consider none your superior whatever their rank or station in life. Treat all fairly, or they will seek revenge. Be careful with your money. Hold fast to your beliefs and others will listen. Christopher Paolini
(...)best of luck, avoid roasted cabbage, don't eat earwax, and...
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(...)best of luck, avoid roasted cabbage, don't eat earwax, and look on the bright side of life! Christopher Paolini
I'm healthy as an ox. And you?
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I'm healthy as an ox. And you?" "To compare myself with a bovine would be both ridiculous and insulting, but I'm fit as ever, if that is what you are asking. Christopher Paolini
Yes it is
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Yes it is" Eragon said before his courage left him "just like you Christopher Paolini
Books are my friends, my companions. They make me laugh...
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Books are my friends, my companions. They make me laugh and cry and find meaning in life. Christopher Paolini
Books should go where they will be most appreciated, and...
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Books should go where they will be most appreciated, and not sit unread, gathering dust on a forgotten shelf, don't you agree? Christopher Paolini
There is much you can learn from books and scrolls....
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There is much you can learn from books and scrolls. These books are my friends, my companions. They make me laugh and cry and find meaning in life. Christopher Paolini
When you teach them-teach them not to fear. Fear is...
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When you teach them-teach them not to fear. Fear is good in small amounts, but when it is a constant, pounding companion, it cuts away at who you are and makes it hard to do what you know is right. Christopher Paolini
My mind is the only sanctuary that has not been...
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My mind is the only sanctuary that has not been stolen from me. Christopher Paolini
If any honor existed in war, it was in fighting...
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If any honor existed in war, it was in fighting to protect others from harm Christopher Paolini
Her sculptured face was as perfect as a painting.
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Her sculptured face was as perfect as a painting. Christopher Paolini
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But you possess one quality that no one else does. Oh? Your identity. Your history, deeds and situation. Use those to shape your creation and you will produce something unique. Whatever you make, base it upon that which is most important to you. Only then will it have depth and meaning, and only then will it resonate with others. Christopher Paolini
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Who is it who decides that one man should live and another should die? My life wasn't worth any more than his, but he's the one who's buried, while I get to enjoy at least a few more hours above the ground. Is it chance, random and cruel, or is there some purpose or pattern to all this, even if it lies beyond our ken? Christopher Paolini
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Keep in mind, Eragon, that no one thinks himself a villain, and few make decisions they think are wrong. A person may dislike his choice, but he will stand by it because, even in the worst circumstances, he believes that it was the best option available to him at the time. Christopher Paolini
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Whatever you make, base it upon that which is most important to you. Only then will it have depth and meaning, and only then will it resonate with others. Christopher Paolini
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The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates, and weeps. It defies all attempts to capture it with words and rejects all shackles. No matter what you say about it, there is always that which you can't. Christopher Paolini
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Unlike the majority of people, he did not hate or fear the wilderness; as harsh as the empty lands were, they possessed a grace and a beauty that no artifice could compete with and that he found restorative. Christopher Paolini
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I have a new name for Christopher Paolini
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Into the sky to win or die. Christopher Paolini
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Shall we dance, friend of my heart?" We shall, little one. Christopher Paolini
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Let'sss just kill him, " said the shorter Ra'zac. "He has caused us much grief." The taller one ran his finger down his sword. "A good plan. But remember, the king's instructions were to keep them alive."-from Eragon, Chapter Title: The Ra'zac's Revenge. Christopher Paolini
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Leave the dead to the Earth. They are not for us. Christopher Paolini
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I cannot pretend that I regard this with favor, but the purpose of life is not what we want but what needs to be done. Christopher Paolini
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Come, kiss me sweet, and then let us return to bed, for I am tired, and I would sleep. Christopher Paolini
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In El-harím, there lived a man, a man with yellow eyes. To me, he said, "Beware the whispers, for they whisper lies. Do not wrestle with the demons of the dark, Else upon your mind they'll place a mark; Do not listen to the shadows of the deep, Else they haunt you even when you sleep. Christopher Paolini
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Power without moral direction is the most dangerous force in the world. Christopher Paolini
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Finding one’s place in the world is never easy. Have courage and be true to who you are. Remember, those who dare to be different are Often the ones who change the world. Christopher Paolini
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The greatest enemy is one that has nothing to lose. Christopher Paolini
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I'm not fighting for myself anymore.... It makes a difference. Christopher Paolini
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I won’t tell you what to believe, Eragon. It is far better to be taught to think critically and then be allowed to make your own decisions than to have someone else’s notions thrust upon you. Christopher Paolini
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He bent his gaze sternly on them. "First, let no one rule your mind or body. Take special care that your thoughts remain unfettered. One may be a free man and yet be bound tighter than a slave. Give men your ear, but not your heart. Show respect for those in power, but don't follow them blindly. Judge with logic and reason, but comment not." Consider none your superior, whatever their rank or station in life. Treat all fairly or they will seek revenge. Be careful with your money. Hold fast to your beliefs and others will listen." He continued at a slower pace, "Of the affairs of love.. my only advice is to be honest. That's your most powerful took to unlock a heart or gain forgiveness. That's all I have to say." He seemed slightly self-conscious of his speech. . Christopher Paolini
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They may fight with us, but they don't fight for us. Christopher Paolini
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Then forgive him. And if you can't forgive, at least forget, for he meant you no harm, however rash that act was. Christopher Paolini
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On the beach, Roran stood alone, watching them go. Then he threw back his head and uttered a long, aching cry, and the night echoed with the sound of his loss. Christopher Paolini
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Everyone dies alone, Eragon. Whether you are a king on a battlefield or a lowly peasant lying in bed among your family, no one can accompany you into the void. Christopher Paolini
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When you can have anything you want by uttering a few words, the goal matters not, only the journey to it. Christopher Paolini
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Magic is the art of thinking, not strength or language. Christopher Paolini
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He inclined his head ever so slightly, displaying with his bearing the supreme confidence, even arrogance, that is the sole providence of cats, dragons, and certain highborn women. Christopher Paolini
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Never ask an elf for help; they might decide your better off dead, eh? Christopher Paolini
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Give men your ear, but not your heart. Show respect for those in power, but don't follow them blindly. Judge with logic and reason, but comment not. Christopher Paolini
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Do not stalk your prey until you are sure it is prey Christopher Paolini
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If we are to tempt fate, then let us not be cowards about it. Christopher Paolini
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Fate has a cruel sense of humor, don't you think? Christopher Paolini
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No matter how careful we are, if we live long enough, eventually one of us will die. It is not a happy thought, but it is the truth. Such is the way of the world. Christopher Paolini
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As Roran watched, the man's arms, neck, and chest shriveled, and his bones appeared in sharp relief-from the bowlike curve of his collarbones to the hollow saddle of his hips, where his stomach hung like an empty waterskin. His lips puckered and drew back farther than they were intended to over his yellow teeth, baring them in a grisly snarl, while his eyeballs deflated as if they were engorged ticks being squished empty of blood, and the surrounding flesh sank inward. Christopher Paolini
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Learn to see what you are looking at. Christopher Paolini
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Understanding begets empathy and compassion even for the meanest beggar - Oromis Christopher Paolini
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My mind is the only sanctuary that has not been stolen from me. Men have tried to breach it before, but I've learned to defend it vigorously, for I am only safe with my innermost thoughts. Christopher Paolini
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The sands of time cannot be stopped. Years pass whether we will them or not... but we can remember. What has been lost may yet live in memories. Christopher Paolini
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A solitary finger of light fell upon it, illuminating motes of golden dust floating in the air. Christopher Paolini
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It’s better to be sworn to an honest fool than to a lying scholar Christopher Paolini
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He is a man who kicks at cats, said Solembum, as if that summed up Tenga’s entire character. Christopher Paolini
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Book should go where they will be most appreciated, and not sit unread, gathering dust on a forgotten shelf, don't you agree? Christopher Paolini
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The whole of the world could be deduced from the smallest grain of sand, if one studied it closely enough. Christopher Paolini
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Determination is as common among men who are dull and foolish as it is among those who are brilliant intellects. Christopher Paolini
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To help you fill in the details of the world you are creating, imagine that your characters inhabit a real world. Daydream what it would be like to be there. What would your characters eat, what would they talk about, where would they get their supplies, etc. Keep asking the question, “What happens next?” Show your characters actions and write down their thoughts Christopher Paolini
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Only men would think of cutting themselves to determine who the packleader is. Idiots. Christopher Paolini
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How terrible, " said Eragon, "to die alone, separate even from the one who is closest to Christopher Paolini
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No, he said, we are not alone. I have you, and you have me. And there is Arya and Nasuada and Orik, and many others besides who will help us along our way. Christopher Paolini
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Eragon went to see the dragon for the first time since it had spoken to him. He approached apprehensively, aware now that it was an equal." Eragon."" Is that all you can say?" he snapped." Yes." His eyes widened at the unexpected reply, and he sat down ro Christopher Paolini
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Treat all fairly or they will seek revenge. Christopher Paolini
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But the constant motion of the flames soon lulled him into a passive state where unrelated fragments of thoughts, sounds, images, and emotions drifted through him like snowflakes falling from a calm winter's sky. Christopher Paolini
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We are no longer awkward younglings. Our enemies may be fearsome, but so are we. It is time we remind them of that. Christopher Paolini
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We will carry your message. May your swords stay sharp, " said Brom."And yours. Christopher Paolini
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We only give credence to that which we can prove exists. Since we cannot find evidence that gods, miracles, and other supernatural things are real, we do not trouble ourselves about them. If that were to change, if Helzvog were to reveal himself to us, then we would accept the new information and revise our position."" It seems a cold world without something . more."" On the contrary, " said Oromis, "it is a better world. A place where we are responsible for our own actions, where we can be kind to one another because we want to and because it is the right thing to do, instead of being frightened into behaving by the threat of divine punishment. I won't tell you what to believe, Eragon. It is far better to be taught to think critically and then be allowed to make your own decisions than to have someone else's notions thrust upon you. You asked after our religion, and I have answered you true. Make of it what you will. . Christopher Paolini
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When the sun touched the earth, it spread out along the horizon like a giant yolk oozing free of its skin. Christopher Paolini
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Life is in Fate's hands now. You made your choice to stay... it's too late to change that, so stop agonizing over it.... You're making my scales itch. Saphira, from "Eragon Christopher Paolini
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A faint tickling on the back of his right hand caused Eragon to look down. A huge, wingless cricket clung to his glove. The insect was hideous: black and bulbous, with barbed legs and a massive skull-like head. Its carapace gleamed like oil. Christopher Paolini