Mannas Eli

“Observing the adults around me when Susie died, I noticed for the first time but not the last that survivors make one of two choices. Either the survivor caves in for the long term, or she decides to keep moving, as if living after the death of a loved one placed her on the kind of moving sidewalk you see in airports and shopping malls. Standing upright and holding the handrails would deliver her, at some future point, back into her life in progress. This is a decision that might not be made consciously. My family’s survivors were one day startled to find that we had decided to keep moving.”
― Jessica Handler, Invisible Sisters: A Memoir

“Disaster, by definition, is failing to capitalize on your achievements despite victory in battle and seizure of the spoils. As the phrase goes, 'He who hesitates is lost.' Hence the saying, 'The brilliant rulers thinks it through, while good commanders refine the plan.'

When nought's to gain, move not.
Over things of little worth, fight not.
Save in direst need, war not.

A ruler cannot call up armies in a rage nor can his commanders start a war over a slight. They move only if it is to their advantage. They bide their time, if it is not. A person in a rage can be restored to good humor, and someone mortally offended can be restored to affability. By contrast, a kingdom, once destroyed, cannot be restored, nor can the dead be brought back to life. Thus the brilliant ruler approaches battle with due prudence, and good commanders are ever on their guard. This is the way to secure the ruling house and keep the army intact.”
― Sun Tzu, The Art Of War

“Even so, we don’t need to stay stupid. Maybe use... intellectually deficient.”  Jack's face screwed up. “What does that even mean?”  “It means stupid,” Dad said, and Mom gasped while Jack and Kate laughed.”
― Pixel Ate, The Accidental Minecraft Family: MegaBlock 2 Edition (Books 5-8)

“One who thinks to himself that, “I am well”, refuses medication”
― Mannas Eli