“Surely it is the sight of your enemy slain, the humiliation of his tribe and the lamentation of his women.”
― The Light Fantastic
― The Light Fantastic
“The universe, they said, depended for its operation on the balance of four forces which they identified as charm, persuasion, uncertainty and bloody-mindedness.”
― The Light Fantastic
― The Light Fantastic
“Peace is meant to be our natural state. A whirlwind never outlasts the morning, nor a violent rain the day. Just as earth and sky return to peace, so should we. They who act with violence become violent. They who act with virtue become virtuous. They who act in the spirit of the Tao become Tao-like. They who follow the Tao, the Tao will guide. They who pursue virtue, virtue will reward. They who live by violence, violence will soon destroy.”
― Tao Te Ching
― Tao Te Ching
“Most people see the world as a threatening place, and, because they do, the world turns out, indeed, to be a threatening place.”
― The Alchemist
― The Alchemist
“Do not let memory chase you. Take the advice of one who has dissected the beast, then rebuilt it with a more fearsome face—which I then used to charm a few extra coins out of an inebriated audience. Enjoy memories, yes, but don’t be a slave to who you wish you once had been. Those memories aren’t alive. You are.”
― Tress of the Emerald Sea
― Tress of the Emerald Sea
Patrick Goulding’s 2025 Year in Books
Take a look at Patrick Goulding’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
More friends…
Favorite Genres
Polls voted on by Patrick Goulding
Lists liked by Patrick Goulding














