Scott Hume

“Unceasing warfare gives rise to its own social conditions which have been similar in all epochs. People enter a permanent state of alertness to ward off attacks. You see the absolute rule of the autocrat. All new things become dangerous frontier districts—new planets, new economic areas to exploit, new ideas or new devices, visitors—everything suspect. Feudalism takes firm hold, sometimes disguised as a politbureau or similar structure, but always present. Hereditary succession follows the lines of power. The blood of the powerful dominates.”
― Frank Herbert, God Emperor of Dune

“Each of us comes into being knowing who he is and what he is supposed to do.' ... 'Small children know,' Leto said. 'It's only after adults have confused them that children hide this knowledge even from themselves.”
― Frank Herbert, God Emperor of Dune

“This wise man observed that wealth is a tool of freedom. But the pursuit of wealth is the way to slavery.”
― Frank Herbert, God Emperor of Dune

“I am black,” she said, and a shudder rippled through me. “I am foul with a
thousand years of demon curses. Don’t cross me or I will bring you and your house down. Rachel is the only clean thing I have, and you won’t sully her to

further your high ideas.”
― Kim Harrison, For a Few Demons More