Ari

“David was the son of a famous Venetian rabbi. From his youth he had been accustomed to debate good principles and right conduct with all sorts of grave Jewish persons. These conversations had formed his own character and he naturally supposed that a small measure of the same could not help but improve other people's. In short he had come to believe that if only one talks long enough and expresses oneself properly, it is perfectly possible to argue people into being good and happy. With this aim in mind he generally took it upon himself to quarrel with Tom Brightwind several times a week -- all without noticeable effect.”
― Susanna Clarke, The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories

“Neither of my moms are technically witches," he says, primly. "We are just a highly intuitive family. With, uhh, an especially fine-tuned sense of impending doom."

"Mine too," I tell him. "It’s called being Jewish. Doesn’t make me magic.”
― Sacha Lamb, Avi Cantor Has Six Months to Live

“Some prices are just too high, no matter how much you may want the prize. The one thing you can't trade for your heart's desire is your heart.”
― Lois McMaster Bujold, Memory

“Your amoral ingenuity in the pursuit of your interest is perfectly shocking,” said Zacharias severely. “Yes, isn’t it?” said Prunella, pleased.”
― Zen Cho, Sorcerer to the Crown