E.J. Xavier

“Who am I, when I am not surrounded by the walls of my life? When they have all fallen into dust and rubble?”
― Lois McMaster Bujold, Paladin of Souls

“But is there not a pleasure," said Candide, "in criticising everything, in pointing out faults where others see nothing but beauties?" "That is to say," replied Martin, "that there is some pleasure in having no pleasure.”
― Voltaire, Candide

“Liars make the best promises.”
― Pierce Brown, Golden Son

“Could he stop denying himself, and deny others instead? He tested the phrases on his tongue. No, you are wrong, all of you, Temple and Court and folk in the streets. You always were wrong. I am not…am not… what? And are these the only terms I can think in, these shouted nos? Ah, habit.”
― Lois McMaster Bujold, The Hallowed Hunt