Mark McLean

“We never lack men and women who wish to lead.” “True,” Dalinar said, “but we do lack ones who are good at it.”
― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings

“An excuse is what you make after the deed is done, while a justification is what you offer before.”
― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings

“It is time for us to fight, and we do so not because we seek the glory of men, but because the other options are worse. We follow the Codes not because they bring gain, but because we loathe the people we would otherwise become. We stand here on this battlefield alone because of who we are.
Death is the end of all men! What is the measure of him once he is gone? The wealth he accumulated and left for his heirs to squabble over? The glory he obtained,only to be passed on to those who slew him? The lofty positions he held through happenstance? No. We fight here because we understand. The end is the same. It is the path that separates men. When we taste that end, we will do so with our heads held high, eyes to the sun.
I am not ashamed of what I have become. Other men may debase themselves to destroy me. Let them have their glory. For I will retain mine!”
― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings

“Money is behind every war,” Au-nak continued. “Religion is but an excuse. Or perhaps a justification.”
― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings