AoC

“Those who survive in this business develop an intuition for when to argue and when not to argue. Smart guys have figured out that you don’t talk back to stormwardens, warlocks, sorcerers, and witches. The place for reservations is tucked neatly behind the teeth.”
― Glen Cook, Bitter Gold Hearts

“The Catmaster stepped forward and extended his hand. Man and underman, they faced each other with a kindness and gratitude which was so poignant as to be very close to grief.

Neither of them wept. Neither.

They shook hands without speaking or spieking.”
― Cordwainer Smith, Norstrilia

“Stupid storm, stupid cows, stupid mattress, stupid cart. Stupidest of all, the people who built doorways too narrow for carts to get through them.”
― Elizabeth Moon, Remnant Population

“Expansion to your ego, sir," Complain offered humbly.

"At your expense," came the stock response.”
― Brian W. Aldiss, Non-Stop