Floryie

“one thing that empires are not about is the efficient use of resources and the spread of happiness; both are typically accomplished despite the economic short-circuiting—corruption and favoritism, mostly—endemic to the system.”
― Iain M. Banks, The Player of Games

“This may be the fundamental problem with caring a lot about what others think: It can put you on the established path—the my-isn’t-that-impressive path—and keep you there for a long time. Maybe it stops you from swerving, from ever even considering a swerve, because what you risk losing in terms of other people’s high regard can feel too costly.”
― Michelle Obama, Becoming

“Every element has sub-elements, but it also has aspects. For water, they are Flow and Change; for fire, Transformation and Destruction. Earth’s aspects are Foundation and Strength, while air’s are Freedom and Spirit. Metal is formed of Gravitation and Power, and nature—your alignment, Morgan—is made of Life and Death. The Domination elements are more aggressive, requiring emotion and drive in order to be utilized. The Discipline elements, however, require calm and willpower.”
― Ivan Kal, Guild Master

“even when rising from sleep, his mind was clear and focused, able to pick up on the essential points and make a concise judgment.”
― Michael Chatfield, The Second Realm