Chisoko

“A parade of witnesses offered horrifying testimony. One of the most impressive was Chief Lontulu of Bolima, who had been flogged with the chicotte, held hostage, and sent to work in chains. When his turn came to testify, Lontulu laid 110 twigs on the commission’s table, each representing one of his people killed in the quest for rubber. He divided the twigs into four piles: tribal nobles, men, women, children. Twig by twig, he named the dead. Word”
― Adam Hochschild, King Leopold's Ghost

“I'd rather die on an adventure than live standing still.”
― V.E. Schwab, A Darker Shade of Magic

“It is nice. But a pretty face is just a lucky accident. Pretty can't feed you. And you'll never be pretty enough for some people.”
― Laura Ruby

“Ultimately, your theme will find you. You don't have to go looking for it.”
― Richard Russo