Status Updates From Speaking Bones (The Dandeli...

"A standing army is an insatiable beast: It demands foes and growth. More, always more. More funds, more weapons, more soldiers, more victories. It comes to dominate the economy, as inventors devote their minds to methods of killing and industry becomes entwined with the machinery of war. Expropriation and conquest become more valued than cultivation and production."

"Soldiers always fight out of love: love of life, love of family, love of homeland. Many do end up fighting for the wrong lord or the wrong cause. But your father always said, 'They are not mean in their nature, but made mean by the meanness of their rulers.' Never be so certain that you're right that you can justify the killing of thousands without shivering from doubt."

*throws book across the room*

"The world may not be fair, but we must strive to make it so."

i feel like i've been reading this book for ages but i've barely even made a dent (complimentary)