Books: Name of the Wind The Wise Man’s Fear
Rothfuss consistently amazes me with his style. For what, in comparison with Sanderson, can seem like a dragging story at times, he tells this story with genius to it. Perhaps the sweetest character progression I’ve ever read of Kvoth, how compelling his character is. It’s not as if I even find myself a huge fan of his character as I might Taravangian, but how full Kvoth seems. How stupid and angry and boastful and genius he can be. He is a trickster, an actor, a musician, and rarely seen in these fantasy novels, just a boy.
On Wisdom and Bravery
“Owls are wise. They are careful and patient. Wisdom precludes boldness. That is why owls make poor heroes.”
This quote was a genius way to speak of the weakness of mediums.
“Using words to talk of words is like using a pencil to draw a picture of itself, on itself. Impossible. Confusing. Frustrating … but there are other ways to understanding.”
On Being *vs Seeming
“No, listen. I’ve got it now. You meet a girl: shy, unassuming. If you tell her she’s beautiful, she’ll think you’re sweet, but she won’t believe you. She knows that beauty lies in your beholding.” Bast gave a grudging shrug. “And sometimes that’s enough.”
His eyes brightened. “But there’s a better way. You show her she is beautiful. You make mirrors of your eyes, prayers of your hands against her body. It is hard, very hard, but when she truly believes you…” Bast gestured excitedly. “Suddenly the story she tells herself in her own head changes. She transforms. She isn’t seen as beautiful. She is beautiful, seen.”
On innocence and childhood
“When we are children we seldom think of the future. This innocence leaves us free to enjoy ourselves as few adults can. The day we fret about the future is the day we leave our childhood behind.”
On pure love
“Anyone can love a thing because. That’s as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.
But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.”
“I’ve waited a long time to show these flowers how pretty you are.”
Trying to talk with Tempe was like trying to play catch with a well.
Denna was never the the sort to let grass grow under her feet.
They had called the sword saesra, but It’s true name was Susura
The name didn’t fit like a glove; it fit like skin. More than that, it was bone and muscle and movement.
Teccam said “No man is brave that has never walked a hundred miles. If you want to know the truth of who you are, walk until not a person knows your name. Travel is the great leveler, the great teacher, bitter as medicine, crueler than mirror-glass. A long stretch of road will teach you more about yourself than a hundred years of quiet introspection.”