Source: The Atlantis Complex
Preface
His Master's Voice (1968)
Context: Clarity of thought is a shining point in a vast expanse of unrelieved darkness. Genius is not so much a light as it is a constant awareness of the surrounding gloom, and its typical cowardice is to bathe in its own glow and avoid, as much as possible, looking out beyond its boundary. No matter how much genuine strength it may contain, there is also, inevitably, a considerable part that is only the pretense of that strength.
“Foaly twitched his tail contentedly. Genius. No point in being humble about it.”
Source: The Arctic Incident
“Commander: What's that?
Foaly: It's a finger, what does look like?”
And he pressed the silver spoon against the blade. Will, holding the knife, felt only the slightest resistance as the tip of the spoon's handle fell to the table, cut clean off.
"The other edge," the old man went on, "is more subtle still. With it you can cut an opening out of this world altogether. Try it now. Do as I say — you are the bearer. You have to know. No one can teach you but me, and I have not much time left. Stand up and listen."
Source: His Dark Materials, The Subtle Knife (1997), Ch. 8 : The Tower of the Angels
“If you complain to someone, you assume that it's someone who really cares about you.”
Source: Hope for Hard Times
