Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Gene Wolfe

Quote by Gene Wolfe

Work

Shadow & Claw: The First Half of 'The Book of the New Sun'

This novel is part of a fantasy trilogy, known for its complex narrative and philosophical depth. Set in a world with intricate political structures and magical elements, it follows the adventures of its protagonist as they navigate a landscape of shifting alliances and personal growth. more

Author

Gene Wolfe
Gene Wolfe

Gene Wolfe is a renowned American science fiction and fantasy writer, born on May 7, 1931. His works are known for their unique narrative style and profound philosophical insights, with notable series such as 'The Book of the New Sun' and 'The Urth of the New Sun'. Wolfe's writing career spans over half a century, and his influence on science fiction and fantasy literature has been profound. more

You May Also Like

“Whatever else you do or forbear, impose upon yourself the task of happiness; and now and then abandon yourself to the joy of laughter. And however much you condemn the evil in the world, remember that the world is not all evil; that somewhere children are at play, as you yourself in the old days; that women still find joy in the stalwart hearts of men; And that men, treading with restless feet their many paths, may yet find refuge from the storms of the world in the cheerful house of love.”

“We find the vast majority of people in every country believing that there will be a time when this world will become perfect, when there will be no disease, nor death, nor unhappiness, nor wickedness. That is a very good idea, a very good motive power to inspire and uplift the ignorant. But if we think for a moment, we shall find on the very face of it that it cannot be so. How can it be, seeing that good and evil are the obverse and reverse of the same coin? How can you have good without evil at the same time?”

“Liberty is the first condition of growth. Your ancestors gave every liberty to the soul, and religion grew. They put the body under every bondage, and society did not grow. The opposite is the case in the West - every liberty to society, none to religion. Now are falling off the shackles from the feet of Eastern society as from those of Western religion.”