Quotes from Christopher Paolini

Monotony is boring, and besides, as the ancients loved to point out, expectations of what could be or what should be are the most common sources of our discontent. Expectations lead to disappointment, and disappointment leads to anger and resentment.

Too often we don't appreciate the value of something until it has slipped our grasp.

for Murtagh to overwhelm you, Arya, and all the other spellcasters with the Varden." Eragon remembered how, both times he and Saphira had encountered Murtagh and Thorn, Murtagh's mind had felt as if it

Let no man, in whatever rank or superiority, control your mind and tell you what to do

I'm the sort of person that starts digging a hole and doesn't stop until it's finished.

I've stood outside my house in Montana looking at the northern lights... crackling against the night sky. To me, that's magic.

If I spent my time worrying about what other people would think of my work, I would be too self-conscious to write.

If you want to be a professional writer then you need to write consistently. Inspiration strikes about once every blue moon which, for me, is once every two and a half to three months, which is when I'll get really and truly inspired about something.

The advantage of writing from experience is that it often provides you with details that you would never think of yourself, no matter how rich your imagination. And specificity in description is something every writer should strive for.

Anger is poison. You must purge it from your mind or else it will corrupt your better nature.

Guard your dragon with your life Eragon, for without her life is hardly worth living.

Books are my friends, my companions. They make me laugh and cry and find meaning in life.

Live in the present, remember the past, and fear not the future, for it doesn't exist and never shall. There is only now.

Books should go where they will be most appreciated, and not sit unread, gathering dust on a forgotten shelf, don't you agree?

People have an annoying habit of remembering things they shouldn't.

Keep in mind that many people have died for their beliefs; it's actually quite common. The real courage is in living and suffering for what you believe.

First, let no one rule your mind or body. Take special care that your thoughts remain unfettered... . Give men your ear, but not your heart. Show respect for those in power, but don't follow them blindly. Judge with logic and reason, but comment not. Consider none your superior whatever their rank or station in life. Treat all fairly, or they will seek revenge. Be careful with your money. Hold fast to your beliefs and others will listen.

The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates, and weeps. It defies all attempts to capture it with words and rejects all shackles. No matter what you say about it, there is always that which you can't.

Wise? No, I simply learned to think.

The greatest enemy is one that has nothing to lose.

Until we invent telepathy, books are our best choice for understanding the rest of humanity.

It's amazing that a man who is dead can talk to people through these pages. As long as this books survives, his ideas live.

Ah, pay no heed if your enemies laugh. They'll not be able to once you lop off their heads.

I always say, better ask forgiveness than permission.