Lian Hearn Quotes & Sayings

Like young fern shoots
my child's fingers curled.
I did not expect,
in the fifth month, frost. — Lian Hearn

The painter had achieved what we would all like to do: capture time and make it stand still — Lian Hearn

Shame, however, was what I felt seeping through me as though it stained my white bones black. — Lian Hearn

It's like a spell. It's so strong I can't fight it. Is love always like this? — Lian Hearn

I miss the days when I was alone with my characters and no one else knew them except me. — Lian Hearn

The world is always outside. And it is in the world that we must live. — Lian Hearn

I really loved Kiyoyori-in the way you people love each other, and we, not so much. I had never felt that before. I should be able to pass away without regret, as easily as the leaf falls from the tree in autumn, but the idea of never seeing him again, in whatever form, fills me with sorrow. I cling to life for his sake. This is what love does to you Shikanoko. See how the false wolf grows more real every day, because it has become attached to you. It shivers at your approach and wags its tail at the sound of your voice. It has made you its master, it lives for your affection. But, as your saints teach and we have always known, attachment enslaves you. Only those free from it see the world as it really is and have power over themselves and all things. — Lian Hearn

Don't you know the man whose life you spare will always hate you? — Lian Hearn

I am what I am and what I have always been, a poor soul on a journey. — Lian Hearn

It was as hot as ever, even the turn of the moon bringing no relief, and the cries of cicadas fell like showers around me. — Lian Hearn

The bonds between husband and wife spring from deep laws of destiny and should not be broken lightly. — Lian Hearn

I believe the test of government is the contentment of the people. — Lian Hearn

But just as the river is always at the door, so is the world always outside. And it is in the world that we have to live. — Lian Hearn

When illusions are shattered by truth, talent is set free. — Lian Hearn

Hile I was happy enough to pray to any god, knowing that they were simply different faces created by men, of one indivisible truth. — Lian Hearn

You should never despise people because they haven't had your opportunities. — Lian Hearn

The best way is to be strong enough to make your enemy think twice about attacking you, yet not so aggressive that he feels threatened. Keep your sword sheathed as long as you can, but once it is unsheathed, use it without hesitation. — Lian Hearn

Death comes suddenly and life is fragile and brief. No one can alter this either by prayers or spells. — Lian Hearn

I learned embroidery," Kaede said, "But you can't kill anyone with a needle."
"You can," Shizuka said offhandedly. "I'll show you one day. — Lian Hearn

What does the blessing of heaven mean? We know the kirin is just an animal, not a mythical creature.
It has become a symbol now ... That is the way human beings deal with the world. — Lian Hearn

I am not made for despair — Lian Hearn

How was it possible for the world to be so beautiful and so cruel at the same time? — Lian Hearn

The less people think of you, the more they will reveal to you or in your presence. — Lian Hearn

There is no Hell, other than that which men make on earth. — Lian Hearn

She entered a state where prayer and poetry became one and the everyday world seemed full of holiness and significance. — Lian Hearn

It's what you do to yourself when you go mad with rage. You have no idea how much you can hurt yourself with your own strength. — Lian Hearn

They reminded me of the people of my village, their indomitable spirit in the face of disaster, their unshakable belief that no matter what might befall them, life was basically good and the world benign. — Lian Hearn