Elantris

They needed to work and improve their own lives, not wait for some external miracle.

You will find that hate can unify people more quickly and more fervently than devotion ever could.

Hrathen turned to Dial. “The first step in taking control of a nation, Arteth, is the simplest. You find someone to hate.”

You have to expect a measure of subterfuge in any political engagement.

“I do, however, wonder why you preach hatred of the Atlantans when you yourself simply pity them.”

Hrathen didn’t respond immediately, tapping his gauntleted finger against the stone parapet with a repetitive click. “It’s not so hard, once you accustom yourself to it,” he finally said. “A man can force himself to hate if he wishes, especially if he convinces himself that it is for a higher good.”

“I suppose an optimistic comment wouldn’t do much good right now.”

Galladon smiled slightly. “Definitely not—you optimists just can’t understand that a depressed person doesn’t want you to try and cheer them up. It makes us sick.”

Men often place pride before reason.