George RR Martin
Quotes
When you tear out a man's tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you're only telling the world that you fear what he might say.
Some men are born to be killed.
"Power resides where men believe it resides. No more and no less."
"So power is a mummer's trick?"
"A shadow on the wall," Varys murmured, "yet shadows can kill. And ofttimes a very small man can cast a very large shadow."
The Iron Islands lived in the past; the present was too hard and bitter to be borne.
When there are no battles to fight, men start to think of hearth and harvest.
"... [W]hen you've known me longer, you'll learn that I mean everything I say."
"Even the lies?"
"Especially the lies."
“Maester Luwin says there’s nothing in dreams that a man need fear.”
“There is,” said Jojen.
“What?”
“The past. The future. The truth.”
When a pirate grows rich enough, they make him a prince.
Paint stripes on a toad, he does not become a tiger.
"You think I'm wrong to keep the rangers close?"
"It's not for me to say, my lord."
"It is if you're asked."
Anger flashed in her brother’s lilac eyes. “Do you take me for a fool?”
The magister bowed slightly. “I take you for a king. Kings lack the caution of common men.”
Never draw your sword unless you mean to use it.
