The Hero of Ages (Mistborn, #3)

by Brandon Sanderson

“There has to be a balance, Vin,” he said. “Somehow we’ll find it. The balance between who we wish to be and who we need to be.” He sighed. “But for now,” he said, looking to the canal, “we have to be satisfied with who we are.”

Never let your life depend on the competence of someone whose life isn’t also on the line.