Baptism of Fire (The Witcher, #3)

by Andrzej Sapkowski

Men are psychologically unstable, too prone to emotions; not to be relied upon in moments of crisis.”

Ambition is the undoing of men. They always want what they know to be impossible and unattainable. And they are unaware of the attainable.”

“Unbridled altruism is a huge vice of mine,” he explained. “I simply have to do good. I am a sensible dwarf, however, and know that I’m unable to do everyone good. Were I to attempt to be good to everyone, to the entire world and to all the creatures living in it, it would be a drop of fresh water in the salt sea. In other words, a wasted effort. Thus, I decided to do specific good; good which would not go to waste. I’m good to myself and my immediate circle.”

Life differs from banking because it has debts which are paid off by running up debts with others.”

“Ignorance”—Regis smiled—“is no justification for ill-conceived actions. When one doesn’t know or has doubts it’s best to seek advice…”