Sandworms of Dune (Dune Sequels Book 2)

by Brian Herbert

Why is religion important? Because logic alone does not compel a person to make great sacrifices. Given sufficient religious fervor, however, people will throw themselves against impossible odds and consider themselves blessed for doing so.

We have so little trouble finding enemies because violence is an innate part of human nature. Our greatest challenge, then, is to choose the most significant enemy, for we cannot hope to fight them all.

Those who see do not always understand. Those who claim to understand can be the blindest of all.

We believe that confession should lead to forgiveness and redemption. Usually, however, it leads only to further accusations.

When the forces are arrayed and the final battle is engaged, the outcome may be decided in only a few moments. Remember this: By the time the first shot is fired, half the battle is already over. Victory or defeat can be determined by the preparations that are set in place weeks or even months beforehand.

A test must be defined before it can be useful. What are the parameters? What is the accuracy? Too often a test does nothing more than analyze the tester herself.

Time is a commodity more precious than melange. Even the wealthiest man cannot buy more minutes to put into each hour.

Optimism may be the greatest weapon humanity possesses. Without it, we would never attempt the impossible, which—against all odds—occasionally succeeds.

Some problems are best solved with an optimistic approach. Optimism shines a light on alternatives that are otherwise not visible.

The worst part of going back is that the past is never exactly the way you remember it.