The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Wayfarers, #1)

by Becky Chambers

The idea that a loss of potential was somehow worse than a loss of achievement and knowledge was something she had never been able to wrap her brain around.

Such a quintessentially Human thing, to express sorrow through apology.

“We cannot blame ourselves for the wars our parents start. Sometimes the very best thing we can do is walk away.”

People can do terrible things when they feel safe and powerful. Your father had probably gotten his way for so long that he thought he was untouchable, and that is a dangerous way for a person to feel.

You Humans really do cripple yourselves with your belief that you all think in unique ways.”

The truth is, Rosemary, that you are capable of anything. Good or bad. You always have been, and you always will be. Given the right push, you, too, could do horrible things. That darkness exists within all of us.

Rosemary gave a short laugh. “Most days I wake up and have no idea what the hell I’m doing.”

same

“I’ll never understand how the rest of you expect brand-new adults to be able to teach kids how to be people.”