A Column of Fire (Kingsbridge, #3)

by Ken Follett

“When a man is certain that he knows God’s will, and is resolved to do it regardless of the cost, he is the most dangerous person in the world.”

The simple idea that people should be allowed to worship as they wished caused more suffering than the ten plagues of Egypt.

last sleep brought blessed unconsciousness.

I may yet go through anguish in hell for my sin. But if I had to live that time again I would do the same, to end Margery’s ordeal. I preferred to suffer myself than to know that her agony continued. Her well-being was more important to me than my own. I have learned, during the course of a long life, that that is the meaning of love.

Virtue is the only nobility.

“You said that there are no saints in politics, but imperfect people can make the world a better place.”