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When it comes to controlling human beings there is no better instrument than lies. Because, you see, humans live by beliefs. And beliefs can be manipulated. The power to manipulate beliefs is the only thing that counts.
‘Only the right name gives beings and things their reality,’ she said. ‘A wrong name makes everything unreal. That’s what lies do.’
that moment Bastian made a profound discovery. You wish for something, you’ve wanted it for years, and you’re sure you want it, as long as you know you can’t have it. But if all at once it looks as though your wish might come true, you suddenly find yourself wishing you had never wished for any such thing.
‘It means that you must do what you really and truly want. And nothing is more difficult.’
‘Don’t urge me on, sire, I’ve lagged behind on purpose.’ ‘Why?’ Bastian asked. ‘Because I know who you are.’ ‘How can that be?’ ‘When a person is only half an ass like me, and not a complete one, she senses certain things.
‘That’s the trouble with magic swords,’ said Hydorn. ‘When you need them, they go on strike.’
