Dune (Dune #1)

by Frank Herbert

“Grave this on your memory, lad: A world is supported by four things….” She held up four big-knuckled fingers. “…the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the righteous and the valor of the brave. But all of these are as nothing….” She closed her fingers into a fist. “…without a ruler who knows the art of ruling.

The truth in this quote relative to our individual lives pierced me when I read it. No doubt these four attributes in balance would make a well-rounded person, but without love ruling them, without Christ as the purpose, these are as nothing.

“If wishes were fishes we’d all cast nets,” he murmured.