A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)

by George R.R. Martin

If you would take a man’s life, you owe it to him to look into his eyes and hear his final words. And if you cannot bear to do that, then perhaps the man does not deserve to die.

A ruler who hides behind paid executioners soon forgets what death is.”

“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.”

Death is so terribly final, while life is full of possibilities.”

a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.”