The Sicilian (The Godfather, #2)

by Mario Puzo

what is written on paper affects history. But not life. Life is a different history.”

truth was a source of power, a lever of control, why should anyone give it away?

Pisciotta smiled. “Do you think I’m going to let you have all the fun and glory? Let you play in the mountains while I bring donkeys out to work and pick olives? And what about our friendship? Am I to let you live in the mountains alone when we have played and worked together since we were children? Only when you return to Montelepre in freedom will I return there too. So no more foolish talk.

A belief in one’s own virtue is far more dangerous than a belief in one’s cunning.