Tress of the Emerald Sea

by Brandon Sanderson

Lem was not a poor man. Now, you might say to me, “Hoid, this entire story has shown me the opposite. Lem’s family is always scrimping to survive.” And I would reply, “Please stop interrupting.” Lem was not poor, he simply didn’t have a lot of money.

One of the great tragedies of life is knowing how many people in the world are made to soar, paint, sing, or steer—except they never get the chance to find out.

Enjoy memories, yes, but don’t be a slave to who you wish you once had been.