The Bourne Trilogy Quotes

“As she watched him, Mrs. Gates was once again struck by the painful realization that there were … things … about her husband she would never understand. Gaps in his life she could never fill, leaps in his thinking she could not comprehend.”
― Robert Ludlum, The Jason Bourne Series

“du Lac?”
― Robert Ludlum, The Jason Bourne Series

“the role of the duped cuckold. Neither would we if it was learned that General Motors, IBM, and the New York Stock Exchange were being run by American traitors, trained in the Soviet, diverting billions to projects not in our nation’s interests.”
― Robert Ludlum, The Jason Bourne Series

“Perhaps you should examine the note further.” “Why?” “No matter. It may all become clearer to you with help—psychiatric help.” “What?” “We want to do all we can for you, believe that. You’ve given so much—more than any man should—and your extraordinary contribution cannot be disregarded even if it comes to a court of law. We placed you in the situation and we will stand by you—even if it means bending the laws, coercing the courts.” “What are you talking about?” screamed David. “A respected army doctor tragically killed his wife several years ago, it was in all the papers. The stress became too much. The stresses on you were tenfold.” “I don’t believe this!” “Let’s put it another way, Mr. Bourne.” “I’m not Bourne!” “All right, Mr. Webb, I’ll be frank with you.” “That’s a step up!” “You’re not a well man. You’ve gone through eight months of psychiatric therapy—there’s still a great deal of your own life you can’t remember; you didn’t even know your name. It’s all in the medical records, meticulous records that make clear the advanced state of your mental illness, your compulsion for violence and your obsessive rejection of your own identity. In your torment you fantasize, you pretend to be people you are not; you seem to have a compulsion to be someone other than yourself.” “That’s crazy and you know it! Lies!” “ ‘Crazy’ is a harsh word, Mr. Webb, and the lies are not mine. However, it’s my job to protect our government from vilification, unfounded accusations that could severely damage the country.” “Such as?” “Your secondary fantasy concerning an unknown organization you call Medusa. Now, I’m sure your wife will come back to you—if she can, Mr. Webb. But if you persist with this fantasy, with this figment of your tortured mind that you call Medusa, we’ll label you a paranoid schizophrenic, a pathological liar prone to uncontrollable violence and self-deception. If such a man claims his wife is missing, who knows where that pathological trip could lead? Do I make myself clear?” David closed his eyes, the sweat rolling down his face. “Crystal clear,” he said quietly, hanging up the phone. Paranoid … pathological. Bastards! He opened his eyes wanting to spend his rage by hurling himself against something, anything! Then he stopped and stood motionless as another thought struck him, the obvious thought. Morris Panov! Mo Panov would label the three monsters for what he knew they were. Incompetents and liars, manipulators and self-serving protectors of corrupt bureaucracies—and conceivably worse, far worse. He reached for the phone and, trembling, dialed the number that so often in the past had brought forth a calming, rational voice that provided a sense of worth when Webb felt there was very little of value left in him.”
― Robert Ludlum, The Jason Bourne Series

“Regardless, he had followed medical advice; it had been one of those days. The government doctors had told him that if there were times—and there would be times—when sudden, disturbing images or fragments of memory broke into his mind, the best way to handle them was with strenuous exercise. His EKG charts indicated a healthy heart, his lungs were decent, though he was foolish enough to smoke, and since his body could take the punishment, it was the best way to relieve his mind. What he needed during such times was equanimity. “What’s wrong with a few drinks and cigarettes?” he had said to the doctors, stating his genuine preference. “The heart beats faster, the body doesn’t suffer, and the mind is certainly far more relieved.” “They’re depressants” had been the reply from the only man he listened to. “Artificial stimulants that lead only to further depression and increased anxiety. Run, or swim, or make love to your wife—or anybody else, for that matter. Don’t be a goddamned fool and come back here a basket case.…”
― Robert Ludlum, The Jason Bourne Series