Soldier of the Mist Quotes

“In ancient Greece, skeptics were those who thought, not those who scoffed.”
― Gene Wolfe, Soldier of the Mist

“Only the solitary may see the gods,” the giant told me. “For the rest, every god is the Unknown God.”
― Gene Wolfe, Soldier of the Mist

“Knowledge is soon changed, then lost in the mist, an echo half-heard.”
― Gene Wolfe, Soldier of the Mist

“It had become the face of a scholar of the worst kind, of the sort of man who has studied many things hidden from common men and grown wise and corrupt. He”
― Gene Wolfe, Soldier of the Mist

“She smiled the infinitely kind smile of a woman who will not do what you ask.”
― Gene Wolfe, Soldier of the Mist

“My teeth warred in my mouth, the teeth above against the teeth below.”
― Gene Wolfe, Soldier of the Mist

“Save for the captain, a few sailors, and myself, everyone fell prey to the sea disease. The captain assured me it was not serious and would cure itself as soon as the sea was calmer, it being no more than a sleight of the Sea God’s to preserve the rations of good ships by ensuring that their greedy passengers eat no more and offer all they have already consumed to him.”
― Gene Wolfe, Soldier of the Mist

“It was the age of the temple that impressed me most, I think, and perhaps it would be just to say that its age was the only impressive thing about it; but that made it truly a sacred place, the home built for a god when the world was young and men had not yet forgotten that when the gods are mocked they punish us by leaving us.”
― Gene Wolfe, Soldier of the Mist

“I have heard your plea many times,” Mother Ge told him, and now her voice was like the singing of a bird in the sun, in lands that are drowned forever.”
― Gene Wolfe, Soldier of the Mist

“The kybernetes shook his head ruefully. “It’s our mixing with the Orientals that’s done it, Captain. We used to be a reasonable people, believing in the Gods of the Mountain and nothing else. Now there’s more gods up and down the Long Coast than along the River in Riverland. A god for wine, and all sorts of nonsense.”
― Gene Wolfe, Soldier of the Mist

“We call for night to hide our acts, But Night, a god, gives God the facts.”
― Gene Wolfe, Soldier of the Mist

“You see, you don’t despise money. Nor do I. Wealth is stuffy and stupid and arrogant, and the only good thing about it is that it has money. Money’s lovely stuff—just look at this.” He held up the owl. “See how it shines? On one side the owl: the male principle. On the other, the Lady of Thought: the female principle.” He spun the coin on the table. “Money always gives you something to think about.”
― Gene Wolfe, Soldier of the Mist