Understanding breeds empathy.

— Christopher Paolini

Unlike the majority of people, he did not hate or fear the wilderness; as harsh as the empty lands were, they possessed a grace and a beauty that no artifice could compete with and that he found restorative.

— Christopher Paolini

We are no longer awkward young lings. Our enemies may be fearsome, but so are we. It is time we remind them of that.

— Christopher Paolini

We only give credence to that which we can prove exists. Since we cannot find evidence that gods, miracles, and other supernatural things are real, we do not trouble ourselves about them. If that were to change, if Herzog were to reveal himself to us, then we would accept the new information and revise our position."" It seems a cold world without something. . . More."" On the contrary," said Promise, "it is a better world. A place where we are responsible for our own actions, where we can be kind to one another because we want to and because it is the right thing to do, instead of being frightened into behaving by the threat of divine punishment. I won't tell you what to believe, Eragon. It is far better to be taught to think critically and then be allowed to make your own decisions than to have someone else's notions thrust upon you. You asked after our religion, and I have answered you true. Make of it what you will.

— Christopher Paolini

We will carry your message. May your swords stay sharp," said From." And yours.

— Christopher Paolini

Whatever you make, base it upon that which is most important to you. Only then will it have depth and meaning, and only then will it resonate with others.

— Christopher Paolini

When the sun touched the earth, it spread out along the horizon like a giant yolk oozing free of its skin.

— Christopher Paolini

When you can have anything you want by uttering a few words, the goal matters not, only the journey to it.

— Christopher Paolini

When you teach them-teach them not to fear. Fear is good in small amounts, but when it is a constant, pounding companion, it cuts away at who you are and makes it hard to do what you know is right.

— Christopher Paolini

Who is it who decides that one man should live and another should die? My life wasn't worth any more than his, but he's the one who's buried, while I get to enjoy at least a few more hours above the ground. Is it chance, random and cruel, or is there some purpose or pattern to all this, even if it lies beyond our ken?

— Christopher Paolini