Love of another is merely empty flattery and self-deception for one who cannot accept himself without pretense. L.E. Modesitt Jr. More Quotes by L.E. Modesitt Jr. More Quotes From L.E. Modesitt Jr. Deities are invented by fallible and finite beings in the hope and desire to create immortal perfection; unfortunately, such deities only reflect their creators and inspire their followers to similar imperfections. L.E. Modesitt Jr. perfection desire inspire Minds, like parachutes, function better when open, but, like fists, they strike harder when closed. L.E. Modesitt Jr. optimistic fists mind Without power, knowledge is useless. without knowledge, faith is tyranny. Without understanding, humanity is blind, and without all four, it is doomed. L.E. Modesitt Jr. useless understanding humanity Humans were eventually irrational creatures gifted with the power of rationality. L.E. Modesitt Jr. rationality irrational gifted While every new fantasy author is hailed as unique, new, and different, Brandon Sanderson's ELANTRIS does indeed provide an absorbing adventure in a unique, different, and well-thought-out fantasy world, with a few nifty twists as well. L.E. Modesitt Jr. twists unique adventure Never mistake law for justice. Justice is an ideal, and law is a tool. L.E. Modesitt Jr. law mistake justice To that which is born, death is certain; to that which is dead, birth is certain. L.E. Modesitt Jr. birth born certain No society that places the individual above itself will survive; but neither will any society that places the individual below itself. L.E. Modesitt Jr. individual Most people don’t care who rules, as long as their lives don’t change. L.E. Modesitt Jr. care long people Hatred is a form of faith, distilled by passion to remove all rationality. L.E. Modesitt Jr. passion form hatred If you do good because you expect to be rewarded, it is greed. L.E. Modesitt Jr. greed ifs