Steven Erikson Quotes

Powerful Steven Erikson for Daily Growth

About Steven Erikson

Steven Erikson, born on March 7, 1956, is a celebrated Canadian fantasy author renowned for his epic Malazan Book of the Fallen series. Raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Erikson's early life was marked by a love for books and an insatiable curiosity that would later shape his writing. After earning a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of British Columbia, Erikson pursued a career as an academic, teaching at several institutions including the University of Windsor and McMaster University. His experiences in academia provided him with a rich understanding of human society and complex narratives, which are vividly reflected in his works. The Malazan Book of the Fallen, a ten-book series co-created with Ian C. Esslemont, is Erikson's magnum opus. Spanning thousands of years and multiple worlds, this sprawling fantasy epic is noted for its intricate plotlines, diverse characters, and thought-provoking themes. The series has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase for its depth and originality. Erikson's other notable works include the short story collection A Duke's Errand (2015) and the Forge of Darkness prequel to the Malazan series, published in 2008. His writing style is characterized by a unique blend of humor, pathos, and brutal realism that resonates with readers worldwide. In addition to his writing, Erikson is known for his active engagement with fans through online platforms. This interaction has further solidified his reputation as an approachable, humorous, and insightful author. Steven Erikson continues to captivate audiences with his immersive storytelling and innovative world-building, making him a significant figure in modern fantasy literature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Fear is the mind-killer."

The quote by Steven Erikson, "Fear is the mind-killer," suggests that fear can be a powerful and debilitating force, hindering our ability to think clearly, make rational decisions, and achieve our goals. It encourages the reader to conquer their fears, cultivate courage, and maintain mental strength in the face of adversity.


"The road to peace is strewn with many corpses."

This quote suggests that achieving peace often comes at a heavy cost, as it may require the sacrifice or suffering of many individuals. It implies that conflict, strife, and violence are common on the path towards peace, and that the road to resolution is littered with the casualties of war, negotiations, or other struggles for harmony. The quote serves as a reminder that while peace is a noble goal, it may not be easily attained without significant sacrifice.


"It's a simple thing: people are what they do, not what they say."

This quote emphasizes that one's true character is defined by their actions rather than words. In other words, it suggests that while people may claim to possess certain qualities or virtues, their authentic nature is revealed through the choices they make and the deeds they perform. It encourages us to focus on observing behavior over listening to empty promises for a more accurate understanding of individuals.


"To be human is to be flawed; to be godlike is to be perfected, and thus ultimately empty."

This quote suggests that humanity's inherent flaws and imperfections give us depth and richness, making us unique and interesting. In contrast, the idea of being 'godlike', or perfect, implies a lack of complexity, as perfection often implies an absence of flaws or errors. The author seems to argue that striving for perfection may lead to emptiness or lack of substance because there's no room for growth or learning from mistakes. Instead, our flaws make us human and give life its texture and meaning.


"War has many faces, but in the end it is always about power and survival."

This quote emphasizes that war, in its essence, is a struggle for power and survival. It suggests that the motivations behind conflict are primarily rooted in the desire for control or advantage, and the instinct to survive and thrive. The quote underscores that war, regardless of its specific manifestations, is ultimately driven by these fundamental human needs.


A story invites both writer and reader into a kind of superficial ease: we want to slide along, pleasingly entertained, lost in the fictional dream.

- Steven Erikson

Kind, Ease, Reader, Fictional

When two people are paying close attention to each other, check out the others in the group and see who's observing. Human dynamics are amazing, but so much that you might learn is subconscious interplay.

- Steven Erikson

Two, Subconscious, Other, Observing

Believe it or not, friendships are difficult to write in fiction. They can easily come across as forced, particularly if they involve too much explication and too many overt gestures of affection.

- Steven Erikson

Fiction, Particularly, Affection

All art is an intensely vulnerable gesture, and it is made with no small amounts of risk, and fear. So, I have plenty of sympathy for self-defense mechanisms, especially among artists.

- Steven Erikson

Art, Small, Small Amounts, Self-Defense

I've spoken often of how the fantasy genre is able to, with the greatest freedom among all the genres, take a metaphor and make it real. But of course that's only the starting point.

- Steven Erikson

Real, Fantasy, Often, Spoken

The idea that an author can extricate her or his own ongoing life experience from the tale being written is a conceit of very little worth.

- Steven Erikson

Idea, Very, Author, Conceit

I have to feel what I'm writing, right down to the core.

- Steven Erikson

Writing, Right, Feel, Core

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.