"In every secret thought, in every half-made dream, in every choice that's not taken, there is a whole and perfect world."
This quote suggests that within each individual lies an abundance of unexpressed thoughts, unrealized aspirations, and untaken choices, all of which have the potential to form separate, complete realities or worlds. It emphasizes the vast, rich inner universe that every person carries, reminding us of our limitless creativity and potential. It also subtly implies a hint of regret for opportunities missed or dreams unfulfilled, but ultimately, it encourages us to explore, nurture, and embrace these hidden aspects of ourselves to lead more fulfilling lives.
"The only things you can really control are the choices you make and the attitude you have about the ones that have been made for you."
This quote underscores the importance of personal agency in life. It suggests that individuals possess the power to control their actions (choices) and responses (attitude) to circumstances, regardless of whether those circumstances were self-determined or not. In other words, one can influence their destiny through conscious decisions and maintaining a positive outlook even when faced with uncontrollable situations. Essentially, the message is that we have control over our reactions to the world, which can greatly impact our experiences within it.
"The greatest power we have is the power to decide how we engage with the world, not just passively, but actively. We get to choose what has meaning and what doesn't."
This quote emphasizes the importance of personal agency in shaping our experiences and interactions with the world around us. It suggests that rather than being mere bystanders, we possess the ability to proactively engage and influence our environment. The author underscores the significance of discerning what matters most to us, as we have the power to decide the impact and importance of various aspects of life on our personal journey.
"We are all monsters in our own minds, sometimes."
This quote suggests that everyone has inner struggles, fears, or characteristics they perceive as unacceptable or abnormal. It implies that we all harbor aspects of ourselves that we may view as monstrous or undesirable, reflecting our individual complexities, flaws, and darker sides. The quote encourages empathy and understanding, reminding us that the "monsters" in others are often just reflections of their internal battles.
"The line between good and evil is never clear-cut, and seldom runs down the middle of a man."
This quote by V. E. Schwab suggests that moral compasses are not always straightforward and absolute within individuals. It implies that people often have complex characters, with both virtuous and less desirable traits. Goodness and evil can coexist in the same person to varying degrees, and these qualities may shift depending on context or circumstances. It's a reminder that judging others based solely on their actions may not always reveal the whole truth about their moral standing.
So many people think that if you're writing fantasy, it means you can just make everything up as you go. Want to add a dragon? Add a dragon! Want some magic? Throw it in. But the thing is, regardless of whether you're dealing with realism or fantasy, every world has rules. Make sure to establish a natural order.
- V. E. Schwab
It's always hard, when introducing readers to a new world/set of rules, not to lay it all out manual-style in the opening chapters but make sure to put the action and the characters at the front. If people don't become invested in them and in the story, the world in which it's set will become a burden.
- V. E. Schwab
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.