Quotes from Frank Herbert

Power bases are very dangerous because they attract people who are truly insane, people who seek power only for the sake of power.

You don't see much of any path unless you are Janus, looking simultaneously backward and forward.

Do not be trapped by the need to achieve anything. This way, you achieve everything.

Come, come, the Baron said. We don't have much time and pain is quick. Please don't bring it to this, my dear Duke. The Baron looked up at Piter who stood at Leto's shoulder. Piter doesn't have all his tools here, but I'm sure he could improvise. Improvisation is sometimes the best, Baron.

But you invite ..." "I invite a bit of military nonsense." "That's what I ..." "Duncan, I am a teacher. Remember that. By repetition, I impress the lesson." "What lesson?" "The ultimately suicidal nature of military foolishness.

Survival is staying alive one breath at a time.

Black is a blind remembering, she thought. You listen for pack sounds, for the cries of those who hunted your ancestors in a past so ancient only your most primitive cells remember. The ears see. The nostrils see.

And those who pray for dew on the deserts edge; shall bring forth the deluge.

When I am weaker than you, I ask you for freedom because that is according to your principles; when I am stronger than you, I take away your freedom because that is according to my principles.

Remember your philosopher's doubts, Miles. Beware! The mind of the believer stagnates. It fails to grow outward into an unlimited, infinite universe.

In that instant, Paul saw how Stilgar had been transformed from the Fremen naib to a creature of the Lisan al-Gaib, a receptacle for awe and obedience. It was a lessening of the man, and Paul felt the ghost-wind of the jihad in it.

Does the prophet see the future or does he see a line of weakness, a fault or cleavage that he may shatter with words or decisions as a diamond-cutter shatters his gem with a blow of a knife?