House Atreides

Even the poorest House can be rich in loyalty. Allegiance that must be purchased by bribes or wages is hollow and flawed, and could break at the worst possible moment. Allegiance that comes from the heart, though, is stronger than adamantium and more valuable than purest melange.

It's so much more interesting to study a ... damaged world. I find it difficult to learn anything in a place that's too civilized.

Let pressure pass over and through you. That way you can't be harmed by it.

In adverse circumstances, every creature becomes something else, evolving or devolving. What makes us human is that we know what we once were, and, let us hope, we remember how to change back.

A requirement of creativity is that it contributes to change. Creativity keeps the creator alive. — FRANK HERBERT, unpublished notes

Brilliant, Piter! I'm glad I didn't execute you all those times when you were so annoying.' 'So am I,' de Vries said.

If you are born to power, you must prove you deserve it through good works—or give it up. To do any less is to act without conscience.

Even innocents carry within them their own guilt in their own way. No one survives through life without paying in one fashion or another.

adverse circumstances, every creature becomes something else, evolving or devolving. What makes us human is that we know what we once were, and—let us hope—we remember how to change back. Ambassador Cammar Pilru, Dispatches in Defense of Ix

Hatred is as dangerous an emotion as love. The capacity for either one is the capacity for its opposite.

Imperial man,” said Turok, stepping forward from the shade, “what is it you see when you stare out onto the desert like that?” Kynes answered without looking at him. “I see limitless possibilities.

Beliefs are more powerful than facts.” Leto stared through the thick sky at the magnificent, distant ship and frowned. It was often difficult to separate truth from fiction.…

Address the solvable first, instructs the father by way of teaching his son crisis management. That way, he counsels, there is less distraction to tackle more daunting issues.

High Priest proudly sprinkled the iron-red holy dust of Dur

Bringing up the rear was the green-robed High Priest of Dur, who had by tradition crowned every Emperor since the fall of the thinking machines.

Memory and History are two sides of the same coin. In time, however, History tends to slant itself toward a favorable impression of events, while Memory is doomed to preserve the worst aspects.

see. Fanatics are often blinded in their thoughts. Leaders are often blinded in their hearts.

Dune,” the Fremen youth said. “Only the Imperials and the Harkonnens call this place Arrakis.” “All right,” Kynes said. “Dune, then.

‘I must not fear,’ ” she intoned, her eyes closed. “ ‘Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.’ ” It

Innovations seem to have a life and a sentience of their own. When conditions are right, a radical new idea—a paradigm shift—may appear simultaneously from many minds at once. Or it may remain secret in the thoughts of one man for years, decades, centuries…until someone else thinks of the same thing.

In a Trial by Forfeiture, the normal rules of evidence do not apply. There are no disclosure requirements that evidence be revealed to the opposition or to the magistrates prior to the court proceedings. This places the person with secret knowledge in a uniquely powerful position—commensurate with the extreme risk he takes.

Truth is a chameleon.

Anirul stiffened. “My future husband—and even the Golden Lion Throne itself—are secondary to our breeding program.” “Of course you’re right.” Margot nodded in resignation, as if shocked at her own gaffe. “But how should we proceed?” “We begin with a message to Leto.

the long history of our House, we have been constantly shadowed by Misfortune, as if we were its prey. One might almost believe the curse of Atreus from ancient Greek times on Old Terra.

My Duke, do not overestimate the strength of love and loyalty, and do not underestimate the power of personal hatred.

have not yet made it apparent, my Duke, I give you my utmost loyalty and renew my pledge to House Atreides. I will do everything I can to assist and advise you.” Then his expression hardened. “But you must understand that all decisions are yours and yours alone. My advice may contradict Prince Rhombur’s or your mother’s, or that of any other advisors you choose. You must decide in each case. You are the Duke. You are House Atreides.

And now the Fremen number ten million and one,” he said.

A Guildsman merged with the cosmos and saw safe paths through the wrinkles of fate, prescient visions that enabled him to guide matter from place to place like chess pieces in a cosmic game.