The Force of Wind

Most advances in technology occur because they’re either trying to impress women or blow things up. It’s as predictable as the sunrise.

If there is one thing predictable about the male of the species, it's their sex drive and their fascination with fire. ... Most advances in technology occur because they're either trying to impress women or blow things up." [Tenzin]

We gain more enlightenment from weakness and loss than we do from strength and victory.

I don’t think people take librarians quite that seriously anymore.

Do not pity me, Beatrice De Novo. My life has been as fate dictated, and now I am master of it. Do not waste your regret on the past.

She seemed to have a gift for knowing exactly what people were looking for and how to offer them what they wanted while still getting her own way in the process.

Perhaps the book belongs to the world.” Lan sat up on his knees again. “It sounds very important. A book of universal knowledge? Wisdom to be preserved and shared?

Eternal night was a million swirling shades of grey.

Look at the thrush.” The young man glanced at the small speckled bird as it cocked its head to the side, observing the two men as they moved up the stairs. “What of the thrush?” “What lessons might be learned from living in such a small, weak body?” The old monk smiled at the bird, which flicked its tail before flying to perch on the branch of a low-hanging conifer. “The thrush has a most beautiful song, Master. One could learn to appreciate that.” “You are correct. And is it a powerful bird?” The young man smiled. “Of course not. It darts along the branches and eats only seeds and insects.” “And yet, it does not worry about its life. It is a humble bird, as many small creatures are humble, but it has a beautiful song.” He paused to catch his breath on the stairs and looked up at the young man beside him. “We gain more enlightenment from weakness and loss than we do from strength and victory.

Yes, what was your course of study at the university? Your father says you are very bright for a human. What did you study? Medicine? Theology?” “Um… library science.” Lan laughed. “You did experiments with books?” “No.” Beatrice had to smile. “Information Technology. I studied… well, how to be a good librarian. The best ways to preserve books and manuscripts and how to get that information to the people who need it. It’s called ‘library science,’ but—” “Oh!” Lan smiled, his or her round face creasing into a delighted smile. “You are a scribe.

aegis would doubt the honor of the Eight Immortals. We stay here at your leisure.” After that, the hall turned back to the business of the night and hummed with energy again. Lorenzo was whisked away by Zhongli’s entourage, and Tenzin walked over to speak to her

Just as there is wisdom to be gained from a long life, there is wisdom to be gained from a short one, as well.

There is no one element more powerful than the others.