Destiny
1. “If you can look into the seeds of time
And say which grain will grow and which will not,
Speak then to me.”
(William Shakespeare, Macbeth)
2. “Acceptance of karma should not be confused with fatalism. We are all, to a great extent, masters of our own fate. But also we must learn to bow before the inevitable: this is the true meaning of acceptance and it is only this which brings the harmony without which life is not really worth living.” (Eric Van Lustbader, The Ninja)
3. “Resolve to take Fate by the throat and shake a living out of her.” (Louisa May Alcott)
4. “Destiny is something you don’t choose or plan. It is chosen for you.” (Terry Anderson, Den of Lions – Memoirs of Seven Years)
5. “I was born to be something, more than what I am now.” (Eric Van Lustbader, The Ninja)
6. “We are all, you see, toys of the life-force.” (John Wyndham, The Midwich Cuckoos)
Differences
7. “… we are as different in our skins as we are in our souls, and one man’s heat may be tepid enough to his neighbour.” (James Stephens, Schoolfellows)
8. “I’m a reliable witness, you’re a reliable witness, practically all God’s children are reliable witnesses in their own estimation – which makes it funny how such different ideas of the same affair get about.” (John Wyndham, The Kraken Wakes)
Dinosaurs
9. “We do occasionally contemplate the once lordly dinosaurs, and wonder when, and how, our little day will reach its end.” (John Wyndham, The Midwich Cuckoos)
Diplomacy
10. “Diplomats’ intercourse is always a combat, no matter how friendly a form it may take.” (Hermann Hesse, Magister Ludi – The Glass Bead Game)
