Frank Herbert quotes

"If you think of yourselves as helpless and ineffectual, it is certain that you will create a despotic government to be your master. The wise despot, therefore, maintains among his subjects a popular sense that they are helpless and ineffectual. "

"It is a wise man that does know the contented man is never poor, whilst the discontented man is never rich. "

"Kindness is the beginning of cruelty."

"Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty. "

"The difference between sentiment and being sentimental is the following: Sentiment is when a driver swerves out of the way to avoid hitting a rabbit on the road. Being sentimental is when the same driver, when swerving away from the rabbit, hits a pedestrian. "

"The mystery of life isn't a problem to solve, but a reality to experience."

In terms of influencing my life and my ideals I would have to say Frank Herbert is in the top five.