Men are more resilient than that, I think. Our belief is often strongest when it should be weakest. That is the nature of hope.

Just because I do not accept the teachings of the devotaries does not mean I've discarded a belief in right and wrong.""But the Almighty determines what is right!""Must someone, some unseen thing, declare what is right for it to be right? I believe that my own morality -- which answers only to my heart -- is more sure and true than the morality of those who do right only because they fear retribution.

What is belief—what is faith—if you don't continue it after failure?

Vin paused. "And you have all of these religions memorized?""As much as is possible," Sazed said. "Their prayers, their beliefs, their mythologies. Many are very similar -- break-offs or sects of one another.""Even still, how can you remember all of that?""I have...methods," Sazed said."But, what's the point?"Sazed frowned. "The answer should be obvious, I think. People are valuable, Mistress Vin, and so--therefore--are their beliefs.

But merely being tradition does not make something worthy, Kadash. We can't just assume that because something is old it is right.

Why is it you trust my daughter so much when others almost universally revile her?""I consider their disdain for her to be a recommendation," he said."She is a heretic.""She refused to join any of the devotaries because she did not believe in their teachings. Rather than compromise for the sake of appearances, she has been honest and has refused to make professions she does not believe. I find that a sign of honor.

The illusion without Lightweaving is superior, Design.""Because it's fake?""Because the audience knows it's fake," Wit said. "When they watch and let themselves be amazed, they are joining in the illusion. They're giving you something vital. Something powerful. Something essential. Their belief.

Belief isn't simply a thing for fair times and bright days, I think. What is belief- what is faith- if you don't continue in it after failure.

There is something beyond. Though perhaps my belief is merely my own desire wishing it to be so.""You are not encouraging me. Aren't You omnipotent?""Hardly," Harmony said, smiling. "But I believe that parts of me could be.