970 Quotes by Frank Herbert

Dune Messiah, Frank Herbert’s first sequel to Dune, was published in 1969. In that book, he flipped over what he called the “myth of the hero” and showed the dark side of Paul Atreides. Some readers didn’t understand it. Why would the author do that to his great hero? In interviews, Dad spent years afterward explaining why, and his reasons were sound. He believed that charismatic leaders could be dangerous because they could lead their followers off the edge of a cliff.

We possess only this moment in which to dedicate ourselves continuously to the sacred presence which we share and create.

Stilgar put a hand on Idaho’s shoulder. “All men are interlopers, old friend.

Isn’t it odd how we misunderstand the hidden unity of kindness and cruelty?” Jessica.

My mother is my enemy. She does not know it, but she is. She is bringing the jihad. She bore me; she trained me. She is my enemy.

The wise man molds himself – the fool lives only to die.

If wishes were fishes, we’d all cast nets.

The abyss remains. It is pregnant with all the things yet to be. Ah, what gentle violence!

The Fremen have a saying they credit to Shai-hulud, Old Father Eternity,’ he said. ‘They say: “Be prepared to appreciate what you meet.