571 Quotes by Hilary Mantel

I’m a very organised and rational and linear thinker, and you have to stop all that to write a novel.

For what’s the point of breeding children, if each generation does not improve on what went before.

I think, if you’re going to kill a man, do it. Don’t write him a letter about it. Don’t bluster and threaten and put him on his guard.

The king believes that even if he were not king, he would still be a great man. This is because God likes him. He needs to be liked and he needs to be right. But above all he needs to be listened to, with very close attention. Never enter a contest of wills with the king. Do not flatter him. Instead, give him something he can take credit for. Ask him questions to which you know the answers. Do not ask him the other sort of question.

He does not even hate Francis Weston, any more than you hate a biting midge; you just wonder why it was created.

Show me where it says, in the Bible, “Purgatory.” Show me where it says “relics, monks, nuns.” Show me where it says “Pope.

One fear creates a dereliction, the offense brings on a greater fear, and there comes a point where the fear is too great and the human spirit just gives up and a child wanders off numb and directionless and ends up following a crowd and watching a killing.

Henry glares at him. “I will say this for you. You stick by your man.” “I have never had anything from the cardinal other than kindness. Why would I not?

The king never does an upleasent thing. Lord Cromwell does it for him.