1,174 Quotes by Orson Scott Card

People love to hear the brag of the local boy, because they want him to be great, but the foreigner must deny that he has any outstanding virtue – this is what will endear him to the locals.

There’s a reason why every human society has fiction. It teaches us how to be ‘good,’ to behave in a way that is for the benefit of the whole community.

When both parties are lying and they both know the other party’s lying, it comes powerful close to being the same thing as telling the truth.

A character is what he does, yes – but even more, a character is what he means to do.

It’s easy to manipulate your children when they’re absolutely sure you’re stupid.

If you asked me to marry you all over again today I’d say yes, said Valentine. And if I had only met you for the first time today, I’d ask.

This would not have a happy ending. So Ender decided that he’d rather not be the unhappiest at the end.

I don’t care if I pass your test, I don’t care if I follow your rules. If you can cheat, so can I. I won’t let you beat me unfairly – I’ll beat you unfairly first. – Ender.

Take what pleasure you can in the interstices of your work, but your work is first, learning is first, winning is everything because without it there is nothing.