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100 Notable Quotes By Orson Scott Card That You Should Imbibe

Famous As: American Writer Best Known for His Science Fiction Novel 'Ender’s Game'
Born On: August 24, 1951
Born In: Richland, Washington, United States
Age: 71 Years
Have you read ‘Ender’s Game’, ‘Ender’s Shadow’ or ‘Speaker for the Dead’? If yes, then you probably know the greatness of Orson Scott Card as a literary giant. A novelist, critic, public speaker, essayist and columnist, Orson Scott Card is a top science fiction writer of the current era and the only one to win both ‘Hugo’ and ‘Nebula Awards’ - top US science fiction prizes in consecutive years. A specialist of science fiction genre, Card has written books on creative writing, served as a host to several writing boot camps and workshops, and as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest. Card has also made his foray into the genre of contemporary fantasy, biblical novels, American frontier fantasy series and numerous plays and scripts. Card’s work explores various themes and so does his quotes and thoughts that touch various aspects of life such as education, knowledge, believe, civilization, religious faith, living, death and so on. Explore some of the best known quotations and sayings by Orson Scott Card and get inspired!
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Perhaps it's impossible to wear an identity without becoming what you pretend to be.

Perhaps it's impossible to wear an identity without becoming what you pretend to be.

Orson Scott Card
If you try and lose then it isn't your fault. But if you don't try and we lose, then it's all your fault.

If you try and lose then it isn't your fault. But if you don't try and we lose, then it's all your fault.

Orson Scott Card
Ethan Wyeth: I hope you're thirsty.

Ethan Wyeth: I hope you're thirsty." Gideon Wyeth:"Why?" Ethan: "Cause your dumb and ugly, but I can do something about thirsty.

Orson Scott Card
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

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

Orson Scott Card
It's called civilization. Women invented it, and every time you men blow it all to bits, we just invent it again.

It's called civilization. Women invented it, and every time you men blow it all to bits, we just invent it again.

Orson Scott Card
This is how humans are: We question all our beliefs, except for the ones that we really believe in, and those we never think to question.

This is how humans are: We question all our beliefs, except for the ones that we really believe in, and those we never think to question.

Orson Scott Card
Remember, the enemy's gate is down.

Remember, the enemy's gate is down.

Orson Scott Card
I think it's impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they believe, and not love them the way they love themselves.

I think it's impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they believe, and not love them the way they love themselves.

Orson Scott Card
Because never in my entire childhood did I feel like a child. I felt like a person all along―the same person that I am today.

Because never in my entire childhood did I feel like a child. I felt like a person all along―the same person that I am today.

Orson Scott Card
Sometimes lies were more dependable than the truth.

Sometimes lies were more dependable than the truth.

Orson Scott Card
When you really know somebody you can’t hate them. Or maybe it’s just that you can’t really know them until you stop hating them.

When you really know somebody you can’t hate them. Or maybe it’s just that you can’t really know them until you stop hating them.

Orson Scott Card
Humanity does not ask us to be happy. It merely asks us to be brilliant on its behalf.

Humanity does not ask us to be happy. It merely asks us to be brilliant on its behalf.

Orson Scott Card
Early to bed and early to rise,

Early to bed and early to rise," Mazer intoned, "makes a man stupid and blind in the eyes.

Orson Scott Card
You're a monster.
Thanks. Does this mean I get a raise?
No, just a medal. The budget isn't inexhaustable.

You're a monster. Thanks. Does this mean I get a raise? No, just a medal. The budget isn't inexhaustable.

Orson Scott Card
Ender Wiggin isn't a killer. He just wins—thoroughly.

Ender Wiggin isn't a killer. He just wins—thoroughly.

Orson Scott Card
I also remembered that you were beautiful.

I also remembered that you were beautiful." "Memory does play tricks on us." "No. Your face is the same, but I don't remember what beautiful means anymore.

Orson Scott Card
There are times when the world is rearranging itself, and at times like that, the right words can change the world.

There are times when the world is rearranging itself, and at times like that, the right words can change the world.

Orson Scott Card
I've lived too long with pain. I won't know who I am without it.

I've lived too long with pain. I won't know who I am without it.

Orson Scott Card
Peter, you're twelve years old. I'm ten. They have a word for people our age. They call us children and they treat us like mice.

Peter, you're twelve years old. I'm ten. They have a word for people our age. They call us children and they treat us like mice.

Orson Scott Card
Among my most prized possessions are words that I have never spoken.

Among my most prized possessions are words that I have never spoken.

Orson Scott Card
Life is full of grief, to exactly the degree we allow ourselves to love other people.

Life is full of grief, to exactly the degree we allow ourselves to love other people.

Orson Scott Card
The wise are not wise because they make no mistakes. They are wise because they correct their mistakes as soon as they recognize them.

The wise are not wise because they make no mistakes. They are wise because they correct their mistakes as soon as they recognize them.

Orson Scott Card
I need you to be clever, Bean. I need you to think of solutions to problems we haven't seen yet. I want you to try things that no one has ever tried because they're absolutely stupid.

I need you to be clever, Bean. I need you to think of solutions to problems we haven't seen yet. I want you to try things that no one has ever tried because they're absolutely stupid.

Orson Scott Card
Love is finding that the things you like best about yourself are not in you at all, but in the person who completes you

Love is finding that the things you like best about yourself are not in you at all, but in the person who completes you

Orson Scott Card
So the whole war is because we can't talk to each other.

So the whole war is because we can't talk to each other.

Orson Scott Card
Metaphors have a way of holding the most truth in the least space.

Metaphors have a way of holding the most truth in the least space.

Orson Scott Card
Human beings may be miserable specimens, in the main, but we can learn, and, through learning, become decent people.

Human beings may be miserable specimens, in the main, but we can learn, and, through learning, become decent people.

Orson Scott Card
Fiction, because it is not about somebody who actually lived in the real world, always has the possibility of being about oneself.

Fiction, because it is not about somebody who actually lived in the real world, always has the possibility of being about oneself.

Orson Scott Card
He could see Bonzo's anger growing hot. Hot anger was bad. Ender's anger was cold, and he could use it. Bonzo's was hot, and so it used him.

He could see Bonzo's anger growing hot. Hot anger was bad. Ender's anger was cold, and he could use it. Bonzo's was hot, and so it used him.

Orson Scott Card
Changing the world is good for those who want their names in books. But being happy, that is for those who write their names in the lives of others, and hold the hearts of others as the treasure most dear.

Changing the world is good for those who want their names in books. But being happy, that is for those who write their names in the lives of others, and hold the hearts of others as the treasure most dear.

Orson Scott Card
You know how writers are... they create themselves as they create their work. Or perhaps they create their work in order to create themselves.

You know how writers are... they create themselves as they create their work. Or perhaps they create their work in order to create themselves.

Orson Scott Card
I will remember this, thought Ender, when I am defeated. To keep dignity, and give honor where it's due, so that defeat is not disgrace. And I hope I don't have to do it often.

I will remember this, thought Ender, when I am defeated. To keep dignity, and give honor where it's due, so that defeat is not disgrace. And I hope I don't have to do it often.

Orson Scott Card
Home is anywhere that you know all your friends and all your enemies.

Home is anywhere that you know all your friends and all your enemies.

Orson Scott Card
We have to go. I'm almost happy here.

We have to go. I'm almost happy here.

Orson Scott Card
Happiness is not a life without pain, but rather a life in which the pain is traded for a worthy price.

Happiness is not a life without pain, but rather a life in which the pain is traded for a worthy price.

Orson Scott Card
I've watched through his eyes, I've listened through his ears, and I tell you he's the one.

I've watched through his eyes, I've listened through his ears, and I tell you he's the one.

Orson Scott Card
We don't read novels to have an experience like life. Heck, we're living lives, complete with all the incompleteness. We turn to fiction to have an author assure us that it means something.

We don't read novels to have an experience like life. Heck, we're living lives, complete with all the incompleteness. We turn to fiction to have an author assure us that it means something.

Orson Scott Card
My needs are simple and few, thought Valentine. Food. Clothing. A comfortable place to sleep. And no idiots.

But of course a world with no idiots would be lonely. If she herself were even allowed there.

My needs are simple and few, thought Valentine. Food. Clothing. A comfortable place to sleep. And no idiots. But of course a world with no idiots would be lonely. If she herself were even allowed there.

Orson Scott Card
We're all trying to decide whether your scores up there are a miracle or a mistake.

We're all trying to decide whether your scores up there are a miracle or a mistake." "A habit.

Orson Scott Card
Madness, and then illumination.

Madness, and then illumination.

Orson Scott Card
Please don't disillusion me. I haven't had breakfast yet.

Please don't disillusion me. I haven't had breakfast yet.

Orson Scott Card
I'm putting you in Dink Meeker's toon. From now on, as far as you're concerned, Dink Meeker is God.

I'm putting you in Dink Meeker's toon. From now on, as far as you're concerned, Dink Meeker is God." "Then who are you?" "The personnel officer who hired God.

Orson Scott Card
As long as you keep getting born, it's all right to die sometimes

As long as you keep getting born, it's all right to die sometimes

Orson Scott Card
Since when do you have to tell the enemy when he has won

Since when do you have to tell the enemy when he has won

Orson Scott Card
For children love is a feeling; for adults, it is a decision. Children wait to learn if their love is true by seeing how long it lasts; adults make their love true by never wavering from their commitment.

For children love is a feeling; for adults, it is a decision. Children wait to learn if their love is true by seeing how long it lasts; adults make their love true by never wavering from their commitment.

Orson Scott Card
Personal affection is a luxury you can have only after all your enemies are eliminated. Until then, everyone you love is a hostage, sapping your courage and corrupting your judgment.

Personal affection is a luxury you can have only after all your enemies are eliminated. Until then, everyone you love is a hostage, sapping your courage and corrupting your judgment.

Orson Scott Card
I will never hurt you.
I will always help you.
If you are hungry
Ill give you my food.
If you are frightened
I am your friend.
I love you now.
And love does not end.

I will never hurt you. I will always help you. If you are hungry Ill give you my food. If you are frightened I am your friend. I love you now. And love does not end.

Orson Scott Card
I'm crazy,

I'm crazy," said Ender. "But I think I'm OK.

Orson Scott Card
At last he came to a door, with these words in glowing emeralds: 

THE END OF THE WORLD 

He did not hesitate. He opened the door and stepped through.

At last he came to a door, with these words in glowing emeralds: THE END OF THE WORLD He did not hesitate. He opened the door and stepped through.

Orson Scott Card
All the stories are fictions. What matters is which fiction you believe.

All the stories are fictions. What matters is which fiction you believe.

Orson Scott Card
You’re not a human being until you value something more than the life of your body. And the greater the thing you live and die for the greater you are.

You’re not a human being until you value something more than the life of your body. And the greater the thing you live and die for the greater you are.

Orson Scott Card
Soldiers can sometimes make decisions that are smarter than the orders they've been given.

Soldiers can sometimes make decisions that are smarter than the orders they've been given.

Orson Scott Card
We thought we were the only thinking beings in the universe, until we met you, but never did we dream that thought could arise from the lonely animals who cannot dream each other's dreams.

We thought we were the only thinking beings in the universe, until we met you, but never did we dream that thought could arise from the lonely animals who cannot dream each other's dreams.

Orson Scott Card
And enough for me that when my hand touched your shoulder, you leaned on me; and when you felt me slip away, you called my name.

And enough for me that when my hand touched your shoulder, you leaned on me; and when you felt me slip away, you called my name.

Orson Scott Card
And then he thought: Is this how idiots rationalize their stupidity to themselves?

And then he thought: Is this how idiots rationalize their stupidity to themselves?

Orson Scott Card
One mind can think only of its own questions; it rarely surprises itself.

One mind can think only of its own questions; it rarely surprises itself.

Orson Scott Card
I think you don't grow up until you stop worrying about other people's purposes or lack of them and find the purposes you believe in for yourself.

I think you don't grow up until you stop worrying about other people's purposes or lack of them and find the purposes you believe in for yourself.

Orson Scott Card
Knowledge is just opinion that you trust enough to act upon.

Knowledge is just opinion that you trust enough to act upon.

Orson Scott Card
Parents always make their worst mistakes with their oldest children. That's when parents know the least and care the most, so they're more likely to be wrong and also more likely to insist that they're right.

Parents always make their worst mistakes with their oldest children. That's when parents know the least and care the most, so they're more likely to be wrong and also more likely to insist that they're right.

Orson Scott Card
The future is a hundred thousand threads, but the past is a fabric that can never be rewoven.

The future is a hundred thousand threads, but the past is a fabric that can never be rewoven.

Orson Scott Card
I taught you everything you know. But I didn't teach you everything I know.

I taught you everything you know. But I didn't teach you everything I know.

Orson Scott Card
Being young is an 18 year prison sentence for a crime your parents committed. But you do get time off for good behavior.

Being young is an 18 year prison sentence for a crime your parents committed. But you do get time off for good behavior.

Orson Scott Card
Every person is defined by the communities she belongs to.

Every person is defined by the communities she belongs to.

Orson Scott Card
We're like the wicked witch. We promise gingerbread, then eat the little brats alive.

We're like the wicked witch. We promise gingerbread, then eat the little brats alive.

Orson Scott Card
The opposite of the happy ending is not actually the sad ending--the sad ending is sometimes the happy ending. The opposite of the happy ending is actually the unsatisfying ending.

The opposite of the happy ending is not actually the sad ending--the sad ending is sometimes the happy ending. The opposite of the happy ending is actually the unsatisfying ending.

Orson Scott Card
You killed more people than anybody in history.

You killed more people than anybody in history." "Be the best at whatever you do, that's what my mother always told me.

Orson Scott Card
If you listen very carefully, you can hear the good fairy come in the night and leave our assignment for tomorrow.

If you listen very carefully, you can hear the good fairy come in the night and leave our assignment for tomorrow.

Orson Scott Card
It's as if every conversation with a woman was a test, and men always failed it, because they always lacked the key to the code and so they never quite understood what the conversation was really about.

It's as if every conversation with a woman was a test, and men always failed it, because they always lacked the key to the code and so they never quite understood what the conversation was really about.

Orson Scott Card
Everybody dies. What matters is what you do between now and when it happens to you.

Everybody dies. What matters is what you do between now and when it happens to you.

Orson Scott Card
I didn't want to see you.

I didn't want to see you." "They told me." "I was afraid that I'd still love you." "I hoped that you would.

Orson Scott Card
The enemy gate is down.

The enemy gate is down.

Orson Scott Card
He loved her, as you can only love someone who is an echo of yourself at your time of deepest sorrow.

He loved her, as you can only love someone who is an echo of yourself at your time of deepest sorrow.

Orson Scott Card
What else should you be? Human beings didn't evolve brains in order to lie around on lakes. Killing's the first thing we learned. And a good thing we did, or we'd be dead, and the tigers would own the earth.

What else should you be? Human beings didn't evolve brains in order to lie around on lakes. Killing's the first thing we learned. And a good thing we did, or we'd be dead, and the tigers would own the earth.

Orson Scott Card
It will hurt.

It will hurt." said Petra. "But let's make the most of what we have, and not let future pain ruin present happiness.

Orson Scott Card
Into the the air, into the earth, into the fire, I am with you.

Into the the air, into the earth, into the fire, I am with you.

Orson Scott Card
None of us could be happy for long, doing nothing.

None of us could be happy for long, doing nothing.

Orson Scott Card
In order to learn, one must change one's mind.

In order to learn, one must change one's mind.

Orson Scott Card
We care about moral issues, nobility, decency, happiness, goodness—the issues that matter in the real world, but which can only be addressed, in their purity, in fiction.

We care about moral issues, nobility, decency, happiness, goodness—the issues that matter in the real world, but which can only be addressed, in their purity, in fiction.

Orson Scott Card
An eye for an eye? How Christian of you.'

Unbelievers always want other people to act like Christians.

An eye for an eye? How Christian of you.' Unbelievers always want other people to act like Christians.

Orson Scott Card
I'm not stupid!

I'm not stupid!" In Bean's experience, that was a sentence never uttered except to prove its own inaccuracy.

Orson Scott Card
No book, however good, can survive a hostile reading.

No book, however good, can survive a hostile reading.

Orson Scott Card
Science Fiction has rivets, fantasy has trees.

Science Fiction has rivets, fantasy has trees.

Orson Scott Card
Welcome to the human race. Nobody controls his own life, Ender. The best you can do is choose to fill the roles given you by good people, by people who love you.

Welcome to the human race. Nobody controls his own life, Ender. The best you can do is choose to fill the roles given you by good people, by people who love you.

Orson Scott Card
Sickness and healing are in every heart; death and deliverance in every hand.

Sickness and healing are in every heart; death and deliverance in every hand.

Orson Scott Card
Anything can become a children's book if you give it to a child...Children are actually the best (and worst) audience for literature because they have no patience with pretence.

Anything can become a children's book if you give it to a child...Children are actually the best (and worst) audience for literature because they have no patience with pretence.

Orson Scott Card
Faith doesn't mean you never doubt. It only means you never act upon your doubts.

Faith doesn't mean you never doubt. It only means you never act upon your doubts.

Orson Scott Card
We need a Napoleon. An Alexander. Except that Napoleon lost in the end, and Alexander flamed out and died young. We need a Julius Caesar, except that he made himself a dictator, and died for it.

We need a Napoleon. An Alexander. Except that Napoleon lost in the end, and Alexander flamed out and died young. We need a Julius Caesar, except that he made himself a dictator, and died for it.

Orson Scott Card
Thank you for this, Peter. For dry eyes and silent weeping. You taught me how to hide anything I felt. More than ever, I need that now.

Thank you for this, Peter. For dry eyes and silent weeping. You taught me how to hide anything I felt. More than ever, I need that now.

Orson Scott Card
The only way to retrieve a secret,once known, is to replace it with a lie.

The only way to retrieve a secret,once known, is to replace it with a lie.

Orson Scott Card
People will always go. Always. They always believe the can make a better life than in the old world. 
What the hell, maybe they can.

People will always go. Always. They always believe the can make a better life than in the old world. What the hell, maybe they can.

Orson Scott Card
It's what I was born for, isn't it? If I don't go, why am I alive?

It's what I was born for, isn't it? If I don't go, why am I alive?

Orson Scott Card
I always think of books as being like people. Even the dull ones are worthy of decent respect, but you don't have to seek them out and spend time with them.

I always think of books as being like people. Even the dull ones are worthy of decent respect, but you don't have to seek them out and spend time with them.

Orson Scott Card
Everyone dies. Everyone leaves. What matters is the things you build together before they go. What matters is the part of them that continues in you when they're gone.

Everyone dies. Everyone leaves. What matters is the things you build together before they go. What matters is the part of them that continues in you when they're gone.

Orson Scott Card
Twisted and perverse are the ways of the human mind,

Twisted and perverse are the ways of the human mind," Jane intoned. "Pinocchio was such a dolt to try to become a real boy. He was much better off with a wooden head.

Orson Scott Card
Welcome to the human race. Nobody controls his own life, Ender.

Welcome to the human race. Nobody controls his own life, Ender.

Orson Scott Card
Isn’t that what it means to be civilized? That you can wait to get what you want?

Isn’t that what it means to be civilized? That you can wait to get what you want?

Orson Scott Card
When you have a good romance, find ways to make their lives miserable and hellish...Do you think 'Titanic' would have been so popular if they had both lived? Not a prayer.

When you have a good romance, find ways to make their lives miserable and hellish...Do you think 'Titanic' would have been so popular if they had both lived? Not a prayer.

Orson Scott Card
A broken clock is right two times a day.

A broken clock is right two times a day.

Orson Scott Card
Yesterday someone sent a message that was signed GOD! bernard said.
really? dap said. i didn't know he was signed onto the system

Yesterday someone sent a message that was signed GOD! bernard said. really? dap said. i didn't know he was signed onto the system

Orson Scott Card
The essence of training is to allow error without consequence.

The essence of training is to allow error without consequence.

Orson Scott Card