One of the great things about books is you can afford to do anything.
George R. R. MartinRead
I thought my song was beginning that day, but it was almost done.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life can be full of unexpected turns, often leading to conclusions we didn't foresee.
This quote reflects the idea that the journey of life often brings surprises and endings that we may not be prepared for. Just as one expects a new beginning, circumstances can reveal that what we thought was just starting may actually be approaching its conclusion, urging us to appreciate the present and the journey itself.
Themes
LifeEndingsBeginningsJourneySurprise
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech to reflect on the unexpected journeys ahead.
More from George R. R. Martin
All quotes βI hate outlines. I have a broad sense of where the story is going; I know the end, I know the end of the principal characters, and I know the major turning points and events from the books, the climaxes for each book, but I don't necessarily know each twist and turn along the way. That's something I discover in the course of writing and that's what makes writing enjoyable. I think if I outlined comprehensively and stuck to the outline the actual writing would be boring.
George R. R. MartinRead
There is only one god and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: βNot today.
George R. R. MartinRead
I did not do it. Yet now I wish I had.β He turned to face the hall, that sea of pale faces. βI wish I had enough poison for you all. You make me sorry that I am not the monster you would have me be, yet there it is. I am innocent, but I will get no justice here.
George R. R. MartinRead
But a voice inside her whispered, There are no heroes, and she remembered what Lord Petyr had said to her, here in this very hall. 'Life is not a song, sweetling,' he'd told her, 'You may learn that one day to your sorrow.' In life, the monsters win, she told herself.
George R. R. MartinRead
I write from this tight third-person viewpoint, where each chapter is seen through the eyes of one individual character. When I'm writing that character, I become that character and identify with that character.
George R. R. MartinRead
Similar quotes
The things which the child loves remain in the domain of the heart until old age. The most beautiful thing in life is that our souls remain hovering over the places where we once enjoyed ourselves. I am one of those who remembers those places regardless of distance or time.
Khalil GibranRead
Even when life challenges us, it's a gift beyond all measure.
Parker PalmerRead
My mother told me that everything in life happened for a purpose. She said all things were part of God's plan, even the most disheartening setbacks, and in the end, everything worked out for the best.
Ronald ReaganRead
As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.
Ben HoganRead
Sacrifice is a part of life. Itβs supposed to be. Itβs not something to regret. Itβs something to aspire to. Little sacrifices. Big sacrifices. A mother works so her son can go to school. A daughter moves home to take care of her sick father.
Mitch AlbomRead
Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing, only a signal shown, and a distant voice in the darkness; So on the ocean of life, we pass and speak one another, only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead