scijessreads

There are quotes out there that I can immediately see as a tattoo. Words that, no matter who you are, say so much about life and struggle that they encompass emotions and thoughts into a single line or phrase that captures the fleeting nature of who we are in the universe.

Emily Rath, and in this case words given to the character of Ilmari Kinunen, has come up with a phrase that I am seriously thinking about getting tattooed on my own body. It is everything. Short, pointed, and full of so much optimism in the face of endings. It is a mantra, and directive, in the guise of advice from a friend. It maybe one of my favorite quotes, ever.

I have written before (and will likely write again) of my love for the fantasy worlds of Allison Carr Waechter. From the last book of The Immortal Orders trilogy comes this gem. It is a new way to approach the age-old notion of picking yourself up off the ground to try again. It is in the getting up that we can see enormous strength. It would be so easy to stay on the ground, to accept defeat. But for those who rise… there is strength in refusing to stay down.

What quote would you like tattooed on you? I already have one from a book: “We are all stardust and stories” from The Starless Sea. But it will likely not be my last.