#ii

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now. ↗

— William Hutchison Murray

#committed #creatiion #initiative #magic #power

Never be afraid of doing the thing you know in your heart is right, even if others don't agree. ↗

— Elizabeth Berg

#dreams

I was born to be your rival,' she [Anne] said simply. 'And you mine. We're sisters, aren't we? ↗

— Philippa Gregory

#henry-viii #historical-fiction #mary-boleyn #historical

Some people like the Jews, and some do not. But no thoughtful man can deny the fact that they are, beyond any question, the most formidable and most remarkable race which has appeared in the world. — Winston S. Churchill ↗

— Ellen Brazer

#espionage #historical-novel #history #holocaust #intrigue

Katherine of Aragon was speaking out for the women of the country, for the good wives who should not be put aside just because their husbands had taken a fancy to another, for the women who walked the hard road between kitchen, bedroom, church and childbirth. For the women who deserved more than their husband's whim. ↗

— Philippa Gregory

#fiction #henry-viii #historical-fiction #katherine #historical

The person with the bleeding finger doesn't hurt less for the person next to him with the bleeding arm. ↗

— Elizabeth Berg

#dreams

Ari: The serial number was now my new name. I was dehumanized. I was branded like an animal, but was treated worse. This is what racism can do to people. ↗

— Christopher Huh

#racism #wwii-fiction #wwii-history #racism

Surely there is no more wretched sight that the human body unloved and uncared for. ↗

— Corrie Ten Boom

#corrie-ten-boom #dutch #holocaust #jesus-christ #righteous-gentile

I said to my mother, Henry VII is interesting. No he's not, my mother said. ↗

— Hilary Mantel

#historical-fiction #history #mother-and-daughter #historical-fiction

Look at me!’ I screeched. ‘Look at me, Amadeus von Linden, you sadistic hypocrite, and watch this time! You’re not questioning me now, this isn’t your work, I’m not an enemy agent spewing wireless code! I’m just a minging Scots slag screaming insults at your daughter! So enjoy yourself and watch! Think of Isolde! Think of Isolde and watch! ↗

— Elizabeth Wein

#fighting #fury #torture #war #world-war-ii