More quotes by George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

"... a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge."
"A craven can be as brave as any man, when there is nothing to fear. And we all do our duty, when there is no cost to it. How easy it seems then, to walk the path of honor. Yet soon or late in every man's life comes a day when it is not easy, a day when he must choose. (Maester Aemon)"
"Laughter is poison to fear."
"Some old wounds never truly heal, and bleed again at the slightest word."
"I have a realistic grasp of my own strengths and weaknesses. My mind is my weapon. My brother has his sword, King Robert has his warhammer, and I have my mind… and a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge. That’s why I read so much, Jon Snow."