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Books Quote by Andrzej Sapkowski

“If it is written in the books of providence", the sorceress said after a while, “that Geralt will find Ciri, then it will happen. Regardless of whether the witcher sets off into the mountains or sits in Toussaint. Predestination overtakes humans. Not vice versa. Do you understand that? Do you…” quote by Andrzej Sapkowski
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““If it is written in the books of providence", the sorceress said after a while, “that Geralt will find Ciri, then it will happen. Regardless of whether the witcher sets off into the mountains or sits in Toussaint. Predestination overtakes humans. Not vice versa. Do you understand that? Do you understand, Mr. Regis Terzieff-Godefroy?" "Better than you think, Miss Vigo.” The vampire turned the sausage link in his fingers. "However, you must excuse me, I do not accept that predestination is in some book, written by the hand of a great Demiurge, or the will of heaven, or the unalterable judgment of any providence. Rather, it is the result of many seemingly unconnected facts, events, and actions. I tend to agree with you that the predestination overtakes humans...and not only humans. However, I accept much less the view that it could not also be reversed. Because this view is a convenient fatalism. It is a paean to apathy and baseness on a feather bed and the charming warmth of a woman’s womb. In short, to live in a dream. Life, Miss Vigo may be a dream, may end in a dream ... But it's a dream that you must actively dream. Therefore, Miss Vigo, the road awaits us." "Go ahead." Fringilla stood up, almost as violent as Milva had recently. "As you wish! Snow, cold, and predetermination await you on the passes. And the atonement that you so urgently seem to need. Go ahead! But the witcher is staying here. In Toussaint! With me!" "I believe," the vampire replied calmly, "You are mistaken, Miss Vigo. The dream you dream with the witcher is, I confess with a bow, magical and beautiful. However, any dream that we dream for too long becomes a nightmare. And from it we awake with a scream.””

Andrzej Sapkowski

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Witcher Saga, The White Wolf, 1994

The passage debates predestination versus free will, arguing that fate is shaped by many interlinked events and can be altered through conscious action, warning against fatalistic apathy.

In simple terms: Fate is shaped by many events and can be changed by choices.

Key Takeaway

Recognize agency within apparent destiny.

Themes

philosophy free will fate agency determinism

Mood

reflective thoughtful serious

Type

literary dialogue philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal decision making
  • storytelling
  • ethical dilemmas
  • overcoming fatalism

Key Concepts

metaphysics causality existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance acceptance of circumstances with active change?
  • What role does personal responsibility play in shaping destiny?
A Different Perspective

Predestination may be overstated; not all outcomes are controllable.

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