Gaze Quote by David Eddings
““Zakath stared at the floor. 'I suddenly feel very helpless,' he admitted, 'and I don't like the feeling. I've been rather effectively dethroned, you know. This morning I was the Emperor of the largest nation on earth; this afternoon, I'm going to be a vagabond.' You might find it refreshing,' Silk told him lightly. Shut up, Kheldar,' Zakath said almost absently. He looked back at Polgara. 'You know something rather peculiar?' What's that?' Even if I hadn't given my word, I'd still have to go to Kell. It's almost like a compulsion. I feel as if I'm being driven, and my driver is a blindfolded girl who's hardly more than a child.' There are rewards,' she told him. Such as what?' Who knows? Happiness, perhaps.' He laughed ironically. 'Happiness has never been a driving ambition of mine, Lady Polgara, not for a long time now.' You may have to accept it anyway,' She smiled. 'We aren't allowed to choose our rewards any more than we are our tasks. Those decisions are made for us.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Belgariad, Book 3 “Magician’s Gambit”, 1984
The passage reflects on loss of power, the compulsion to act, and the mystery of what truly motivates us, suggesting rewards are often beyond our control.
In simple terms: Power shifts and unknown motivations drive actions.
Key Takeaway
Accept that some drives are mysterious and beyond choice.
Themes
change
fate
motivation
Mood
reflective
melancholic
curious
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- career change
- spiritual quest
- creative projects
Key Concepts
power dynamics
free will
destiny
Questions to Reflect On
- What unseen forces guide your decisions?
- Can you find meaning in tasks you didn’t choose?
A Different Perspective
The idea that rewards are predetermined can diminish personal agency.
