Green eyes Quote by Peter S. Beagle
““I know why you did it too. You can't become mortal yourself until you change her back again. Isn't that it? You don't care what happens to her, or to the others, just as long as you become a real magician, even if you change the Bull into a bullfrog, because it's still just a trick when you do it. You don't care about anything but magic, and what kind of magician is that? Schmendrick, I don't feel good. I have to sit down." Schmendrick must have carried her for a time, because she was definitely not walking and his green eyes were ringing in her head. "That's right. Nothing but magic matters to me. I would round up unicorns for Haggard myself if it would heighten my power but half a hair. It's true. I have no preferences and no loyalties. I have only magic." His voice was hard and sad. "Really?" she asked, rocking dreamily in her terror, watching the brightness flowing by. "That's awful." She was very impressed. "Are you really like that?" "No," he said, then or later. "No, it's not true. How could I be like that, and still have all these troubles?" Then he said, "Molly, you have to walk now.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle, 1968
A magician prioritizes power over humanity, showing that obsession with magic can erase empathy and moral responsibility.
In simple terms: Power over people replaces caring.
Key Takeaway
Beware letting ambition eclipse compassion.
Themes
power
ambition
morality
magic
isolation
Mood
sad
reflective
cautionary
Type
philosophical
literary
character study
When to use this quote
- leadership decisions
- creative pursuits
- personal relationships
- risk of obsession
Key Concepts
ethical nihilism
identity crisis
dehumanization
Questions to Reflect On
- What cost does relentless pursuit of power exact?
- Can magic be used responsibly?
A Different Perspective
Power without empathy can lead to self‑destruction.
![“The Lady Amalthea beckoned, and the cat wriggled all over, like a dog, but he would not come near... She was offering her open palm to the crook-eared cat, but he stayed where he was, shivering with the desire to go to her"...[later, Molly asked the cat] "Why were you afraid to let her touch you?…” quote by Peter S. Beagle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/59b/peter-s-beagle-1665_cat_the-lady-amalthea-beckoned-and-the-cat-w_254271.jpg)
