The Giver Quotes

“We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others.”

“It’s the choosing that’s important, isn’t it?”

“But why can’t everyone have the memories? I think it would seem a little easier if the memories were shared. You and I wouldn’t have to bear so much by ourselves, if everybody took a part.” The Giver sighed. “You’re right,” he said. “But then everyone would be burdened and pained. They don’t want that. And that’s the real reason The Receiver is so vital to them, and so honored. They selected me - and you - to lift that burden from themselves.”

“There’s much more. There’s all that goes beyond – all ... that is Elsewhere – and all that goes back, and back, and back. I received all of those, when I was selected. And here in this room, all alone, I re-experience them again and again. It is how wisdom comes. And how we shape our future.”

“It’s just that... without the memories it’s all meaningless.”

“If you were to be lost in the river, Jonas, your memories would not be lost with you. Memories are forever.”