The universe knows Leto Atreides as a duke, an even-handed and compassionate ruler, one who enjoys such popularity among the Houses of the Landsraad as to draw down the jealousy of the highest and most dangerous levels of power. I know him as father also. Lately I’ve thought on two particular things he has said to me.
During the apprehensive time just before we came to Arrakis, he said to me: “A person needs new experiences. It jars something deep inside, allowing them to grow. Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.”
When I was much younger, suffering some mundane terror, he said to me: “Once you have explored a fear, it becomes less terrifying. Part of courage comes from extending our knowledge.”
This set me on a path I yet continue on, the seeking of knowledge, knowledge so total as to obliterate all fear.