Divergent was Veronica Roth's first book, released in 2011, and the start of a sensation. It launched her popular young adult trilogy, including Insurgent and Allegiant, which was later adapted into a popular movie series. The story takes place in a dystopian Chicago with a strict faction system. Each of the five factions cultivate a particular virtue—kindness, intelligence, selflessness, honesty, and bravery. On her 16th birthday, Beatrice "Tris" Prior must make a choice—either stay with her family in the selfless Abnegation faction or transfer to a faction reflecting her identity. Her choice of Dauntless, the bravery faction, requires a rigorous initiation process alongside other candidates. Oh, and Tris meets the mysterious Four, her instructor and eventual love interest.

Divergent resonates with listeners of all ages and speaks to many contemporary issues as it underscores the importance of personal freedom and courage in a conformist society. Reflecting the novel's themes, the following 30+ quotes explore what it means to be brave and what it means to be human.

The best Divergent quotes on bravery and fear

1. "A brave man acknowledges the strength of others."

2. "Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it."

3. "It must require bravery to be honest all the time."

4. "We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another."

5. "Fear doesn't shut you down; it wakes you up. I've seen it. It's fascinating."

6. "A chasm reminds us that there is a fine line between bravery and idiocy."

7. "Learning how to think in the midst of fear is a lesson that everyone needs to learn."

8. "But maybe what I saw as fearless was actually fear under control."

9. "We believe in bravery. We believe in taking action. We believe in freedom from fear and in acquiring the skills to force the bad out of our world so that the good can prosper and thrive." 

10. "I want to be brave, and selfless, and smart, and kind, and honest."

11. "And I'm the kind of person who does not let inconsequential things like boys and near death experiences stop her."

12. "Half of bravery is perspective."

13. "I have to face the fear. I have to take control of the situation and find a way to make it less frightening."

14. "Sometimes crying or laughing are the only options left, and laughing feels better right now."

15. "I have a theory that selflessness and bravery aren't all that different."

The best Divergent quotes on human nature

1. "Human beings as a whole cannot be good for long before the bad creeps back in and poisons us again."

2. "Human reason can excuse any evil; that is why it's so important that we don't rely on it."

3. "Politeness is deception in pretty packaging."

4. "Lies require commitment."

5. "Sarcasm is always at someone's expense."

6. "It isn't right to wish pain on other people just because they hurt me first."

7. "Humans can't tolerate emptiness for long."

8. "Why do people want to pretend that death is sleep? It isn't. It isn't."

The best Divergent quotes on relationships and emotions

1. "Sometimes, the best way to help someone is just to be near them."

2. 'I might be in love with you.' He smiles a little. 'I'm waiting until I'm sure to tell you, though.'"

3. "Who cares about pretty? I'm going for noticeable."

4. "You think my first instinct is to protect you. Because you're small, or a girl, or a Stiff. But you're wrong."

5. "Then I realize what it is. It's him. Something about him makes me feel like I am about to fall. Or turn to liquid. Or burst into flames."

6. "Maybe there's more we all could have done, but we just have to let the guilt remind us to do better next time."

7. "I will find new habits, new thoughts, new rules. I will become something else."