Asriels proclamation

"Few as we are," he went on, "and short-lived as we are, and weak-sighted as we are-in comparison with them, we're still stronger. They envy us, Ogunwe! That's what fuels their hatred, I'm sure of it. They long to have our precious bodies, so solid and powerful, so well-adapted to the good earth! And if we drive at them with force and determination, we can sweep aside those infinite numbers as you can sweep your hand thorugh mist. They have no more power that that!" -Asriel, (The Amber Spyglass 823)

Lord Asriel has been fighting to protect dust from the Authority and his Regent, Metatron thorughout "His Dark Materials." I found this quote to stand out because Asriel knows what it means to be human and how the amount of power one possesses is not what should be respected and cherished. What is most important and sought-after but being alive and enjoying life on earth. After Asriel's praise of life and being human, he realizes that Lyra must have a chance to experience life like he has, and becomes a martyr so save the human race.