Biographile’s This Week in History remembers events of the past, and the icons that set them in motion. If the below isn't enough for you, read more inspiring author quotes.

Few authors have a legacy like the one left behind by Stieg Larsson, born this week in history on August 15, 1954.

In the mid-2000s, a mere handful of years after his premature death at age fifty, his Millennium trilogy launched him into international, if posthumous, fame. Seemingly overnight, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo made this previously obscure Swedish journalist and activist a household name. He was far more established in nonfiction writing, largely analyzing racism and right-wing extremism in Sweden. But his fiction, which he never attempted to get published, incorporated the social themes nearest to his heart.

In particular the theme of violence against women is present throughout his work, in part because as a teenager he witnessed a gang rape and never forgave himself for not stopping it. As a result of this experience and Larsson's passion for the subject, Lisbeth Salander's struggle against gendered violence set against a backdrop of mystery struck a distinct chord of authenticity which resonated with readers around the world.

Today, to mark what would have been his sixty-first birthday, we've pulled together a list of our favorite quotes from his most well-known work including everything from the profound to the observant to the amusingly flippant.

1. “Everyone has secrets. It's just a matter of finding out what they are.” (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, 2008)

2. “What an excellent tool the internet is for freaks.” (The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, 2010)

3. “There are no innocents. There are, however, different degrees of responsibility.” (The Girl Who Played with Fire, 2009)

4. “You walk around feeling like a teenager and immortal your whole life, and suddenly there isn't much time left.” (The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, 2010)

5. “Armageddon was yesterday, today we have a serious problem.” (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, 2008)

6. “There were not so many physical threats that could not be countered with a decent hammer.” (The Girl Who Played with Fire, 2009)

7. “Men who just call to say hello generally have ulterior motives.” (The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, 2010)

8. “Dear Government... I'm going to have a serious talk with you if I ever find anyone to talk to.” (The Girl Who Played with Fire, 2009)

9. “Nobody can avoid falling in love. They might want to deny it, but friendship is probably the most common form of love.” (The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, 2010)

10. “It doesn't matter how good the enemy's weapons are. If he can't see you, he can't hit you. Cover, cover, cover. Make sure you're never exposed.” (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, 2008)

11. “Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.” (The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, 2010)