At least being prosperous set one apart in England; here it guaranteed nothing, not even taste. — Gregory Benford

It was an example of what he thought of as the Law of Controversy: Passion was inversely proportional to the amount of real information available.

Everybody feels he has a right to a life of luxury — or at least comfort — so there’s a lot of frustration and resentment when the dream craps out.

To shine is better than to reflect.