“At least try to see my motives. Granted that I was foolish—criminally foolish—can’t you understand? Can’t… — Isaac Asimov

The Autarch maintained his indifferent calm, but a certain lack of certainty was gathering, and he did not like to experience a lack of certainty. He liked nothing which made him aware of limitations. An Autarch should have no limitations, and on Lingane he had none that natural law did not impose.

I see your vile implication. My only explanation for it is that you are criminally insane.

Well, it was healthy to miss once in a while. It kept self-confidence balanced at a point safely short of arrogance.