Most rich people get rich by taking what they want without paying for it. It’s the way of the world. — John Brunner

“I see what Gene is driving at. To dream of changing the whole universe in accordance with a set of local preconceptions!...Oh, it’s ridiculous!”

“A missionary,” Gene repeated with a solemn nod. “By definition: a person who does without intending it more harm than good.”

No faith can possibly suffice. It’s always undermined by ignorance.

If there is a hell, perhaps it consists in living up to all one’s promises.