Fools Errant

Quotes

1. “This conversation would be more easily conducted,” said Filidor, “if I had any notion of what you are talking about.”

   p. 124

2. 

   “We all use the world, and are used by it,” he said, after a moment. “Some of us are more aware than others of using and being used. It is our fortune to have fewer illusions.”

   p. 136

3. 

   “I will inform the world of your preference,” said Gaskarth, “but I doubt it will lead to any significant improvements in your lot.”

   p. 136

4. 

   “I disagree,” said Jenbo Lal.

   “Disagreeability is your forte,” said Gaskarth.

   p. 166

5. 

   “From within such a calcified culture, no change can be generated; the impetus for reform must arise from without. Hence, the external threat posed by Hunan Diath.”

   “Who does not exist,” said Filidor.

   “Who need not exist,” said Gaskarth, “so long as the idea can do its work.”

   p. 148

6. 

   Does not the acceptance of a spurious perfection end the search for true perfection?

   p. 128

7. 

   Coming whence you do, you doubtless assume that the mores and customs of your own land arise from the workings of simple human nature. But human nature is far from simple, and what appears natural in your own milieu may seem chillingly alien when transported into some foreign sphere.

   p. 30

8. 

   “Your remarks demonstrate how proximity narrows perspective,” said Gaskarth. “Events in and of themselves are less pertinent than the effects and interpretations to which they give rise.”

   p. 115

9. 

   Into the Zeelotic ethos, we have injected the philosophical axiom—well known to the field of fashion—that the outmoded only remains so until it becomes unremembered, after which it may justly return as the avant-garde.

   p. 70

10. 

    “I suspect that the benefits of travel are indeed overrated. It seems mostly hardship and needless frustration,” she said.

    p. 106

11. 

    “Knowledge can be a hindrance to right action,” answered the little man. “There are those who hold that, if we but knew the full ramifications of even our least deeds, the ensuing concatenations of cause and effect would paralyze us with indecision.”

    p. 52

12. 

    “I am not one to deny the broadening effects of distant lands,” offered Nofreg, “yet I have often said that the chief benefit of travel is to allow the returned sojourner a renewed appreciation of his native milieu.”

    p. 76

13. 

    “In any case”—he gestured at the car—“this vehicle has achieved a state of permanent inanimation.”

    p. 23

14. 

    Gathering himself together, he asked the dwarf, “Was all this in some way planned and predetermined?”

    Gaskarth turned upon the young man a thoughtful gaze. “There are those who say that all is planned, to the placement of the last mote and mite. There are others who say that nothing is purposed, and that the galaxies themselves swing where they will. And then there are some, like me, who prefer to walk on, saying as little as possible.”

    p. 53

That’s all the quotes.

14 quotes in the collection · come back when we add more