Are you from Venus? Jupiter? Philadelphia? — Walter Tevis

He thought, looking at the cat, if only you were the intelligent species on this world. And then, smiling wryly, maybe you are.

“We won’t necessarily become extinct. Disarmament is being negotiated. Not all of us are insane.”

“But most of you are. Enough of you are—it only requires a few insane ones, in the right places.

“I want you to save the world, Mr. Newton.”

Newton’s smile did not change, and his reply was immediate. “Is it worth saving, Nathan?”