296 quotes
He said that humanity in the main was crass, stupid, boorish and vulgar, and that I could learn at least this much from you.
Lyonesse Trilogy (1983)
The ancient tale, thought Burke: barbarism triumphant over civilization.
Nopalgarth (1980)
The town’s lack of special quirks was almost a peculiarity in itself.
Showboat World (1975)
I suspect that the word (art) was invented by second-rate intelligences to describe the incomprehensible activities of their betters.
Showboat World (1975)
Now was the present, now was the time containing that sweet union of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, spirit, will and imagination named Nancy.
Big Planet (1957)
You emphasize morality. But the ultimate basis of morality is survival. What promotes survival is good; what induces mortifaction is bad.
The Last Castle (1966)
“Why not alter the habits of a lifetime and speak with candour?” asked Shimrod. “Truth, after all, need not be only the tactic of last resort.”
Lyonesse Trilogy (1983)
The purportedly free was seldom as represented.
Dying Earth (1950)
If one basic axiom controls the cosmos, it must be this: In a situation of infinity every possible condition occurs, not once, but an infinite number of times.
Rumfuddle (1973)
The Rhune is not a likable man. He is so sensitive as to be truculent; he is contemptuous of all other races than the Rhune. He is self-centered, arrogant, unsympathetic in his judgments.
Alastor trilogy (1973)
“For an intelligent man,” snapped Reith, “you are extremely obstinate and unimaginative. Someday I am sure you will recognize your error; until then, believe whatever you care to believe.”
Planet of Adventure (1968)
Motto of the Institute: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing; a great deal of knowledge is disaster, which detractors of the Institute scornfully paraphrase to: Somebody else’s ignorance is bliss.
Demon Princes (1964)
“I know the feeling,” said Lanarck. “I’ve had my own troubles with the scoundrels. The only good bursar is a dead bursar.”
The Narrow Land (1982)
Althea cried out in dismay: “Is that what you believe?”
“In the absence of evidence I believe nothing,” said Dr. Fiorio.
Night Lamp (1996)
I know now what I should have known every moment of my life; that unless you help yourself, you die a slave. The fact is basic.
Durdane series (1971)
I may be called upon to address the company. No one will listen, of course, which is just as well, since I have nothing to say.
Lyonesse Trilogy (1983)
I am not the man for this sort of business; I detest puzzlement.
Durdane series (1971)
The curious race, the Earthers. Young, only a few years removed from savagery, contaminated by the past, correspondingly exuberant and direct.
Slaves of the Klau (1958)
An idea of great merit! While we are alive we should sit among colored lights and taste good wines, and discuss our adventures in far places; when we are dead, the opportunity is past.
Maske: Thaery (1976)
You have no concept of Magarak’s reality; you refuse to think; you live by ready-made emotional doctrines—a substitute for thought. What is worse, you try to wrench reality to fit your ideas.
Slaves of the Klau (1958)