Quotes from Future Tense — Jack Vance
1916–2013 United States
← All quotes by Jack Vance
6 quotes
Now, as to the persistence of superstition, only an impoverished mind considers itself the repository of absolute knowledge.
Future Tense (1964)
I’d rather be a live pessimist than a dead comedian.
Future Tense (1964)
Organization: smooth and relentless; Organization: massive and inert, tolerant of the submissive, serenely cruel to the unbeliever…
Future Tense (1964)
“I’m not sure. There’s not much I can do. Unless—” he hesitated.
“Unless what?”
“Unless I make an underwater survey myself.”
Damon was appalled. “What do you hope to gain by that?”
Fletcher smiled. “If I knew, I wouldn’t need to go.”
Future Tense (1964)
When self-willed microunits combine to form and sustain a durable macrounit, certain freedoms of action are curtailed.
This is the basic process of Organization.
The more numerous and erratic the microunits, the more complex must be the structure and function of the macrounit—hence the more pervasive and restricting the details of Organization.
Future Tense (1964)
Here’s some miscellaneous information. First, wear what you like. Personally I dislike uniforms. I never have worn a uniform. Secondly, if you have a religion, keep it to yourself. I dislike religions. I have always disliked religions. In response to the thought passing through each of your skulls, I do not think of myself as God. But you may do so, if you choose.
Future Tense (1964)