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Quotes from Planet of Adventure — Jack Vance

1916–2013 United States

← All quotes by Jack Vance

15 quotes

They consider garrulity a crime against nature.

Planet of Adventure (1968)

This is an insane society, constrained by punctilio as a rotten egg is held by its shell.

Planet of Adventure (1968)

“Anacho, my friend,” said Reith, “you have a great deal to learn. The process will come as an appalling shock to you.”

Planet of Adventure (1968)

There is no reason why the project should not go easily and smoothly except for the innate perversity of circumstances.

Planet of Adventure (1968)

Vengeance is not the most noble activity, but submissiveness is worse.

Planet of Adventure (1968)

A person who calls facts absurdities will often be surprised.

Planet of Adventure (1968)

Your analyses at times border upon the mordant.

Planet of Adventure (1968)

“I admit to what may be an obtrusive curiosity.”
“The quality signifies an active mind,” said Reith.

Planet of Adventure (1968)

Evidently you do not trust me. This does not predispose me to trust you.

Planet of Adventure (1968)

“Do you deny the charges?”
“I neither confirm nor deny them; they are ridiculous.”

Planet of Adventure (1968)

“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)

“Adam Reith, you have made a serious mistake.”
Reith nodded grimly. “Instead of an honest man I hired you.”

Planet of Adventure (1968)

Surveillance portended unpleasant events: this on Tschai was an axiom of existence.

Planet of Adventure (1968)

There is a dark side to humanity, which is like a stone pressed into the mold. The upper side, exposed to sun and air, is clean; tilt it and look below, at the muck and scurrying insects…

Planet of Adventure (1968)

“It goes to demonstrate,” said Reith, “that you can’t judge a man by the table he sets.”
Cauch asked shrewdly, “How then can a man judge his fellows? For example, what is the basis of your calculation?”
“Only one thing I know for certain,” said Reith. “First thoughts are always wrong.”

Planet of Adventure (1968)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Jack Vance (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.