185 quotes
As I said, it was inevitable, and I don’t let laws of nature upset me.
The Mote in God's Eye (1974)
Our society depends entirely on its technology. Change the technology, and you change the society. Most especially you change the ethics.
A Gift From Earth (1968)
Louis knew a few xenophobes, and regarded them as dolts.
Ringworld (1970)
Species evolve to meet the environment. An intelligent species changes the environment to suit itself. As soon as a species becomes intelligent, it should stop evolving.
The Mote in God's Eye (1974)
Parlette spoke slowly and evenly. "I am trying to prevent a bloodbath. Is that clear enough for you? I'm trying to prevent a civil war that could kill half the people in this world."
A Gift From Earth (1968)
I’d thought my way into this mess. I should be able to think my way out, shouldn’t I?
Convergent Series (1979)
“Do you play games of chance?”
“Emphatically yes. The process of living is a game of chance. To avoid chance is insanity.”
Tales of Known Space (1975)
I want a scotch and water. If I can’t have that, leave out the water.
The Barsoom Project (1989)
Griffin shook his head. How could Millie be so cheerful every morning? He ought to steal a cup of her coffee and send it to R&D to be analyzed…
Dream Park (1981)
Just take my word for it, will you? Assume I’m a genius.
Neutron Star (1968)
Sweet reason and solid judgment and philosophical resignation, these were not common among sorcerers.
The Magic Goes Away (1976)
I see that you will never agree. I cannot help that. I can only read the evidence.
Flatlander (1995)
And that’s another reason I don’t want contact between your species and mine. You’re all Crazy Eddies. You think every problem has a solution.
The Mote in God's Eye (1974)
The Perversity of the Universe Tends Toward a Maximum.
Protector (1973)
Nice to know that he had the gods on his side. Better make sure the lawyers were there, too.
The California Voodoo Game (1992)
Suddenly Corbell missed Mirabelle terribly. He mourned her, not because she was dead, but because she was gone.
A World Out of Time (1976)
He felt good. At worst he had found a brand-new way to die.
A World Out of Time (1976)
Do you know the difference between a comic book and a graphic novel? If you try to read a graphic novel in the sauna, it comes apart. Glue melts; staples don’t.
Playgrounds of the Mind (1991)
Heinlein spun off ideas at a terrific rate. Other writers picked them up…along with a distrust for arrogance combined with stupidity or ignorance, particularly in politicians.
N-Space (1990)
“That’s impossible. Isn’t it? Carlos?”
Carlos’ mouth twisted. “Not if it’s being done.”
Tales of Known Space (1975)