61 quotes
“That does not sound like I’m getting an answer soon.”
“We’re glad you understand.”
“No,” says Jason, “I don’t understand!”
“Then we’re sorry you don’t understand.”
Devil or Angel & Other Stories (2015)
In adolescence, Chesney had drifted away from old-time religion. He found too many contradictions and absurdities in scripture. Besides, he had found a more reliable truth in the elegant architectures of mathematics.
Devil or Angel & Other Stories (2015)
Bunker Hill Sansom—though he told everyone to call him Bunky, and God help any who didn’t—had made his billions by finding new ways to do old things. Inarguably, his ways were better ways, provided your definition of “better” was “more fashionable.”
Devil or Angel & Other Stories (2015)
“I am not one to deny the broadening effects of distant lands,” offered Nofreg, “yet I have often said that the chief benefit of travel is to allow the returned sojourner a renewed appreciation of his native milieu.”
Fools Errant (1994)
When we have done more traveling together, you will come to see that occasionally we must be other than forthright with local authorities. Many of them lack imagination and react poorly to creativity and unexpected innovation.
Hespira (2009)
My intent was to spot not only Massim Shar’s cut-out but the other member of his criminal coterie who would be there to watch our transaction. There might even be a watcher to watch the watcher, trust being a commodity in short supply among the lawless.”
Hespira (2009)
“From within such a calcified culture, no change can be generated; the impetus for reform must arise from without. Hence, the external threat posed by Hunan Diath.”
“Who does not exist,” said Filidor.
“Who need not exist,” said Gaskarth, “so long as the idea can do its work.”
Fools Errant (1994)
To me, the human body was not a quasi-metaphysical mystery to be unraveled. It was a kind of soft machine whose parts could be repaired when they broke down, or—even better—replaced entirely with materials God would have used if He’d only had access to teflon and stainless steel.
Devil or Angel & Other Stories (2015)
Also, there was a remarkable display of objects that primitive humanity had allegedly thrust through various parts of their bodies—some of them extremely sensitive—for decorative effect. I shuddered slightly at the thought: self-mutilation, though everyone’s right, had always taken me aback.
Majestrum (2006)
A research scientist is someone who cannot rest content within the confines of existing knowledge, but always itches to know what is over the horizon.
Or it’s somebody who doesn’t know to leave well enough alone.
Devil or Angel & Other Stories (2015)
They wake up the lead guitarist, although it takes him a while to get both his eyes pointed in the same direction. But the bass player is as laid-back as bassmen usually are, and the drummer’s not as insane as most of his peers.
Devil or Angel & Other Stories (2015)
A lifelong habit of being right also had the effect of diminishing one’s social appeal, especially among those who prefer to keep the bubble of their various illusions a safe distance from a needle-sharp and probing intelligence.
Majestrum (2006)
“Then you will have to look at an experienced integrator.”
“You mean a used and discarded one.”
“We could quibble over narrow distinctions and shades of meaning all day, only to greet the evening with nothing accomplished. Or we could press on and solve your problem.”
The Spiral Labyrinth (2007)
“I have a reputation for genius,” I said, though I lowered my voice. “It can withstand some eccentricities.”
Majestrum (2006)
Hell, like Heaven, was an autocracy.
Devil or Angel & Other Stories (2015)
Things are as they were meant to be.
“But it was arranged so by you and me.”
Then we are instruments of fate.
“Knowing instruments,” said Filidor.
How does that make a difference?
Fool Me Twice (2001)
“Down among your... population, in addition to labor organizers, you’re bound to have a few public relations consultants.”
“Quite a few,” said the Archfiend. “It’s a field that rewards amoral inventiveness.”
Devil or Angel & Other Stories (2015)
Coming whence you do, you doubtless assume that the mores and customs of your own land arise from the workings of simple human nature. But human nature is far from simple, and what appears natural in your own milieu may seem chillingly alien when transported into some foreign sphere.
Fools Errant (1994)
“I do not wish to experience that again.”
“Some people claim that the occasional exposure to fear enhances their enjoyment of more tranquil circumstances.”
“Some people ought to be confined for their own good,” my assistant said, “and to prevent them from spreading dangerous inanities.”
The Spiral Labyrinth (2007)
“I will give you,” said Grolion, “a promissory note for a handsome sum, redeemable the moment I am restored to my birthright.”
“The restoration of your fortunes, though no doubt inevitable, is not guaranteed to arrive before the sun goes out.”
Devil or Angel & Other Stories (2015)