Government doesn’t often move quickly, but when they do, it’s like an — Gregory Benford

"Science is about continuity of ideas, a web of connections."

"Bureaucracy increases as a doubling function in time, given resources. At the personal level, the cause is the persistent desire of every manager to hire at least one assistant. This provides the time constant for growth. Eventually this collides with the carrying capacity of society."

"I agree with the Emperor. Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced."

"Ideas about existence pale, beside the fact of existence."

"“Costly,” Zeb fretted. “How will I ever pay—” “The dead do not worry about debts,” she said. “You have such an engaging way of putting matters.” “Subtlety is wasted here.”"

"While politicians wrangled on the front pages of our newspapers, quiet revolutions looked within. Only occasionally did the news I thought most notable make the front page. All of it hinged on the steady building of connections which marks modern science."