When you know nothing, you are free to hope. — Gregory Benford

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

"Government doesn’t often move quickly, but when they do, it’s like an elephant stampede."

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

"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."

"—Y’know, fact that nobody understands you doesn’t mean you’re some kinda genius."

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