I'm a novelist, that's how I make my livelihood, and I concentrate on the novels.

The better organized the state, the duller its humanity.

Mother used to say escape is never further than the nearest book. Well, Mumsy, no, not really. Your beloved large-print sagas of rags, riches, and heartbreak were no camouflage against the miseries trained on you by the tennis ball launcher of life, were they? But, yes, Mum, there again, you have a point. Books don’t offer real escape, but they can stop a mind scratching itself raw.

Faith, the least exclusive club on Earth, has the craftiest doorman.

To enslave an individual troubles your consciences, Archivist, but to enslave a clone is no more troubling than owning the latest six-wheeler ford, ethically. Because you cannot discern our differences, you assume we have none. But make no mistake: even same-stem fabricants cultured in the same wombtank are as singular as snowflakes.

One's ribs shouldn't be prison bars.

You can maintain power over people, as long as you give them something. Rob a man of everything, and that man will no longer be in your power.