This wise man observed that wealth is a tool of freedom. But the pursuit of wealth is the way to slavery.

When a wise man does not understand, he says: "I do not understand." The fool and the uncultured are ashamed of their ignorance. They remain silent when a question could bring them wisdom.

When I am weaker than you, I ask you for freedom because that is according to your principles; when I am stronger than you, I take away your freedom because that is according to my principles.

You should never be in the company of anyone with whom you would not want to die.

Give as few orders as possible," his father had told him once long ago. "Once you've given orders on a subject, you must always give orders on that subject.

The writing of history is largely a process of diversion. Most historical accounts distract attention from the secret influences behind great events.

Then, as his planet killed him, it occurred to Kynes that his father and all the other scientists were wrong, that the most persistent principles of the universe were accident and error.