Technology determines the possibilities of society. It doesn't matter whether you start out from a fascist state or a communist state or a free-market state
Iain BanksI still find it hard to understand that anyone could argue that you can't have machines that exhibit consciousness.
Iain BanksMost people are not prepared to have their minds changed, and I think they know in their hearts that other people are just the same, and one of the reasons people become angry when they argue is that they realize just that, as they trot out their excuses.
Iain BanksHalf the fun of writing a novel is finding out from other people later on what you actually meant.
Iain BanksPeople can be teachers and idiots; they can be philosophers and idiots; they can be politicians and idiots... in fact I think they have to be... a genius can be an idiot. The world is largely run for and by idiots; it is no great handicap in life and in certain areas is actually a distinct advantage and even a prerequisite for advancement.
Iain Banks