What would I do if I knew I only had six months to live? Type faster.

It's humbling to think that all animals, including human beings, are parasites of the plant world.

The energy requirements for interstellar travel are so great that it is inconceivable to me that any creatures piloting their ships across the vast depths of space would do so only in order to play games with us over a period of decades. If they want to make contact, they would make contact; if not, they would save their energy and go elsewhere.

Many adults, whether consciously or unconsciously, find it beneath their adult dignity to do anything as childish as read a book, think a thought, or get an idea. Adults are rarely embarrased at having forgotten what little algebra or geography they once learned

[O]ur statesmen, our businessmen, our everyman must take on a science fictional way of thinking.

The greatest inventors are unknown to us. Someone invented the wheel - but who?

The temptation was great to muster what force we could and put up a fight. It's the easiest way out, and the most satisfactory to self-respect--but, nearly invariably, the stupidest.