Since we are not permitted to act, we are obliged to know.

You used the word "civilization", which means a set of abstractions, symbols, conventions. Experience tends to be vicarious; emotions are predigested and electrical; ideas become more real than things.

In the end, death came uniformly to all, and all extracted as much satisfaction from their dying as this essentially graceless process could afford.

I categorically declare first my absolute innocence, second my lack of criminal intent, and third my effusive apologies.

I got done writing Ports of Call and suddenly realized I have far too much material for the book.

I must cite an intrinsic condition of the universe. We set forth in any direction which seems convenient; each leads to the same place: the end of the universe.

Count me not your friend but the enemy of your enemies.