Very little in science fiction can transcend the gimmickry of a technical conceit, yet without that conceit at its heart a book is not truly science fiction. Furthermore, so little emerging thought and technology is employed by sf writers today that the genre is lagging far behind reality both in the cosmology area and the technology area: sf is no longer a place to experiment, but is now very derivative.

For the gift of life, the only true thanks was in living fully, and facing death with honor.

Fight for life itself and everlasting freedom of the human spirit.

Deception is a tactic: use it. Do whatever it takes to win.

Death's easy to find. If She wants you, you'll meet Her here as well as anywhere.

Then what difference does human striving make: mortal struggle, valor, pain? If you live, then live for the test of spirit, for the celebration of the heart. Live to fight on other days. Lose your beloveds one by one. And remember. Exalt the kiss of friend and horse and wind and sun, which venality cannot cheapen nor stupidity belittle.

Let fools believe what fools believe.