The ecosystem of our world is a closed system: it would run out of gas, collapse of its own weight.
Joan D. VingeHumans may be the only creatures on Earth who spend significant time thinking about the fact that someday their lives will end.
Joan D. VingeWe are all born with a unique genetic blueprint, which lays out the basic characteristics of our personality as well as our physical health and appearance... And yet, we all know that life experiences do change us.
Joan D. VingeBut what force in the galaxy is stronger than she is?" "Indifference." Jerusha surprised herself with the answer. "Indifference, Gundhalinu, is the strongest force in the universe. It makes everything it touches meaningless. Love and hate don't stand a chance against it. It lets neglect and decay and monstrous injustice go unchecked. It doesn't act, it allows. And that's what gives it so much power.
Joan D. Vinge