[Science fiction is] that class of prose narrative treating of a situation that could not arise in the world we know, but which is hypothesised on the basis of some innovation in science or technology, or pseudo-science or pseudo-technology, whether human or extra-terrestrial in origin. It is distinguished from pure fantasy by its need to achieve verisimilitude and win the 'willing suspension of disbelief' through scientific plausibility.

It is no wonder that people are so horrible when they start life as children.

Consciousness was upon him before he could get out of the way.

Yevgeny Yevtushenko: 'You atheist?' "Kingsley Amis: 'Well, yes, but it's more that I hate him.

A German wine label is one of the things life's too short for.

Education is one thing and instruction, however worthy, necessary and incidentally or monetarily educative, another.

Outside every fat man there is an even fatter man trying to close in.