Of course they needed to care. It was the meaning of everything.

I feel sorry for anyone who is in a place where he feels strange and stupid.

Our people made that choice, the choice to go to Sameness. Before my time, before the previous time, back and back and back. We relinquished color when we relinquished sunshine and did away with difference. We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others.

But there's a whole world waiting, still, and there are good things in it.

I don't set out to transmit a message. I don't write with a political point of view. There are no religious overtones. Looking back at my books, I can say, 'Oh, yes, it is there.' But it's not in my mind when I write.

What's important is the preparation for adult life, and the training you'll receive in your Assignment.

Because of fear, they made shelter and found food and grew things. For the same reason, weapons were stored, waiting.