Aphorisms are not true or false, but pointed or flat.
Boredom and fear keep us working and obeying the laws.
Make the expectations lively enough, and action will follow.
Intelligence without power cannibalizes itself.
Pessimists fear becoming the dupes of Hope. Optimists enjoy Hope's company, and consider being duped no great matter.
Realism: the wealth of detail guarantees the truth of the tale.