All evil and good is petty before Nature. Personally, we take comfort from this, that there is a universe to admire that cannot be twisted to villainy or good, but which simply is.
Vernor VingeOne of his greatest talents was empathy; no sadist can aspire to perfection without that diagnostic ability.
Vernor VingeTechnical people don't make good slaves. Without their wholehearted cooperation, things fall apart.
Vernor VingeThe dilemma felt by science fiction writers will be perceived in other creative endeavors.
Vernor Vinge