David Brin quotes - page 5

It is senseless to proclaim that it's evil to make generalizations about groups. Generalization is a natural human mental process, and many generalizations are true-in average. What often does promote evil behavior is the lazy, nasty habit of believing that generalizations have anything at all to do with individuals. We have no right to pre-judge that a specific man can't nurture, or a particular woman cannot fight. (David Brin)
They say survival is Nature's only form of flattery. View quote
David Brin
She closed her eyes. And while her intellect wouldn't let her realize her deepest fear, that all this might soon be gone forever, nevertheless she stood there for a time and worshipped the only way a person like her could worship-in silence and solitude, under the temple of the sky. View quote
David Brin
There was that word quaint again. It seemed to refer patronizingly to anything simple or backward, from the viewpoint of a city-bred tourist. View quote
David Brin
I'd rather be dead than so suspicious I can't trust anybody. View quote
David Brin
"Huh,” Sepak thought, marveling how much one could learn by just sitting still and observing. It wasn't a skill one learned in the frenetic pace of modern society. View quote
David Brin
"Where there is mind, there is always solution,” Keneenk taught. All problems contained the elements of their answer. View quote
David Brin
The Union will awaken. It always has. We always will. View quote
David Brin
How did he get away with pushing a book like this? How is it anyone ever believed him?” Gordon shrugged. "It was called ‘the Big Lie' technique, Johnny. Just sound like you know what you're talking about-as if you're reciting facts. Talk very fast. Weave your lies into the shape of a conspiracy theory and repeat your assertions over and over again. Those who want an excuse to hate or blame-those with big but weak egos-will leap at a simple, neat explanation for the way the world is. Those types will never call you on the facts. View quote
David Brin
How far do we owe loyalty to our creators' dream? When have we earned the right to dream for ourselves? View quote
David Brin
Freedom was wonderful beyond relief. But with it came that bitch, Duty. (David Brin)
Anyone who wants simple, pat stories should buy another author's product. The real universe ain't that way, and neither are my fictive ones. View quote
David Brin
When I begin a book, I inevitably discover many things along the way, about the characters, their past histories and the political intrigues that surround them. This discovery process is vital, and I would not prejudice it by deciding too much in advance. View quote
David Brin
My education and background thoroughly inform my writing. View quote
David Brin
Above all, TRIBES is fun, and even kind of sexy... in that every round features an Opportunity for Reproduction, which is the main aim of the game, as it is in most of Nature. View quote
David Brin
There's no urgency, a third voice urged, pleading compromise. No duty calls. Hold onto the illusion a little longer. So she tried to go on pretending. After all, can't believing sometimes make dreams come true? No, it can't. Besides, you're awake now. View quote
David Brin
On this occasion, despite the wind and sparkling stars, they looked just like huge chunks of stone, pathetically chiseled by desperate folk to resemble stern gods. People did bizarre things when they were afraid...as most men and women had been for nearly all the time since the species evolved. View quote
David Brin
Look at all the happiest, sanest people you've known, Nelson. Really listen to them. I bet you'll find they don't fear a little inconsistency or uncertainty now and then. Oh, they try always to be true to their core beliefs, to achieve their goals and keep their promises. Still, they also avoid too much rigidity, forgiving the occasional contradiction and unexpected thought. They are content to be many. View quote
David Brin
At her station in life, wisdom dictated keeping a low profile. And yet... View quote
David Brin
I thought they were very good at what they did.” ”Of course they were good!” Brill glanced sharply. "The issue is what one chooses to be good at. The arts are fine, for hobbies. I play six instruments, myself. But they pose no great challenge to a mature mind. View quote
David Brin
Predicting has a spotty record in science fiction. I've had some failures. On the other hand, I also predicted the fall of the Berlin Wall and the rise of fundamentalist Islam... and I'm not happy to be right in all of those cases. (David Brin)
Fortunately, human beings are remarkably diverse models to work from. View quote
David Brin
I find humans tremendously interesting. View quote
David Brin
One of the rules I try to follow is that normal people are going to be involved even in heroic events. View quote
David Brin
I've long felt that the best minds of the right had useful things to contribute to a national conversation - even if their overall habit of resistance to change proved wrongheaded, more often than right. View quote
David Brin