# Quotations I

Originally published: 2013-07-21
Canonical URL: /2013/Jul/quotations-i/

> "As far as anyone knows, there's never been an animal population that was stable in the absence of predation, famine, or disease."
>
> "Don't get discouraged," Carla said, reaching over and putting a hand on his shoulder. "That's just the history of life for the past few eons. It's not as if it's a law of physics."

—_The Eternal Flame_ by Greg Egan

  
> Cherryl did not answer, then said suddenly, desperately, "Look ... what I don't want is charity."
>
> "Jim must have told you—and it's true—that I never engage in charity."
>
> "Yes, he did ... But what I mean is—"
>
> "I know what you mean."
>
> "But there's no reason why you should have to feel concern for me ... I didn't come here to complain and ... and load another burden on your shoulders. ... That I happen to suffer, doesn't give me a claim on you."
>
> "No, it doesn't. But that you value all the things I value, does."
>
> "You mean ... if you want to talk to me, it's not alms? Not just because you feel sorry for me?"
>
> "I feel terribly sorry for you, Cherryl, and I'd like to help you—not because you suffer, but because you haven't deserved to suffer."
>
> "You mean, you wouldn't be kind to anything weak or whining or rotten aobut me? Only to whatever you see in me that's good?"
>
> "Of course."

—_Atlas Shrugged_ by Ayn Rand

  
> The wizard gets the delight of working in a specialized area—magic—and gets a good look at the foundations of the Universe, the way things really work. It should be stated that there are people who consider the latter more of a curse than a blessing.

—_So You Want to Be a Wizard_ by Diane Duane

  
> But I don't need to know the answer. I just recite to myself, over and over, until I can choose sleep:
>
> _It all adds up to normality._

—_Quarantine_ by Greg Egan