Jack Vance Quotes

I categorically declare first my absolute innocence, second my lack of criminal intent, and third my effusive apologies.

“I wonder, sir, if you’d be good enough to advise me.”
“Certainly, within the limits of discretion,” said Eubanq. “I should warn you, however, that free advice is usually not worth its cost.”

A detached attitude toward the problems of others is not illegal.

Every Arrabin desperately asserts his individuality, with personal tricks and fads. A futile kind of life, no doubt, but isn’t all life futile?

It does no good to hurry here. In fact, it may even be against the law.

Cease the bickering! I am indulging the exotic whims of a beautiful princess and must not be distracted.

Gambling, in the ultimate study, stems from the passive, the submissive, the irresponsible in human nature; the gambler is one of an inferior lickspittle breed who turns himself belly-upward to the capricious deeds of Luck. Examine now the man of strength and action: he is never led by destiny. He drives on a decided course, manipulates the variables, and instead of submitting to the ordained shape of his life, creates a pattern to his own design.

“You will understand,” said the Weaponeer, “that a pattern for events exists. It is the function of such as myself to shape events so that they will fit the pattern.” He bent, with a graceful sweep of arm, and seized a small jagged pebble. “Just as I can grind this bit of rock to fit a round aperture.”
Kergan Banbeck reached forward, took the pebble, tossed it high over the tumbled boulders. “That bit of rock you shall never shape to fit a round hole.”
The Weaponeer shook his head in mild deprecation. “There is always more rock.”
“And there are always more holes,” declared Kergan Banbeck.

“You were notified in regard to a recent conclave of the Dexad at Wild Isle?”
“Yes. I chose not to attend. In discussions I find myself consistently a minority of one, and my presence seems unnecessary.”

There are also those who, like the author, ensconce themselves on a thunderous crag of omniscience, and with protestations of humility which are either unconvincing or totally absent, assume the obligation of appraisal, commendation, derogation or denunciation of their contemporaries. Still, by and large it is an easier job than digging a ditch.

“I think that I will not answer that question,” he said at last. “I would create as many false images as there were ears to hear me.”
“Half as many,” Clissum pointed out delicately.

Candor is never indiscreet. Truth, which is to say, the reflection of life, is beautiful.

Since we are not permitted to act, we are obliged to know.

“What’s the trouble? Given up?”
“What is there to give up?”
“Confidence.”
She said in a soft voice, “We’re slaves; slaves have no need for confidence.”
“I’m not a slave until I feel like a slave.”

Motto of the Institute: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing; a great deal of knowledge is disaster, which detractors of the Institute scornfully paraphrase to: Somebody else’s ignorance is bliss.