Jack Vance Quotes

In measured tones he answered Madouc: “Your condition lacks dignity; you bring ridicule upon us all.”
Madouc gave a stony shrug. “If you do not like what you see, look elsewhere.”

If one basic axiom controls the cosmos, it must be this: In a situation of infinity every possible condition occurs, not once, but an infinite number of times.

This was fantastic, insane—contrary to the axioms of her existence.

“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.”

Remember, not all lawyers are fools!

It is useless, after all, to complain against inexorable reality.

Until work has reached its previous stage nympharium privileges are denied to all.

Music is like a language: you cannot understand it unless you learn it, or more accurately, are born into it.

Excellent; all is well. The 'everlasting tedium' exactly countervenes the 'immediate onset of death' and I am left only with the 'canker' which, in the person of Firx, already afflicts me. One must use his wits in dealing with maledictions.

Yes, I realize that I see but a semblance, but so do you, and who is to say which is real?

The vixen knew no other world than that in her own brain, had no conception that wills could exist in opposition to hers. Amusing now—but what a devil when she grew older!

My point is this: no outsider can effectively organize a group of experts; they must organize themselves.

Count me not your friend but the enemy of your enemies.

There is no reason why the project should not go easily and smoothly except for the innate perversity of circumstances.

The cantons of Shant were alike only in their mutual distrust. Each regarded as Universal Principles its own customs, costumes, jargon, and mannerisms and considered all else eccentricity.