Jack Vance Quotes

Discipline in itself is not a corrupt concept, only discipline that is imposed rather than self-calculated.

“As always there is someone to hold a tight hand on the purse strings—usually the most affluent of the persons in authority.”
“This is how they become affluent.”

“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.”

Urbanized men and women experience not life but the abstraction of life, on ever higher levels of refinement and dislocation from reality. They become processors of ideas, and have evolved such esoteric occupations as the critic, the critic who criticizes criticism, and even the critic who criticizes criticism of criticism. It is a very sad misuse of human talent and energy.

I often reflect upon the word “morality,” the most troublesome and confusing word of all.
There is no single or supreme morality; there are many, each defining the mode by which a system of entities optimally interacts.
The eminent entomologist Fabre, observing a mantis in the act of devouring its mate, exclaimed: “What an abominable custom!”
The ordinary man, during a day’s time, may be obliged to act by the terms of a half dozen different moralities. Some of these acts, appropriate at one moment, may the next moment be considered obscene or opprobrious in terms of another morality.
The person who, let us say, expects generosity from a bank, efficient flexibility from a government agency, open-mindedness from a religious institution will be disappointed. In each purview the notions represent immorality. The poor fool might as quickly discover love among the mantises.

My wealth is my shelf of books!

My own concepts in this regard are easy and clear, and I am sure that the word “simplistic” will be used by my critics. These folk are callow and turgid of intellect; I am reassured by their howls and yelps.

“May I inquire as to your motives?”
“Why do you trouble to ask? You would believe nothing told you.”

The seconds marched past, traversing that mysterious boundary which separates future from past.

“What are you doing here?”
“I’m looking at you, and grateful for the opportunity.”

For many years my nerves were like electric wires. Then I discovered the first axiom of human accord: I accept each person on his own terms. I keep a close tongue in my head; I offer opinions only when so solicited. What a remarkable change! Dissension vanishes, novel facts emerge, digestion flows like a wide river.

I am a legalist and a financial expert, I admit as much; but my disregard for the law goes no further.

Remember, not all lawyers are fools!

If religions are diseases of the human psyche, as the philosopher Grintholde asserts, then religious wars must be reckoned the resultant sores and cankers infecting the aggregate corpus of the human race. Of all wars, these are the most detestable, since they are waged for no tangible gain, but only to impose a set of arbitrary credos upon another’s mind.

I can tell you this at least. The most convincing disguise for legitimacy is legitimacy itself.