Matt Hughes Quotes

The insane had a tendency to cloak others in the strange garments they found hanging in the backs of their own mental wardrobes. So, for that matter, did the rest of us, but the consequences of error were usually less drastic.

"That is unfair," said Filidor.
Gavne shrugged. "Things are as they are. If you quest after justice, young women are the wrong continent to explore. They run more to clemency or spite."

"This conversation would be more easily conducted," said Filidor, "if I had any notion of what you are talking about."

I had no doubt that there was madness here. How could it be otherwise in a cosmos that was ordered solely by will? It did not mean that the insane would automatically rise to the apex of the social order; their efforts would be diffused by the randomness of the impulses that drove them. But those whose extraordinary powers of will propelled them to the heights of power and rank would always be vulnerable to going further than they should. And there would be none but their equally mad rivals to restrain them.

"I will inform the world of your preference," said Gaskarth, "but I doubt it will lead to any significant improvements in your lot."

Coming whence you do, you doubtless assume that the mores and customs of your own land arise from the workings of simple human nature. But human nature is far from simple, and what appears natural in your own milieu may seem chillingly alien when transported into some foreign sphere.

"Often, when a stranger says, 'Trust me,' a wise man puts his hand on his purse and backs away."

"We are all used, all users. With luck, the final tally approximates a balance in our favor. But I think you are one of those who calls the proverbial glass half empty, while I prefer to call it half full."
"No," said Filidor, "in truth, I have never given these matters much thought. I am one who quaffs the glass empty and calls for it to be refilled."

But in this age, logic was a flame that must be frequently starved of fuel.

"Who was it who said that irony is the fundamental operating principle of the universe?"
"I believe," I said, "that it was Henghis Hapthorn."

"Then you will have to look at an experienced integrator."
"You mean a used and discarded one."
"We could quibble over narrow distinctions and shades of meaning all day, only to greet the evening with nothing accomplished. Or we could press on and solve your problem."

“I disagree,” said Jenbo Lal.
“Disagreeability is your forte,” said Gaskarth.

When all the good ideas have been expended, I quoted to myself, one might as well try a bad one.

"Magic," said my integrator, "has rules. At the heart of the willful, associative universe, we find a modicum of rationalism, just as we find uncertainty at the core of the rational cosmos."
"Exactly," I said. "And there seems no other explanation for it than sheer perversity on the part of whatever entity is responsible for the whole untidy business."
I thought about it a moment more then said, "Perversity, or just a very idiosyncratic sense of humor."

"Knowledge can be a hindrance to right action," answered the little man. "There are those who hold that, if we but knew the full ramifications of even our least deeds, the ensuing concatenations of cause and effect would paralyze us with indecision."