It was the laughter of the Elder Gods observing their creature man and noting their omissions, miscalculations and mistakes. - Fritz Leiber

Naturally a parent pretends to his child to be a little more perfect than he actually is. To admit any of his real weaknesses would be too much like encouraging vice.

Every human being believes he is perfect in his way, even the most miserable scoundrel or dreamer.

They’ve heard about space but they still don’t believe in it. They haven’t been out here to see for themselves that there isn’t any giant elephant under the earth, holding it up, and a giant tortoise holding up the elephant. If I say “planet” and “spaceship” to them, they still think “horoscope” and “flying saucer”.