Namir would know all the uses of scandal and innuendo and half-truths. Strange weapons, so easy to take up, the stain indelible on user and victim. - Edgar Pangborn

If there must be blame, then all citizens—you, I, everyone—are responsible for letting it be that kind of world, for not placing ethical development ahead of every other kind. We understand ethical necessities quite well; we’ve been capable of understanding them for several thousand years; but we haven’t been willing to let them rule our actions—it’s that simple.

What hurts us worst is to have our favorite self-deceptions stripped away.

I wonder," said Abraham, "if I'd ever think I knew enough to act.
"If you don't, then study all your life and talk a little when you believe you have something to say."