I’m learning, Maia thought. They keep making mistakes and I keep getting stronger. At this rate, someday I may actually gain control over my life. - David Brin

Oh, there’s no high quite like getting the focused attention of powerful enemies. Nothing is better guaranteed to make you feel important in the world, which may be why conspiracy theories are so popular among frustrated underachievers.

Life is not fair...Anyone who says it is, or even that it ought to be, is a fool or worse.

There’s a reason why kings built large palaces, sat on thrones and wore rubies all over. There’s a whole social need for that, not to oppress the masses, but to impress the masses and make them proud and allow them to feel good about their culture, their government and their ruler so that they are left feeling that a ruler has the right to rule over them, so that they feel good rather than disgusted about being ruled. — George Lucas, New York Times, 1999