That's so like you Terrans," Melith remarked sadly. "You want responsibility only if it doesn't incur risk. That's a wrong attitude for running a gov… - Robert Sheckley

In a way it made no difference, since nothing is permanent except our illusions.

When the first man sets foot on the surface of Mars, we will participate only to the extent of watching a shadowy replay of the great event on television. You know already how it will go: announcers with sonorous voices will tell us exactly what is happening. And they will also cue us as to the proper emotions we should feel it every stage of the great adventure. That will be our share in the conquest of other worlds.

He shared the common human hallmark: he was simultaneously predictable and unfathomable—a routine miracle.