Their superstitions will allow them to believe things without much critical thought. - Sean Russell

Not only had he become adept at predicting the behavior of others, but he could predict his own behavior just as well. He no longer surprised himself. It was one of the saddest things about aging.

I am a trained empiricist, sir. Superstition is not compatible with my pursuits.

Men who were used to subordinating others to their wills were invariably surprised by rebellion—as though this imaginary prison they created was, in fact, real.