A lifelong habit of being right also had the effect of diminishing one’s social appeal, especially among those who prefer to keep the bubble of their… - Matt Hughes

"Magic," said my integrator, "has rules. At the heart of the willful, associative universe, we find a modicum of rationalism, just as we find uncertainty at the core of the rational cosmos."
"Exactly," I said. "And there seems no other explanation for it than sheer perversity on the part of whatever entity is responsible for the whole untidy business."
I thought about it a moment more then said, "Perversity, or just a very idiosyncratic sense of humor."

Coming whence you do, you doubtless assume that the mores and customs of your own land arise from the workings of simple human nature. But human nature is far from simple, and what appears natural in your own milieu may seem chillingly alien when transported into some foreign sphere.

"We are all used, all users. With luck, the final tally approximates a balance in our favor. But I think you are one of those who calls the proverbial glass half empty, while I prefer to call it half full."
"No," said Filidor, "in truth, I have never given these matters much thought. I am one who quaffs the glass empty and calls for it to be refilled."