But the mere act of not being a traitor is also a long way from agreeing to be an active helper. - Isaac Asimov

In ironing out the disasters of Reality, Eternity rules out the triumphs as well, It is in meeting the great tests that mankind can most successfully rise to great heights, Out of danger and restless insecurity comes the force that pushes mankind to newer and loftier conquests, Can you understand that? Can you understand that in averting the pitfalls and miseries that beset man, Eternity prevents men from finding their own bitter and better solutions, the real solutions that come from conquering difficulty, not avoiding it.

Here in the Periphery they've lost nuclear power. In Gamma Andromeda, a power plant has undergone meltdown because of poor repairs, and the Chancellor of the Empire complains that nuclear technicians are scarce. And the solution? To train new ones? Never! Instead they're to restrict nuclear power." And for the third time: "Don't you see? It's Galaxy-wide. It's a worship of the past. It's a deterioration — a stagnation!

After all, all devices have their dangers. The discovery of speech introduced communication — and lies. The discovery of fire introduced cooking — and arson. The discovery of the compass improved navigation — and destroyed civilizations in Mexico and Peru. The automobile is marvelously useful — and kills Americans by the tens of thousands each year. Medical advances have saved lives by the millions — and intensified the population explosion.