Los filósofos como Diógenes eran llamados kynikos, de la palabra griega kyon, que significa perro, porque parecían estar siempre ladrando y gruñiendo… - Isaac Asimov

Lord Dorwin took snuff. He also had long hair, curled intricately and, quite obviously, artificially, to which were added a pair of fluffy, blond sideburns, which he fondled affectionately. Then, too, he spoke in overprecise statements and left out all the r's.

Inevitably, he said, "What is the meaning of this?"
It is the precise question and precise wording thereof that has been put to the atmosphere on such occasions by an incredible variety of men since humanity was invented. In it not recorded that it has ever been asked for any purpose other than dignified effect.

The fall of Empire, gentlemen, is a massive thing, however, and not easily fought. It is dictated by a rising bureaucracy, a receding initiative, a freezing of caste, a damming of curiosity – a hundred other factors.