Human culture is built around four basic elements: sexual relationships, territorial rights, individual intellectual dominance, and desire for group … - Charles Sheffield

How did you do that?" The Hymenopt inclined her head. "With respect, Professor Lang, great intellectual power, even at the level you possess it, is not always a substitute for humble practical experience.

The first ten-thousandth of a second after the Big Bang is far more interesting that the entire rest of the history of the universe.

Although the schoolchildren of this country emerge from our institutions of supposed learning ninety percent illiterate, knowing nothing of science, nothing of technology, little geography, and less history, every one of them will tell you who rules the country. We are governed by the interaction of a President, learned judges, and our people’s representatives.
Every child knows this; and every child is wrong. Perhaps it was once that way, but today the Court and President and Congress are either members of the old and wealthiest families, like the Michelsons and Brooks; or they have been bought and controlled by them. The sprawl of government passes and implements policies. But far fewer people, about a hundred in number, set policies.