I may not ever be able to be certain what is absolutely True... but I sure as heck can work to find out what isn’t true! Moreover, I can improve my m… - David Brin

Where is it written that one should only care about big things? I fought for big things, long ago...for issues, principles, a country. Where are all of them now?
The steely gray eyes were narrow and sad when next he looked up at Gordon. I found out something, you know. I discovered that the big things don't love you back. They take and take, and never give in return. They'll drain your blood, your soul, if you let them, and never let go.
I lost my wife, my son, while away battling for big things. They needed me, but I had to go off trying to save the world. Powhatan snorted at the last phrase. Today I fight for my people, for my farm—for smaller things—things I can hold.

Self-righteousness is an especially heady condition that all of us have experienced at one time or another. Those who are honest will admit there is something sickly-sweet and alluring about knowing you are right, while others are terribly wrong.

Every time humans discovered a new resource, or technique for using mass and energy, one side effect has always been pollution. Why should the information age be any different from those of coal, petroleum, or the atom?