Humanity is an assemblage of information-processing entities, and in that regard you have potential. - Alastair Reynolds

“Maybe it’s not as bad as she fears. Old people always think the world is going to ruin. It’s their job.”
“Maybe they’re right,” Floyd replied.

I imagine you feel insignificant," Sajaki said, almost as if he had been listening in on the conversation. "Well; you're justified in feeling that way. You are insignificant. That's the majesty of this place. Would you choose it any other way?

But when she tried to say something, the words always seemed trite and inadequate. Nothing measured up. When any moment might be their last, there was nothing she could ever imagine saying that had the necessary dignity to fill that instant. Silence was better. Silence had its own dignity.