We keep falling into the same ditches, you know? I mean, we learn more and more about the physical universe, more about our own bodies, more technolo… - Octavia E. Butler

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We keep falling into the same ditches, you know? I mean, we learn more and more about the physical universe, more about our own bodies, more technology, but somehow, down through history, we go on building empires of one kind or another, then destroying them in one way or another. We go on having stupid wars that we justify and get passionate about, but in the end, all they do is kill huge numbers of people, maim others, impoverish still more, spread disease and hunger, and set the stage for the next war. And when we look at all of that in history, we just shrug our shoulders and say, well, that’s the way things are. That’s the way things always have been.

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About Octavia E. Butler

Octavia E. Butler (June 22, 1947 – February 24, 2006) was an American science fiction writer, one of the very few African-American women in the field.

Also Known As

Birth Name: Octavia Estelle Butler
Alternative Names: Octavia Butler
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Additional quotes by Octavia E. Butler

A victim of God may,
Through learning adaption,
Become a partner of God,
A victim of God may,
Through forethought and planning,
Become a shaper of God.
Or a victim of God may,
Through shortsightedness and fear,
Remain God’s victim,
God’s plaything,
God’s prey.

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I don't understand why the sight of you should scare me so," Joseph said. He did not sound frightened. "You don't look that threatening. Just...very different."
"Different is threatening to most species," Nikanj answered. "Different is dangerous. It might kill you. That was true to your animal ancestors and your nearest animal relatives. And it's true for you.

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