“We think the governance has opted for ubiquitous law enforcement.” Pham whistled softly. Now every embedded computing system, down to a child’s ratt… - Vernor Vinge

Within thirty years, we will have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence. Shortly after, the human era will be ended.

Our system is founded on the Concept of Chaos. The universe is basically a dark and Unhappy place—a place where evil and injustice and randomness rule. The ironic thing is that the very act of organization creates the potential for even greater ruin. Social organizations have a natural tendency to become monopolistic and inflexible. When they finally break down, it is a catastrophic debacle. So, we must except a great deal of disorder and violence in our lives if we are to avoid a complete blow up later.

He claimed that nearby gun thunder cleared the mind—but most everybody else agreed it made you daft.