That is a phrase I had never heard before, dear Benita. Playing politics. It is like playing war, a game for degenerates. Statesmen should not “play”… - Sheri S. Tepper

"I don't know the sensible plant," said Cat wonderingly. "Where may it be found?"
"It cannot be found," the Gardener replied. "It is extinct."

Even when you went to the moon, you didn't go in search of truth. Oh, you said it was to learn about the universe, but you really went because you were playing a dominance game with another country. Once the other side no longer played the game, you only pretended to go on while actually you started the long slide back into magic and miracles."
Nell said angrily, "Miracles are religion!"
"It doesn't matter what name you call it," said the small god. "Magic or miracle, sorcery or religion, it's all the same.

the child’s life had allowed few if any illusions, and she already had an adult awareness that planning and happening were quite different things.