It is the obvious which is so difficult to see most of the time. People say 'It's as plain as the nose on your face.' But how much of the nose on you… - Isaac Asimov

The rate of technological advance has been slowing for centuries and is down to a crawl now. In some cases, it has stopped altogether. Is this something you've noticed? After all, you're a mathematician.' 'I can't say I've given the matter any thought.' 'No one does. It's accepted. Scientists are very good these days at saying that things are impossible, impractical, useless. They condemn any speculation at once.

It is remarkable, Hardin, how the religion of science has grabbed hold.

Qualquer um que viva em um mundo radioativo está fadado a crescer com medo e insegurança. [...] Isso inculca uma espécie de ansiedade em nós. [...] Só estamos felizes no espaço; é o único lugar onde podemos nos sentir seguros.