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Mike Resnick

155 quotes

“Besides,” she added, “the Madonna has been very stupid.” “Oh? In what way?” “She forgot the prime axiom of a whorehouse: that there’s a difference between love and sex. Her job is dispensing sex, and instead she fell in love with the man who is rigging the Comet’s books. It was a very unprofessional thing to do.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“This is survival of the fittest, Mr. Redwine.” “Or of the least moral,” he said bitterly. “It comes to the same thing in the end,” she acknowledged pleasantly.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Crane stared at her for a moment. “I realize that people find me abrasive and demanding…” he began. “You left out tyrannical,” she noted dryly.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Is there anything else?” “Only that you have expressed dissatisfaction at not yet obtaining a supervisory position, and that your associates find you difficult and demanding to work with.” “That’s because I am difficult and demanding to work with,” he said, not without a trace of pride. “As for my associates, they’re a bunch of maladroits and incompetents.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You’re not irritating me, Mr. Crane,” said the Black Pearl. “You’re sure?” “Absolutely,” she replied. “I’m used to dealing with prima donnas and their over-inflated egos.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I don’t like ultimatums,” said the Black Pearl. “Then you shouldn’t force me to deliver them.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“At any rate, she is what one might call a voyeur with delusions of literacy.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He had been to casinos on Deluros and a handful of other worlds, and had usually been disappointed in them. Romantic fictions and cinemas had always portrayed them as playgrounds for the very rich, whereas his experience was that the typical casino gambler had no more knowledge of taste or culture than he had of odds.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You didn’t really think it was funny, did you?” “I laughed, didn’t I?” responded Crane. “Insincerely.” “Well, you can’t have everything.” “No,” admitted the comedian. “But you can want everything.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Have I mentioned before that you’re a very interesting person, Mr. Crane?” “No—but I fully concur.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I don’t know how to tell you this gently, Mr. Bello, but you’re yesterday’s news.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The one thing Vainmill has in common with all governments and major corporations is that it abhors scandals.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He was a very dangerous man.” “He was a very brilliant man.” “I know. That’s what made him so dangerous.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“And, predictably, he has taken every such gesture as a sign of weakness. You can't reach an accommodation with a man like this; you have to fight him.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He's got to have a weakness somewhere.” “Most men do,” said Fiona, commanding the doors to open. “Even a moral man like Thomas Gold.” “I like moral men the best.” “Oh?” she said, stepping into the elevator. “Why is that?” Constantine smiled. “They always make the loudest crash when they fall.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Christina, you shouldn't say that about your brother,” said Gold. “He happens to be the most righteous man I've ever been privileged to know.” “That's just the kind of man who will commit any crime without compunction if he's convinced he's right,” said Christina.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“That's a very small comfort, to me or to him,” said Christina bitterly. “I’m a scientist,” answered Robert apologetically. “I’m better at analyzing problems than finding comforting things to say about them.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You're almost an hour late!” continued Murray Carnegie harshly. “I’d prefer to think that everyone else was an hour early,” said Page.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He talked to me about my place in the organization.” “And?” “As long as I ask his permission every time I feel like inhaling or exhaling, I'm sure we'll get along just fine.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“She smiled. “Well, you wanted to be a scriptwriter.” “Not really,” he replied wryly. “I just wanted to be rich and famous.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Why not borrow from something more recent?” she asked. “I don't mind consciously swiping from plays that no one has ever heard of,” he replied. “But I don't want to inadvertently steal a character or a story line that might be familiar.” He smiled. “It's the difference between research and plagiarism.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“True representations are for libraries. Happy, exciting stories are for audiences.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We’re going to have a murder. Audiences like a little violence with their sex and music.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It's a good, professional outline,” he said at last. “I am not qualified to offer subjective artistic opinions,” said Cupid. “Take my word for it. It's got songs, it's got romance, it's got laughs, it's got a happy ending, and I guarantee the audience won't have to think.” He shrugged. “It may be silly as hell, but it'll make a hundred million credits.” He paused, then shook his head sadly. “You’d think an audience would have better taste.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Sue me, but I just don't see any need to be this artsy-fartsy.” “I’m trying to create a work of art, damn it!” said Page, exasperated. “Works of art appeal to the masses, Nate; they don't hold them in contempt or try to drive them away.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It wouldn't work,” said Page. “Why?” “Because you're a machine. You're simply reporting facts, and facts have very little to do with truth.” “That is contradictory, Nate.” “Only to a machine,” replied Page.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Man sells his soul to the devil, he spends the rest of his life trying to stockpile enough money to buy it back.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Somewhere along the way he learned the most important lesson of all, which was that a king with no heirs had better never turn his back on anybody.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“No matter what kind of promises a man who’s looking for power makes, he’s not going to turn out to be any different from the one he replaces.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You never did tell me why you became a bounty hunter.” “I’d been a terrorist for twelve years. The only thing I knew how to do really well was kill people.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You must have been a very serious young man.” “Actually, I used to laugh a lot more than I do now.” He shrugged. “That was when I thought one moral man could make a difference. The only thing I find really funny these days is the fact that so many people still believe it.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Did you find God, or did you buy Him off?” “It’s all a matter of viewpoint,” answered Socrates. “I contribute thousands of credits to His churches and sing His praises every morning, and He pretty much protects me and helps take care of business. It’s a mutually nourishing relationship.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You know,” he said unhappily, “I never did like you much. You were always too ambitious, always scheming and plotting.” “Why should I deny it?” she said calmly. “I’ll only add that it’s people like you who made it easy.” “What’ll you do when you finally get to the top, and there are no more bodies to climb over?” “Mostly, I’ll enjoy it,” she replied.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Have you ever done anything, even once, with no thought of a return?” he asked. “Yes.” “How old were you? Six?” “Younger. And I immediately decided that there was no percentage in it.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I may die unmourned, but I sure as hell don’t plan to die unavenged.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He does it because he wants to.” “Then I was right the first time,” she said decisively. “He’s a fool.” “For doing something that makes him happy?” “For giving it away for free.” “Maybe he’s got enough money,” suggested the Swagman. She turned and stared at him. “Do you know anyone who’s got enough money?” The Swagman smiled. “Maybe he’s a fool,” he said at last.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You have many wonderful qualities, Virtue—you lie and cheat and blackmail and bluff with great panache, and you’re thoroughly delightful in bed—but you simply aren’t a skilled professional killer.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I also destroyed a man who was in serious need of destruction,” replied Cain. “On the whole, I’d say the ledger came out on the plus side.” “There wasn’t even any paper on Socrates.” “Then view killing him as a service to humanity.” “I wasn’t aware that you were in the philanthropy business,” said the Swagman. “There are more important things than money,” said Cain. “True—but all of them cost money.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Kabalka Five? That’s an alien world, isn’t it?” “It doesn’t take aliens long to find out what men will do for gold,” she replied.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“This is a grim business. There’s nothing romantic about harassing an overwhelming power with no hope of winning.” “If he knows he can’t win, why does he do it?” “To avoid losing.” “That sounds profound, but it doesn’t make a hell of a lot of sense,” said Cain.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Does might make right?” she asked. Cain shrugged. “No. But it makes it pretty difficult for anyone to tell you you’re wrong.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You’ve got quite a library. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many books in one place before.” “I like the heft and feel of a book,” replied Santiago. “Computer libraries are filled with electrical impulses. Books are filled with words.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Let me suggest that sometimes it’s not a bad idea to judge a man by his enemies.” “In your case it’s an absolute necessity,” said Cain sardonically. “I’ve met your friends.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Why are you fighting it?” “Because somebody has to.” “That’s not much of a reason.” “It’s the best reason there is,” said Santiago. “The first duty of power is to perpetuate itself. The first duty of free men is to resist it.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The second you attain power, you become what you’ve been fighting against.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I persist in fighting because I see something that’s wrong, and the alternative to fighting is to submit.” Cain made no comment. “If you want a philosophic justification, you’ll find it in my library,” continued Santiago. “I’ve got a much simpler explanation.” “What is it?” He smiled a savage smile. “When someone pushes me, I push back.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There are no bad bounty hunters,” replied Cain. “Just good ones and dead ones.” “Why did you become a bounty hunter in the first place?” asked Jacinto. “When I realized that I wasn’t going to make the galaxy a better place to live in in one bold stroke, I decided to try doing it one small step at a time.” “Have you ever regretted it?” “Not really,” replied Cain. “We all make choices; most of us get pretty much what we deserve.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I wish you were as bright as you think you are.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Then, if there are no further objections, I think I’ll take my leave of you,” he said, walking to the door. “I crave the company of honest men and women.” “I doubt that the feeling is mutual,” said Cain.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It takes a lot out of a man to civilize a world, and it’s self-defeating in the end, because the kind of man who does it doesn’t want to see the results.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source