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Mike Resnick

155 quotes

“And there was never any question about coming back: no one ever goes back to Peponi. Whatever it was that brought you there has got to change before you leave, and once it has changed, you don’t want to see what it’s become.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“She wrote very selectively of the Peponi she remembered, emphasizing those aspects that she found praiseworthy and ignoring the less savory events of her life. As Hardwycke had put it during one of our conversations, every line of the book was true, but the book itself was one big lie.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Gabriel Pickett looked like any farmer anywhere—lean, hard, and overworked.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I don’t mean to insult you, Mr. Breen. But you’re speaking from ignorance.” “No offense taken,” I said. “If I didn’t want to cure my ignorance, I wouldn’t be asking questions.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“When we lived in tribal villages, before the advent of Man, the chief was always the wealthiest member of the community,” continued Tonka. “Nobody found anything wrong with that; after all, that was one of the reasons why he was the chief, and nobody ever resented his wealth.” He paused. “Buko Pepon is the chief of the entire planet. It is only natural that he is richer than anyone else.” “You’re saying that it goes with the job?” I asked, trying to understand his lack of moral outrage or even envy. “Of course. Why else would one want to rise to power?”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“That sounds very cynical,” I noted… “You say it’s cynical, I say it’s practical. Either way, it’s sincere.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“What is your net worth today?” I asked, studying his face for a reaction. “I have no idea,” he replied easily. “Anyone who does know his net worth isn’t worth very much.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I decided that the only way to judge him was to balance the good he had done against the evil—and by that criterion, he came out better than most Men.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Giving them the privileges of citizens of the Republic doesn’t make them Republic citizens. They’d have been better off if we’d never opened this planet up, but we did, and I’m not about to feel guilty because of something that occurred more than half a century before I was even born.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Would you have accepted the Presidency if you had known what to expect?” “I’m here, and I’m doing the very best job I can,” he replied. “That is a very hypothetical question.” “But I noticed that you didn’t answer it,” I said. “I know.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You know, animals can recover from most disasters, including poaching—but start destroying their habitat and you’ve written their epitaph.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“These are not Men you are talking about,” said Violet. “They are aliens who eat insects, wantonly brutalize small animals, have yet to discover the wheel or the lever, and live in burrows. Would you have them remain at this stage of social evolution forever?” “Certainly not—but I would not force change upon them.” “Oh?” she said sardonically. “Then may I presume that you have not attempted to spread the word of Our Lord Jesus Christ among them?” “That is not the same thing.” “Of course not. You are doing it, not I.” She smiled. “I believe the word for that is ‘hypocrite’.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Whether you approve of them or not, changes are coming to Karimon. It will become a modern world, a working member of the Republic. You can make the transition from savagery to civilization easier, or you can make it more difficult, but you cannot stop it.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“She marveled, as she always did, that medical science had kept her alive and functioning this long, at the same time wondering what demons within her could so pollute this fresh blood that within four weeks it would be as useless and diseased as that which was now being drained from her. McFarley, she decided, would call it the curse of ambition. She preferred to think of it as the price of greatness. From time to time she wondered whether time would prove her or McFarley correct, or whether her condition was simply the result of an indifferent God in an indifferent universe.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Some weeks ago, Reverend Andrew McFarley visited the Department of Alien Affairs with some disquieting information,” said Gaunt. “That’s not surprising,” replied Violet. “Reverend McFarley finds most things disquieting. I suspect it goes with his profession.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It’s my observation that God usually favors the side with the best weapons.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Whether one is a traitor or a patriot depends entirely upon one’s point of view,” said Paka. “And upon who is holding the weapon.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Still,” he added, “I thank you for your concern. When the election is over, I will remember who my friends are.” “I just hope you remember who your enemies are before the election is held,” said Beddoes sincerely.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I notice that the power’s off.” “It comes and goes.” “And the water?” “If I don’t boil it for coffee, I purify it.” “Does anything work anymore?” “The weapons, of course—though I’m told he can’t get spare parts for them. And the roads, so he can move his army quickly from one spot to another. Not much else. Mail service is sporadic at best, and the phones haven’t worked in months.” “That’s what happens when you start by killing off the intellectuals and the technicians.” “How did you know he’d done that?” “Eventually it’s what all dictators do. Usually they build the roads first, though.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“How bad are things going to get?” “Worse, I think, than either of us can imagine.” It was an understatement.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Nobody wins in a war.” “Nonsense, Arthur. That sounds great in a university lecture or a book, but the fact is that someone always wins. Who do you think writes the history books? The winners.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In a totalitarian society, the most valuable commodity is information, since the government guards it so jealously.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“For the longest time I thought my future would be in ornithology and taxidermy, but eventually I found men more interesting than animals.” Suddenly he grinned. “Or at least, more in need of leadership.” “Well, we’ve come to the right place,” replied Boyes. “I think the Congo is probably more in need of leadership than most places.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I obviously have more faith in these people than you do, John.” “Maybe that’s because I know them better.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You sound like a pessimist, Yank,” said Roosevelt. “Pessimism and realism are next-door neighbors on this continent, Teddy,” said Rogers.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You know, things couldn’t get this screwed up by chance,” he said, more to himself than to the computer, which in Pierce’s opinion was merely the latest in a long line of things that had been screwed up. “It took a long, hard, concerted effort.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To paraphrase J. B. S. Haldane, the universe not only held more red tape than anyone imagined; it held more red tape than anyone could imagine.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He reminds me of my little sister, Sweetie-pie Bubba-Sue Goldberg. The only thing that’s kept me from smothering her in her sleep is that she was accidentally cryogenically frozen at the age of thirteen. Daddy’s spent a fortune on research scientists. They’re looking for a cure for adolescence.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Everybody knows that the whole purpose of bureaucracy and red tape is so that, even as it creates a full employment economy, it’s impossible to blame anyone for anything!”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Even if I grant your supposition, you ought to know as well as anyone that all that counts are appearances. Reality is irrelevant, particularly to the government, so long as the paperwork’s right.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“If he used Company ships and personnel to stop an alien invasion, somebody someday might file a report that would be the only sort of report that the bureaucracy handled with the speed of lightning: that someone was bypassing the bureaucracy.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“As for talking business,” he continued carefully, “I haven’t heard any offers yet.” “You’re still alive,” said MacLemore. “That’s not necessarily a permanent condition.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Don’t believe everything you hear,” said the Mouse. Ryan laughed again. “If I believed half of what I heard, I’d be dead and buried already.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You haven’t changed at all, Carlos. You never trusted anyone or anything.” “Maybe that’s why I’m still alive.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Why did you ever like him, Mouse?” asked Penelope. “I was lonely,” said the Mouse with a sigh, “and sometimes lonely people make poor choices.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There’s a possibility that I’m wrong.” “That’s the first rational thing you’ve said.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“What this embassy needs is more killers and less bureaucrats.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A moral assassin,” she said with an amused smile. “Not everyone gets into this business because they like to kill people,” he replied. “Then why do you do it?” “Because I find all forms of business distasteful,” answered Chandler. “This one pays me enough so that I don’t have to work very often.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Look,” said Chandler. “Either we’ve got free will or we don’t. If we do, then we are doing the right thing. If we don’t, then we can’t do anything else, anyway. So what’s the point of worrying about it?” “Because we can stop right now if we decide to.” He smiled. “And how will you know that the Oracle didn’t change her mind and choose a future in which we stopped?” She wearily leaned back on the chair. “Where does it end?” “Second guessing fate?” asked Chandler. “Never. That’s why it’s a good idea not to start.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Well, it’s a practical approach,” she conceded. “But it’s not very satisfying. I think an animal in the forest might have that same viewpoint.” “I spend most of my life with the animals in the forest,” replied Chandler. “Very few of them have high blood pressure or heart attacks. Maybe they know something we don’t know.” “They don’t know anything,” said Jade. “They just react.” “They stay warm and dry and well fed,” he noted. “When all is said and done, that’s all most humans are really trying to do.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I’m trying to tell you that you can trust me because I’m motivated by the most basic human emotion: greed.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We have nothing in common except our enmity.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The only thing I’m really good at is wishing I was somewhere else.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Don’t ever take a job as a diplomat or a politician,” said the Iceman wryly. “I beg your pardon.” “You’re a lousy liar.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Fast is good,” said the Iceman. “Accurate is better.” He paused again. “And knowing when not to shoot is better still.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“She didn’t kill him,” explained the Iceman. “She could have saved him, but she chose not to. Legally it’s not the same thing; morally it is.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There are a thousand events that must transpire, each in its exact order; a million futures must vanish every nanosecond; and you ask me to explain all this to you? Poor little human, who seeks only a full belly and a fat wallet, who dreams of heroic deeds and grateful maidens, and who is doomed only to become a speck of dust in a galaxy already overflowing with dust.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He was destined to desert me.” “How do you know I won’t?” “Because you are selfish enough and greedy enough and immoral enough to realize that your best interest lies in total fealty to me,” she replied. “I don’t know that I especially like that assessment of me,” said the Kid. “The question is not whether you like it,” replied Penelope, “but whether it is true.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He opened a desk drawer and withdrew two gaily wrapped packages. Then, standing up, he carried one over to Flint and handed the other to Tojo. “What’s this all about?” asked Flint. “I realize that we haven’t celebrated any of your holidays since leaving Earth,” explained the blue man, “but according to my calendar, today is the last Thursday in November.” “So?” “Happy Thanksgiving! said Mr. Ahasuerus, contorting his lips to form a smile. There was a momentary silence. “I’m afraid you’ve got it all wrong,” said Flint. On Thanksgiving we slaughter innocent birds and forget to abuse Indians. Christmas is when we defoliate forests and exchange gifts.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It is the home of a very unusual race, as violent in their way as the people of Earth.” “I will assume that’s a good thing to be,” said Flint dryly. “For the purpose of this proposition, it most definitely is,” said Kargennian, ignoring Flint’s undisguised animosity. “They have a culture that worships weaponry fully as much as yours does.” “I don’t know that we actually worship it.” “Perhaps I used the wrong word,” replied Kargennian. “But the fact remains that their history and cultures are as fully committed to firearms as your own. To this day, most of them carry hand weapons, as barbaric as the concept may seem.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source