"Despite its vapidity, though, Carey’s argument has gained traction in certain circles, not because of its scholarly rigor or even its plausibility, but because like all conspiracy theories, it is as intriguing as it is improbable."

“I felt like a person again, instead of a walking bundle of bad decisions.”

“Something in Karen’s tone triggered my inner contrarian, and I found myself disagreeing with her before I could quite say why.”

“The thing about crackpots is that they don’t respond well to rigorous questioning of their pet ideas.”

“Star-Guard, that’s a restatement, not an explanation.”

“Trust was essential to a well-functioning unit, and lying was antithetical to trust.”

“Once we arrive in the afterlife, if it exists, we will never cease to be. Our post-mortal existence will stretch on forever. I don’t know. The thought of such an infinite future leaves me feeling claustrophobic. A little short of breath. With no exit and no end, eternal life could be a very small cage indeed.”