"My experience of ships is that on them one makes an interesting discovery about the world. One finds one can do without it completely."

“'I think, George,' says Merion, ' the trouble is that you don't have a conflict model of society.'”

“You see, you are an optimist and live on hope. I am a pessimist and live on experience.”

“A conventional good read is usually a bad read, a relaxing bath in what we know already. A true good read is surely an act of innovative creation in which we, the readers, become conspirators.”

“I've often thought that my scruples about stealing books were the only thing that stood in the way of my being a really great scholar.”

“'Everyone exploits somebody.'”

“'It must be nice to think there is a true reality,' says Miss Callendar. 'I've always found reality a matter of great debate.'”