The only people who have the long view are some scientists and some science fiction writers.

Nothing limits intelligence more than ignorance; nothing fosters ignorance more than one's own opinions; nothing strengthens opinions more than refusing to look at reality.

What do I have to say to the universe? A soul ought to have something to say to the universe if it's going to be immortal.

To me, fantasy has always been the genre of escape, science fiction the genre of ideas. So if you can escape and have a little idea as well, maybe you have some kind of a cross-breed between the two.

The sidesaddle was designed to protect a maiden's virginity, while risking the maiden's neck. Rather much for rather little, I thought.

The expression of divinity is in variety.

Science fiction still is an idea genre.

All around the Mediterranean you'll find cultures that believe men can't control themselves and shouldn't have to try.

Other people's risks are statistical. When it's your risk, your own child, it isn't statistical anymore.

I'm not sure a world run by women would be any better. They're human beings!

The practice of diplomacy, I have found, is sometimes like eating soup with a fork: much activity yielding little nourishment.

It was the truth, and like any truth, it was powerful.

In this world there are those who enjoy giving people balloons and there are those who take great pleasure in popping them. And I wish to be remembered as being firmly in the first party.

All my books reflect travel adventures of some kind, and all have a soul: a spiritual or mystical underpinning.

Never confuse activity with action.

Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.

I would tell people to enjoy the present moment and the journey rather than the outcome.

A novel is not, after all, a historical document, but a way to travel through the human heart.

I don't mean to brag, I don't mean to boast, But I'm intercontinental when I eat French toast.

Writing reminds you that you're never alone. Writing and reading is to be optimistic.

It's just that right now the athlete's on the floor. But we - this is a super athlete.