I have an idea about voting, how about on every ballot we include "None of the above". People may laugh at that, but what that is, it is a vote of no confidence in your government and I'm willing to bet that in some elections, 'None of the Above' wou...
It often feels like a tremendous amount of work is required to get an idea moving forward, like pushing a train uphill. But at a certain point, the thing takes on its own momentum, and takes unexpected turns. So it's that feeling of holding on, rathe...
If you’re going to be passionate about something, be passionate about learning. If you’re going to fight something, fight for those in need. If you’re going to question something, question authority. If you’re going to lose something, lose yo...
From the age of 13, I was attracted to physics and mathematics. My interest in these subjects derived mostly from popular science books that I read avidly. Early on I was fascinated by theoretical physics and determined to become a theoretical physic...
We are pattern seekers, believers in a coherent world, in which regularities appear not by accident but as a result of mechanical causality or of someone´s intention. We do not expect to see regularity produced by a random process, and when we detec...
But there is no doubt that to attempt a novel of ideas is to give oneself a handicap: the parochialism of our culture is intense. For instance, decade after decade bright young men and women emerge from their universities able to say proudly: 'Of cou...
A short story is a sprint, a novel is a marathon. Sprinters have seconds to get from here to there and then they are finished. Marathoners have to carefully pace themselves so that they don't run out of energy (or in the case of the novelist-- ideas)...
Like, in general I think people have very complicated reasons for wanting things, and we often have no idea whether we’re actually motivated by altruism or a desire to hook up or a search for answers or what. I always get annoyed when in books or m...
Even though there is clearly a strong cultural no-no machine telling you not to summon them on what is functionally penalty of death, the same voice also tells you precisely how to do it, and why you would. That’s more or less my experience of cult...
If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all—except the censor. We must know ...
To put it differently, as long as mind and heart are caught up in want, in desire, there must be emptiness. You want things, ideas, persons, only when you are conscious of your own emptiness, and that wanting creates a choice. When there is craving t...
Cop663: Would you let a person on board with a boarding pass like this? It's dated today, but it got blurred in the rain. I don't know where it's taking me. Do you? Faye: No idea, but I'll give you another. Cop663: Great. Faye: Where do you want to g...
Mr. Frank Shirley: Remember how I was toying with the idea of suspending the Christmas bonuses? Mrs. Helen Shirley: You *didn't*! Well, of all the cheap lousy ways to save a buck! SWAT Commander: That's pretty low, mister! If I had a rubber hose, I w...
Sonny: You! Manager! Fucker! Don't get any ideas, you hear? Sheldon: Believe me, I'm on your side on this one! Sonny: Yeah, my side, shit! Sylvia: Look, there are young ladies, here. You could watch your language, you know! Sonny: I speak what I feel...
Boolie Werthan: I'd better be gettin' back to the office. Florene'll be havin' a fit if I don't get home on time tonight. Daisy Werthan: [sarcastically] Ya'll must have plans tonight! Boolie Werthan: Goin' to the Anderson's for a dinner party. Daisy ...
Harvey Dent: Alfred, right? Alfred Pennyworth: That's right, sir. Harvey Dent: Yeah, Rachel talks about you all the time. You've known her, her whole life! Alfred Pennyworth: Oh, not yet, sir. Harvey Dent: Heh heh heh. Any psychotic ex-boyfriends I s...
Rufus T. Firefly: Oh, uh, I suppose you would think me a sentimental old fluff, but, uh, would you mind giving me lock of your hair? Mrs. Teasdale: A lock of my hair? Wh-why, I had no idea. Rufus T. Firefly: I'm letting you off easy: I was going to a...
Narrator: He was *the* guerilla terrorist in the food service industry. [the Narrator looks at Tyler, who's urinating in a pot] Tyler Durden: Do not watch. I cannot go when you watch. Narrator: Apart from seasoning the lobster bisque, he farted on th...
Colonel Anderson: Wouldn't you guess that the people who have seen the contents of that envelope might have a better idea of what makes someone a danger to his country, or do you think it should just be you, sir, who decides? Fred Friendly: Who? Who?...
Sheriff: [shows Tuco the wanted poster] So you're an honest farmer. You recognize this man? Tuco: Me? Sheriff: Yeah, it's you! Tuco: Hey, who said so, huh? You can't even read! [the Sheriff rolls up the poster] Tuco: Roll it up, roll it up! I'll give...
Norm: This is a battle of nerves between John and me. Shake: John hasn't got any. Norm: Any what? Shake: Nerves. Norm: That's the trouble. I've toyed with the idea of a ball and chain, but he'd probably just rattle them at me, and in public, too. Som...
