Ken MacLeod

“The Christians had an almost miraculous talent for turning wine into water.”

“I don't really believe in the Devil, but if the Devil is the Father of Lies, then he certainly invented the Internet.”

“I'm a long-term optimist, and I don't think the problems with our society are from being overly optimistic.”

“What if capitalism is unsustainable, and socialism is impossible?”

“The real world is far too complex and unpredictable to make something like the idea of humanity controlling its own evolution or engineering itself - well, I wouldn't say impossible but it should be approached with a degree of caution.”

“Science fiction made me aware of how big and strange the universe was, leaving aside the whole question of aliens.”

“You must rely on reason and science,” she said, “and be guided by a likewise rational ethic of human concern. You must do your utmost as individuals to improve your understanding, ability and compassion.”

“The idea of determinism combined with complete human responsibility struck me as very hard to reconcile with an idea of justice, let alone mercy.”

“The world has become one big grassy knoll, crawling with lone gunmen who think they're the Warren Commission.”