“Knowledge was always the power that kept the Universe in its place and the stars turning in their orbits.”

“a creature who has kept a planet in its orbit for several billions of years will be able to manage a packing case!”

“They lived the slow and invisible interpenetration of their universes, like two stars gravitating around a common axis, in ever tighter orbits, whose clear destiny is to coalesce at some point in space and time.”

“Knowledge is power? No. Knowledge on its own is nothing, but the application of useful knowledge, now that is powerful.”

“In an unfathomable expanse of universe supporting galaxies of star systems with orbiting planets innumerable, I am nothing.  And yet to the few bodies encircling my tiny little spot in the world, I am essential.”

“Let a ruler base his government upon virtuous principles, and he will be like the pole-star, which remains steadfast in its place, while all the host of stars turn towards it”