“Organization. If you want big words to talk to intellectuals with, that's a fine big word, son, just as many syllables as imagination, and it has a lot more realism in it.”

“Of all human inventions the organization, a machine constructed of people performing interdependent functions, is the most powerful. Because it is so powerful, the organization is more dangerous than any other human invention, including nuclear fission (itself the product of an organized scientific project).”

“WHAT? Maybe you didn't hear exactly how big my plans are? Big enough to be PRESIDENT president!" I'll say.But that's my job!" he'll say.Look, are you a naysayer?" I'll say.Do you say 'NAY'? I say." Uh . . . no?" he'll say.Then it's settled," I'll say. You're third in charge, reporting directly to the mynah bird!”

“An archaeologist is a ghoul with credentials.”

“Listen up, BIG SHOTS, BIGWIGS, and MUCKETY-MUCKS! What am I dressed for?" I'll ask.Success!" they'll yell.And what do clothes make?" I'll ask.The man!" they'll answer.Then it should come as no surprise when I say,I GOT BIG PLANS! BIG PLANS, I SAY!"I'm in!" says the mynah bird.”

“We declare you the new mayor!" declares the crowd.what about the old mayor?" I'll ask.I'm not the one with the big plans!" he'll say.”

“I find myself subject to the entire range of emotions and reactions that a great book will call forth from its reader. I chuckle, laugh out loud, smile wistfully, cringe, widen my eyes in surprise, and even feel sadness--all from the neatly ordered rows of words and their explanations. All of the human emotions and experiences are right here in this dictionary, just as they would be in any fine work of literature. They just happen to be alphabetized.”