“Science is the only news. When you scan a news portal or magazine, all the human interest stuff is the same old he-said-she-said, the politics and economics the same cyclical dramas, the fashions a pathetic illusion of newness; even the technology is predictable if you know the science behind it. Human nature doesn't change much; science does, and the change accrues, altering the world irreversibly”

“The world changes materially. Science makes advances in technology and understanding. But the world of humanity doesn't change.”

“[On technology:] A realm of intimate, personal power is developing -- power of the individual to conduct his own education, find his own inspiration, shape his own environment, and share his adventure with whoever is interested.”

“Climate change. Urbanization. Biotechnology. Those three narratives, still taking shape, are developing a long arc likely to dominate this century.”

“A library doesn't need windows. A library is a window.”

“The more you delve into science, the more it appears to rely on faith.”

“The product of careful continuity is love....Trust, intimacy, intense use, and time are what made these buildings work so well.”