Edward M. Lerner

Edward M. Lerner (born 1949) is an American author of science fiction, techno-thrillers, and popular science.

Quotes

Fools' Experiments (2008)

All quotes from the hardcover first edition published by Tor, ISBN 0-7653-1901-2, first printing

• “Do you believe that it’s dangerous?” Doug studied him closely.
  “Yes, although I’m in a minority here.”
  “Does that make you question your conclusion?”
  Glenn grimaced. “No, although it’s been strongly suggested that reconsidering would simplify my life.”
  “Group think?” Doug said. “Consensus is a poor substitute for thought. Tell the herd to eat shit—a hundred billion flies can’t be wrong.”
  • Chapter 17 (p. 119)

• Sincerity does not equal truth, of course.
  • Chapter 17 (p. 120)

• Truth seldom lends itself to crisp synopsis.
  • Chapter 20 (p. 138)

• Patience neighbored respect for authority in Doug’s personal list of overrated virtues.
  • Chapter 30 (p. 188)

• Facts form patterns. Patterns suggest hypotheses, Hypotheses are subject to inspection—and sometimes to proof.
  • Chapter 33 (p. 212)

• Depression was merely anger without enthusiasm.
  • Chapter 51 (p. 333)

• “The jerk kids are in one of those backwaters that don’t consider virus writing a crime. Nothing will happen to them.” No, that wasn’t exactly true. If the word ever got out, chances were they would get job offers. Glenn half-believed the antivirus companies were in cahoots with the virus writers. The protection racket updated for the digital age.
  • Chapter 55 (p. 354)

• Once is random. Twice is coincidence. Three times is a pattern.
  • Chapter 56 (p. 357)