"The way past despair and false hope is just letting go. It doesn't improve your odds of survival, but it doesn't waste mental energy."
About James Alan Gardner
James Alan Gardner — Life and Legacy
James Alan Gardner is a notable Canadian science fiction author whose works often challenge conventional perspectives on humanity and technology. His distinctive narrative style is exemplified in his acclaimed novel 'Expendable,' where he intricately weaves themes of imagination and ethical dilemmas in a futuristic setting. Gardner's core thinking revolves around the interplay between human nature and technological advancement, as reflected in his quote, 'the future is not a gift, it is a conquest.' This statement encapsulates his belief that shaping the future requires active engagement rather than passive acceptance. Through his exploration of complex characters and moral quandaries, Gardner invites readers to confront the implications of their choices in an increasingly technological world. His assertion that 'imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality' highlights the necessity of creativity in navigating life's challenges. By emphasizing the importance of imagination, Gardner encourages a deeper understanding of the human experience, urging readers to envision possibilities beyond their immediate reality. Today, Gardner's insights remain relevant as they resonate with ongoing discussions about the ethical dimensions of technology and the essence of what it means to be human. His work continues to inspire critical thought and reflection, making his quotes and ideas significant in contemporary discourse.
Quote collection
James Alan Gardner quotes
15 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Some see the glass half full, some see it half empty, and some see it crawling with toxic alien parasites who want to devour your pancreas."
"Having a perilous adventure is always better than comatose safety. Always, always, always, always, always."
"Fate does not invite ugly boring people to save the world; and if you do try to save the world (without being beautiful, strong, clever, or wise), you will soon die pointlessly and how much adventure is there in that?"
"Deliberate choices are the only sacred things in the universe. Everything else is just hydrogen."
"I do not care about the greatest good for the greatest number . . . Most people are poop-heads I do not care about them at all."
"It is strange how the presence of additional people can make you feel more alone."
"What kind of programmer is so divorced from reality that she thinks she'll get complex software right the first time?"
"Everyone's life is a mess. Everyone's. We all make mistakes . . . and not just little slip-ups. Major mistakes that hurt us and other people."
"Lawyers will always buckle under to something, whether its bribes, violence, court orders, or the weight of their own bullshit."
"That's the first rule of command; be consistent! You can be sadistic, you can be lazy, you can be stupid, but if you're consistent the crew will still let you sit in when they play dominoes."
"Don't be a little paranoid; worry about everything, or let it all go."
"I hated relying on luck. When it worked, it made me feel so damned eerie."
"Ah, but I am more perceptive than most of the universe. Especially the parts of the universe that are vacuum."
"You don’t free yourself from duty by running away. That only increases the weight on your shoulders."