The Foundation Trilogy (Foundation, #1-3)

Highlights

Scientific truth is beyond loyalty and disloyalty.

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“Yes, I never completed my studies, though. I got tired of theory. I wanted to be a psychological engineer, but we lacked the facilities, so I did the next best thing—I went into politics. It’s practically the same thing.”

Amazing line.

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“It pays to be obvious, especially if you have a reputation for subtlety.”

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“Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right!”

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“To succeed, planning alone is insufficient. One must improvise as well.”

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The religion we have is our all-important instrument towards that end… It is the most potent device known with which to control men and worlds.

Still is.

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“Now any dogma, primarily based on faith and emotionalism, is a dangerous weapon to use on others, since it is almost impossible to guarantee that the weapon will never be turned on the user.”

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…only a lie that wasn’t ashamed of itself could possibly succeed. He also said that nothing had to be true, but everything had to sound true.

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The most hopelessly stupid man is he who is not aware that he is wise.

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