The worst mistake of first contact, made throughout history by individuals on both sides of every new encounter, has been the unfortunate habit of making assumptions. It often proved fatal.

Quote by David Brin

Topics: David Brin Quotes

There's no doubt that scientific training helps many authors to write better science fiction. And...

There's no doubt that scientific training helps many authors to write better science fiction. And...

Why must conversions always come so late? Why do people always apologize to corpses?

Why must conversions always come so late? Why do people always apologize to corpses?

Change is the principal feature of our age and literature should explore how people deal...

Change is the principal feature of our age and literature should explore how people deal...

I like to be surprised. Fresh implications and plot twists erupt as a story unfolds....

I like to be surprised. Fresh implications and plot twists erupt as a story unfolds....

But it is a delightful challenge to try to depict interesting aliens.

But it is a delightful challenge to try to depict interesting aliens.

In the book, America had already been weakened by bio terror plagues before waves of...

In the book, America had already been weakened by bio terror plagues before waves of...

We already live a very long time for mammals, getting three times as many heartbeats...

We already live a very long time for mammals, getting three times as many heartbeats...

I find humans tremendously interesting.

I find humans tremendously interesting.

Anyone who wants simple, pat stories should buy another author's product. The real universe ain't...

Anyone who wants simple, pat stories should buy another author's product. The real universe ain't...

Above all, TRIBES is fun, and even kind of sexy... in that every round features...

Above all, TRIBES is fun, and even kind of sexy... in that every round features...

It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the...

It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the...

I would normally never set out to write a trilogy.

I would normally never set out to write a trilogy.

Predicting has a spotty record in science fiction. I've had some failures. On the other...

Predicting has a spotty record in science fiction. I've had some failures. On the other...

One of the rules I try to follow is that normal people are going to...

One of the rules I try to follow is that normal people are going to...

She had called in the debt that parents owe a child for bringing her, unasked,...

She had called in the debt that parents owe a child for bringing her, unasked,...

Only a knowledgeable, empowered and vocal citizenry can perform well in democracy.

Only a knowledgeable, empowered and vocal citizenry can perform well in democracy.

When it comes to privacy and accountability, people always demand the former for themselves and...

When it comes to privacy and accountability, people always demand the former for themselves and...

I don't like talking on the phone when my parents are listening. So uncomfortable.

I don't like talking on the phone when my parents are listening. So uncomfortable.

That awkward moment when someone's staring at your keyboard while you're typing your password.

That awkward moment when someone's staring at your keyboard while you're typing your password.

No, I dont have anything to hide. I just dont like people looking through my...

No, I dont have anything to hide. I just dont like people looking through my...