C. J. Cherryh

Trade isn't about goods. Trade is about information. Goods sit in the warehouse until information moves them.

The warrior may fight for gold or for an immediate gain, or for something to take home for the winter to feed the family. The soldier is part of a more complex society. He's fighting for a group ethic of some sort.

For me the purest and truest art in the world is science fiction.

Culture is how biology responds and makes its living conditions better.

A warrior is free to be a hero and pull off daring do and the soldier is irresponsible if he does it.

Deal with the Devil if the Devil has a constituency - and don't complain about the heat.