The Cosmic Computer

by H. Beam Piper

Litchfield was peaceful because everybody was prepared to keep it that way.

He muttered an unprintability and laughed bitterly.

Lying is absolutely wrong, no matter whom it helps; telling the truth is absolutely right, no matter how much damage it does or how many hearts it breaks.

Maybe what he had told her was logical, but women aren't impressed by logic. She knew better—for the good old feminine reason, Because.

if I can protect myself, it'll save somebody else the job of protecting me."

'To argue with those who have renounced the use and authority of reason is as futile as to administer medicine to the dead.'

He turned and strode from the room. There was a moment's silence, after the door slammed behind him. Too bad, Conn thought. He would have made a good friend. Now he was going to make a very nasty enemy.

I don't think a man like Foxx Travis would lie if he didn't have some overriding moral obligation to."