Too Like the Lightning (Terra Ignota, #1)

by Ada Palmer

Man is more ambitious than patient. When we realize we cannot split a true atom, cannot conquer the whole Earth, we redefine the terms to fake our victory, check off our boxes and pretend the deed is done.

Micromegas,

A dog came by next, with a friendly owner who let it sport with us: bliss.

Sade warns that he who would use Reason as a key to open one door opens many, and he who would make Reason a scythe to fell injustices must beware what else the blade might cut.