Axiom's End (Noumena, #1)

by Lindsay Ellis

“Here in America, we consider ourselves created equal. We stand on equal ground.” “Categorically untrue.” “He says he feels that’s dishonest,” said Cora flatly.

You didn’t believe me when I said they saw me as an enemy of the state, even if I was “protected by the First Amendment,” formalities that no longer matter. We call that a “Just World Fallacy.” I know you know this, Demi, because I taught you this term when I was your TA. You refuse to accept that you do not live in a just world. Sooner or later, you will have to.

Damn what a douche

An axiom developed that planets that support life are so competitive and dangerous that advanced civilizations can never evolve, and advancements such as ours are unlikely to the point of impossibility.