Forward the Foundation (Foundation, #7)

by Isaac Asimov

A paradox arises only out of an ambiguity that deceives either unwittingly or by design.

You must have minimalism because every change, any change, has myriad side effects that can’t always be allowed for. If the change is too great and the side effects too many, then it becomes certain that the outcome will be far removed from anything you’ve planned and that it would be entirely unpredictable.”

People tended to avoid the humiliation of failure by joining the obviously winning side even against their own opinions.

The laws are passed. The court decisions are made. Speeches are pronounced. Still, it’s difficult to move people. You can preach brotherhood all you want, but no one feels like a brother. What gets me is that the Dahlites are as bad as any of the others. They want to be treated as equals, they say, and so they do, but, given a chance, they have no desire to treat others as equals.” Dors said, “It’s all but impossible to change people’s minds and hearts, Raych. It’s enough to try and perhaps eliminate the worst of the injustices.”

“Come, Professor, you’re dreaming. Isn’t it true that your psychohistory tells you that the Empire is deteriorating? I’ve heard you referred to as Raven Seldon, something that, I believe, refers to a fabled bird of ill omen.”

Ths is a bad habit. Asimov wishes to introduce something HE finds witty but hides it behnd a too-ovbious remark by any character. Here Mummery clearly understands it's use and has heard it many times before. He would never pretend not to understand it's meaning. Asimov does this often with his talk of Earth or Gods. He pretends so much time has passed something is rare or fogotten but places them unbelivingly in contexts where rare and forgotten are disproved