Foundation (Foundation, #1)

by Isaac Asimov

Gaal said, “As Trantor becomes more specialized, it becomes more vulnerable, less able to defend itself. Further, as it becomes more and more the administrative center of Empire, it becomes a greater prize. As the Imperial succession becomes more and more uncertain, and the feuds among the great families more rampant, social responsibility disappears.”

“It pays to be obvious, especially if you have a reputation for subtlety.”