Ecce and Old Earth Quotes

“Alexei has created a language of a hundred and twelve thousand words controlled by an elaborate syntax. It is a pity that no one can enjoy it along with Alexei, but he refuses to translate a single word. He has been accused of both narcissism and ostentation, but he is never offended. It is the typical artist, so he declares, who is mad for acclaim and whose self-esteem depends upon adulation. Alexei sees himself as a lonely man, indifferent to both praise and censure.”

Wayness craned her neck. “He is now playing the concertina and dancing a jig, all at the same time. What do you make of that?”

“It is just Alexei in one of his moods; it means nothing.”
― Jack Vance, Ecce and Old Earth