Foundation

The fall of Empire, gentlemen, is a massive thing, however, and not easily fought. It is dictated by a rising bureaucracy, a receding initiative, a freezing of caste, a damming of curiosity—a hundred other factors.

"Violence," came the retort, "is the last refuge of the incompetent.

You're what they call a man of peace, aren't you?" "I suppose I am. At least, I consider violence an uneconomical way of attaining an end. There are always better substitutes, though they may sometimes be a little less direct."

'Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.'

difficulties vanish when faced boldly, and I have never turned my back upon one yet."

For it is the chief characteristic of the religion of science that it works, and that such curses as that of Aporat's are really deadly.

Slowly he became aware of a rhythmic, repeated shout that was spreading from a small beginning, and pulsing into insanity: