Larry Niven

"6) It is easier to destroy than create. Bin Laden tore down the World Trade Center? Let's see him build one. If human beings didn't have a strong preference for creation, nothing would get built, ever."

"7) Any damn fool can predict the past."

"8) History never repeats itself."

"9) Ethics change with technology."

"10) Anarchy is the least stable of social structures."

"11) There is a time and place for tact. And there are times when tact is entirely misplaced."

"16) There is no cause so right that one cannot find a fool following it. To prove a point, one may seek out a foolish Socialist, thirteenth century Liberal, Scientologist, High Frontier advocate, Mensa member, science fiction fan, Jim Bakker acolyte, Christian, witch, or fanatical devotee of Special Interest Lib. It doesn't really reflect on the cause itself. Ad hominem argument saves time, but it's still a fallacy."

"17) No technique works if it isn't used."

"19) Think before you make the coward's choice. Old age is not for sissies."

"1) Writers who write for other writers should write letters."

"2) Never be embarrased or ashamed about anything you choose to write. (Think of this before you send it to a market)"

"3) Stories to end all stories on a given topic, don't."

"4) It is a sin to waste the reader's time."

"5) If you've nothing to say, say it any way you like. Stylistic innovations, contorted story lines or none, exotic or genderless pronouns, internal inconsistencies, the recipe for preparing your lover as a cannibal banquet: feel free. If what you have to say is important and/or difficult to follow, use the simplest language possible. If the reader doesn't get it then, let it not be your fault."

"6) Everybody talks first draft."

"Any sufficiently advanced magic is indistinguishable from technology."