Neal Stephenson Quotes

A collection of quotes by Neal Stephenson.

Neal Stephenson is a renowned American author, born on October 31, 1959. He gained fame for his science fiction novels, often characterized by their vast scope, intricate world-building, and exploration of complex themes. Some of his notable works include "Snow Crash," "Cryptonomicon," and "The Baroque Cycle." Stephenson's novels commonly blend elements of history, technology, philosophy, and speculative fiction, earning him a dedicated following. With his thought-provoking storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, Stephenson has established himself as a prominent figure in the realm of science fiction literature.

the difference between poets and mystics . . . The mystic na

the difference between poets and mystics . . . The mystic nails a symbol to one meaning that was true for a moment but soon becomes false. The poet, on the other hand, sees that truth but understands that symbols are always in flux and that their meanings are fleeting.

Neal Stephenson

Poetry Truth Symbol

If you can't test it, it's not theorics -- it's metatheorics

If you can't test it, it's not theorics -- it's metatheorics. A branch of philosophy. So, if you want to think of it this way, our test equipment is what defines the boundary separating theorics from philosophy.

Neal Stephenson

Religion Science Philosophy Mathematics

... when I saw any of those kinds of beauty I knew I was ali

... when I saw any of those kinds of beauty I knew I was alive, and not just in the sense that when I hit my thumb with a hammer I knew I was alive, but rather in the sense that I was partaking of something--something was passing through me that it was in my nature to be a part of.

Neal Stephenson

The opening screen of T'Rain was a frank rip-off of what you

The opening screen of T'Rain was a frank rip-off of what you saw when you booted up Google Earth. Richard felt no guilt about this, since he had heard that Google Earth, in turn, was based on an idea from some old science-fiction novel.

Neal Stephenson

The science fiction approach doesn't mean it's always about

The science fiction approach doesn't mean it's always about the future; it's an awareness that this is different.

Neal Stephenson

Ares always reemerges from the chaos. It will never go away.

Ares always reemerges from the chaos. It will never go away. Athenian civilization defends itself from the forces of Ares with metis, or technology. Technology is built on science. Science is like the alchemists' uroburos, continually eating its own tail. The process of science doesn't work unless young scientists have the freedom to attack and tear down old dogmas, to engage in an ongoing Titanomachia. Science flourishes where art and free speech flourish.

Neal Stephenson

War Science Society

He had a sense of irony that ruled his life, made it impossi

He had a sense of irony that ruled his life, made it impossible for him to use his considerable brains in any kind of serious job. Kind of like me.

Neal Stephenson

Nothing is more important than that you see and love the bea

Nothing is more important than that you see and love the beauty that is right in front of you, or else you will have no defense against the ugliness that will hem you in and come at you in so many ways.

Neal Stephenson

Beauty Ugliness