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Frank Herbert Quotes (1920-1986)
Writer, King, Scientist
About Frank Herbert
Franklin Patrick Herbert Jr. (8 October 1920 β 11 February 1986) was an American science-fiction writer, most famous for his Dune novels.
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Explore our curated collection of the most famous and impactful Frank Herbert quotes.
β[S]omebody said that ecology is the science of understanding consequences.β
βLearning a language represents training in the delusions of that language.β
βProvidence and Manifest Destiny are synonyms often invoked to support arguments based on wishful thinking.β
β" Life exists immersed in a sea of unconsciousness", he reminded himself.
"In the drug, these people gain a view of that sea".β
"In the drug, these people gain a view of that sea".β
βIf we define Futurism as an exploration beyond accepted limits, then the nature of limiting systems becomes the first object of exploration.β
βYou can say things which cannot be done. This is elementary. The trick is to keep attention focused on what is said and not on what can be done.β
βTechnology is both a tool for helping humans and for destroying them. This is the paradox of our times which we're compelled to face.β
βEcology is a dirty seven-letter word to many people. They are like heavy sleepers refusing to be aroused. "Leave me alone! It's not time to get up yet!"β
βReligious services, thought Ramsey. Here's one of the binding forces of this crew. Participation Mystique! The consecration of the warriors before the foray.β
βDoes a population have informed consent when that population is not taught the inner workings of its monetary system, and then is drawn, all unknowing, into economic adventures?β
βThere exists a limit to the force even the most powerful may apply without destroying themselves. Judging this limit is the true artistry of government. Misuse of power is the fatal sin.β
βGovernments always commit their entire populations when the demands grow heavy enough. By their passive acceptance, these populations become accessories to whatever is done in their name.β
βWe are questioning more than the philosophy behind our dependence upon limited and limiting systems. We question the power structures that have grown up around such systems.β
βWithout coming fully awake, Rhin felt his presence beside her, experienced a primitive demand for his protective masculinity. She nestled against him, murmured, "its so hot. Doesnβt it ever cool off?"β
βWhen a wise man does not understand, he says: "I do not understand." The fool and the uncultured are ashamed of their ignorance. They remain silent when a question could bring them wisdom.β
βWhat I'm saying in my books boils down to this: Mine religion for what is good and avoid what is deleterious. Don't condemn people who need it. Be very careful when that need becomes fanatical.β
Frank Herbert Quotes by Topic
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Frank Herbert on Wakefulness 4 quotes
βI am the choice of their awakening. My samhadi is their samhadi. Their experiences are mine! Their knowledge distilled is my inheritance. Those billions are my one.β
Frank Herbert on Prophecy 4 quotes
βProphecy and prescience β How can they be put to the test in the face of the unanswered questions? Consider: How much is actual prediction of the "wave form" (as Muad'Dib referred to his vision-image) and how much is the prophet shaping the future to fit the prophecy? What of the harmonics inherent in the act of prophecy? Does the prophet see the future or does he see a line of weakness, a fault or cleavage that he may shatter with words or decisions as a diamond-cutter shatters his gem with a blow of a knife?β
Frank Herbert on Necessity 3 quotes
βIntelligence takes chances with limited data in an arena where mistakes are not only possible but also necessary.β
Frank Herbert on Religiousness 2 quotes
View all 2 quotes on Religiousness →Frank Herbert on Ecology 2 quotes
βEcology is a dirty seven-letter word to many people. They are like heavy sleepers refusing to be aroused. "Leave me alone! It's not time to get up yet!"β
Frank Herbert on Messenger
Frank Herbert on Desert
Frank Herbert on Balance
Frank Herbert on End
Frank Herbert on Prophet
Frank Herbert on Beauty
What Frank Herbert Said About Others
Discover personal opinions Frank Herbert shared regarding contemporaries.
Frank Herbert on Pope
βIn 1054, the patriarch of Constantinople and the pope excommunicated each other. That was the end of holiness for both churches. After that, they became instruments of Satan. I'm convinced of it.β
Quotes About Frank Herbert
Gain deeper perspective through quotes about Frank Herbert from others.
Irv Broughton on Frank Herbert
βIB: Frank Herbert said there was this conception we held of the future. We refer to it as "the future" as if there was one future. UL: That's sweet. He had a lovely mind, Frank did.β
John Clute on Frank Herbert
βThere is a tirelessness about the man and his works. Part guru, part Ancient Mariner, Frank Herbert showed us how to make SF think.β
About Frank Herbert
Franklin Patrick Herbert Jr. (8 October 1920 β 11 February 1986) was an American science-fiction writer, most famous for his Dune novels.