Top 25 Quotes by Jack McDevitt of 62 - Page 3

The secret to a successful career in virtually any field is good public relations. Forget results. Forget the facts. Perception is all that matters.

The secret to a successful career in virtually any field is good public relations. Forget results. Forget the facts. Perception is all that matters.

Jack McDevitt

Successful, Careers, Perception

When things go wrong, the standard management strategy is to decide who takes the blame. This should be an underling, as far down the chain as possible, but preferably with some visibility so people know management means business.

Jack McDevitt

Mean, People, Visibility

Jack McDevitt (2013). “Odyssey (Academy - Book 5): Academy -”, p.84, Hachette UK

So we have progressed to the point where we can move politicians around faster than light. I'm not sure I see the advantage.

Jack McDevitt

Moving, Light, Politician

"Odyssey". Book by Jack McDevitt, 2006.

If you're right, and nobody really cares what's out there, I wonder whether we're even worth saving.

Jack McDevitt

Care, Saving, Wonder

"Odyssey". Book by Jack McDevitt, 2006.

See what the world looks like from orbit. Well, in that way, at least, there was profit to be had. Nobody could look down at the planet, green and blue, with no borders in evidence and no sign of human habitation, and not get his perspective forever altered.

Jack McDevitt

Blue, Perspective, Forever

"Odyssey". Book by Jack McDevitt, 2006.

If you're paying attention to your wardrobe, Rudy believed, your mind isn't sufficiently occupied.

Jack McDevitt

Mind, Attention, Rudy

Jack McDevitt (2007). “Cauldron”, p.68, Penguin

An optimist is somebody who thinks our various political and social systems, schools and churches, support groups and Boy Scout troops, jury trials and congressional committees, are on the up-and-up. That they are intended for the benefit of the members. The reality is that they are designed to keep everyone in line.

Jack McDevitt

School, Boys, Reality

"Odyssey". Book by Jack McDevitt, 2006.

If you want creative and successful children, resign yourself to jousting with rebels.

Jack McDevitt

Children, Successful, Creative

Jack McDevitt (2007). “Cauldron”, p.105, Penguin

Technological civilizations don't last long. You're all right until you get a printing press. Then a race starts between technology and common sense. And maybe technology always wins.

Jack McDevitt

Winning, Technology, Civilization

Jack McDevitt (2007). “Cauldron”, p.247, Penguin

Most of us sleepwalk through our lives. We take all its glories, its wine, food, love, and friendship, its sunsets and its stars, its poetry and fireplaces and laughter, for granted. We forget that experience is not, or should not be, a casual encounter, but rather an embrace. Consequently, for too many of us, when we come to the end, we wonder where the years have gone. And we suspect we have not lived.

Jack McDevitt

Stars, Laughter, Wine

People tend to believe that good fortune consists of equal parts talent, hard work, and sheer luck. It's hard to deny the roles of the latter two. As to talent, I would only say it consists primarily in finding the right moment to step in.

Jack McDevitt

Believe, Hard Work, Two

Jack McDevitt (2003). “Chindi”, p.27, Penguin