James Blish: Quotes about learning

James Blish was American author. Explore interesting quotes on learning.

James Blish: 60 quotes0 likes

“The express pulled into the Stazione Termini in Rome five minutes ahead of schedule with a feminine shriek. Ruiz found a porter with no difficulty, tipped him the standard 100 lire for his two pieces of luggage, and gave directions. The priest’s Italian was adequate, but hardly standard; it made the facchino grin with delight every time Ruiz opened his mouth. He had learned it by reading, partly in Dante, mostly in opera libretti, and consequently what he lacked in accent he made up for in flowery phrases; he was unable to ask the way to the nearest fruit stall without sounding as though he would throw himself into the Tiber unless he got an answer.”

James Blish book A Case of Conscience

Source: A Case of Conscience (1958), Chapter 14 (p. 171)

“The first thing a psychologist learns is to keep her mouth shut around laymen.”

Source: …And All the Stars a Stage (1971; [serialized in 1960]), Chapter 13 (p. 180)

“One thing you learn fast in the munitions business is that it’s a very good idea to stay off battlefields.”

James Blish book The Day After Judgment

Source: The Day After Judgment (1971), Chapter 11 (p. 145)