Book 1, Chapter 8 “The Message” (p. 324)
The Steel Tsar (1981)
Source: Father and Child Reunion (2001), p. 147.
“The power to question is the basis of all human progress.”
Source: No Treason (1867–1870), No. I, p. 8
Beyond the Veil
Context: The reason which placed the stars, the sense of proportion which we recognize in the planetary system, finds its correspondence in this brain of ours. We question every feature of what we see, think, and feel. We try every link of the chain and find it sound if we ourselves are sound. This power of remotest question and assent is not of to-day nor yesterday.
It transcends all bounds of time and space. It weighs the sun, explores the pathway of the stars, and writes, having first carefully read, the history of earth and heaven. It moves in company with the immortals. How much of it is mortal? Only so much as a small strip of earth can cover. These remains are laid away with reverence, having served their time. But what has become of the wonderful power which made them alive? It belongs to that in nature which cannot die.
“Words that make questions may not be questions at all.”
At an interview with Stephen Colbert at Montclair Kimberley Academy on January 29th, 2010, in response to the question "Why is there something instead of nothing", with the constraint of using ten words or less.
2010s
Variant: Words that make questions may not be questions at all.
