Jack McDevitt People Quotations

The problem is that too often the only people who can act don't want change. Power doesn't so much corrupt as it breeds conservatism.

So long as men and women are free, no one is safe. People will be in danger because others can't operate vehicles responsibly or shoot straight. Because physicians are sometimes incompetent and lawyers dishonest. But most of all they will be in danger from ideas. It is the price we willingly pay to be free. Nor would we have it any other way.

Solitude is only a good idea if you have the right people along to share it.

The term congressional hearing is an oxymoron. No congressional hearing is ever called to gather information. Rather, it is an exercise designed strictly for posturing, by people who have already made up their minds, looking for ammunition to support their positions.

What would happen is that people like Geroge and Alyx would grow old and die chasing a dream. Although there were probably worse things to do with one's life.

Show me what a people admire, and I will tell you everything about them that matters.

Talking with most people usually involves a search for truth. Talking with congressmen is strictly special effects.

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.

... the truth is that when your people don't tell you what you need to know, it's a failure of leadership.