I talk about the gods, I am an atheist. But I am an artist too, and therefore a liar. Distrust everything I say. I am telling the truth. The only truth I can understand or express is, logically defined, a lie. Psychologically defined, a symbol. Aesthetically defined, a metaphor.

“One of the most dangerous is the implication that civilization, being artificia…”

“I believe that all novels, ... deal with character, and that it is to express c…”

“On the blank leaf glued to the inner back cover I drew the double curve within …”

“This concern, feebly called 'love of nature', seemed to Shevek to be something …”