Edward M. Lerner

Edward M. Lerner (born 1949) is an American author of science fiction, techno-thrillers, and popular science.

Fools' Experiments (2008)
All quotes from the hardcover first edition published by Tor, ISBN 0-7653-1901-2, first printing


 * “Do you believe that it’s dangerous?” Doug studied him closely. “Yes, although I’m in a minority here.” “Does that make you question your conclusion?” Glenn grimaced. “No, although it’s been strongly suggested that reconsidering would simplify my life.” “Group think?” Doug said. “Consensus is a poor substitute for thought. Tell the herd to eat shit—a hundred billion flies can’t be wrong.”
 * Chapter 17 (p. 119)


 * Sincerity does not equal truth, of course.
 * Chapter 17 (p. 120)


 * Truth seldom lends itself to crisp synopsis.
 * Chapter 20 (p. 138)


 * Patience neighbored respect for authority in Doug’s personal list of overrated virtues.
 * Chapter 30 (p. 188)


 * Facts form patterns. Patterns suggest hypotheses, Hypotheses are subject to inspection—and sometimes to proof.
 * Chapter 33 (p. 212)


 * Depression was merely anger without enthusiasm.
 * Chapter 51 (p. 333)


 * “The jerk kids are in one of those backwaters that don’t consider virus writing a crime. Nothing will happen to them.” No, that wasn’t exactly true. If the word ever got out, chances were they would get job offers. Glenn half-believed the antivirus companies were in cahoots with the virus writers. The protection racket updated for the digital age.
 * Chapter 55 (p. 354)


 * Once is random. Twice is coincidence. Three times is a pattern.
 * Chapter 56 (p. 357)