You learn by writing short stories. Keep writing short stories. The money's in novels, but writing short stories keeps your writing lean and pointed. — Larry Niven Copy Share Image
The reader has certain rights. He bought your story. Think of this as an implicit contract. He's entitled to be entertained, instructed, amused; maybe all three. If he quits in the middle, or puts the book down feeling his time… — Larry Niven Copy Share Image
In challenging a kzin, a simple scream of rage is sufficient. You scream and you leap. — Larry Niven Copy Share
“There is no cause so good or noble that it will not attract fuggheads; and the fuggheads will get all the press.” — Larry Niven Copy Share
“Music had played suddenly through the cabin, complex and lovely, rich in minor tones, like the sad call of a sex-maddened computer. Nessus whistled.” — Larry Niven Copy Share
“have precious little free will," he was saying. "We're too intelligent not to see the right answers.” — Larry Niven Copy Share
“1a) Never throw shit at an armed man. 1b) Never stand next to someone who is throwing shit at an armed man.” — Larry Niven Copy Share
“I asked him, "Do you know the difference between nude and naked?" He shook his head. "Nude is artistic. Naked is defenseless.” — Larry Niven Copy Share
Intelligence is just a tool to be used toward a goal, and goals are not always chosen intelligently. — Larry Niven Copy Share
And every friend I've got has been writing Mars stories. It was pretty clear I'd never catch up. — Larry Niven Copy Share
For each human being there is an optimum ratio between change and stasis. Too little change, he grows bored. Too little stability, he panics… — Larry Niven Copy Share
“Humans," said the puppeteer, "should not be allowed to run loose. You will surely harm yourselves.” — Larry Niven Copy Share
