--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We say, \"Well, the only answer is…\" or…" description: "\"“We say, \"Well, the only answer is…\" or, \"If you would just. . . .\" Whatever follows these two statements narrows the choices right there. It gets the ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e37/frank-herbert-262_brave-new-world_we-say-well-the-only-answer-is-or-if-you_999602.jpg" --- # We say, "Well, the only answer is…" or, "If you would… ![“We say, "Well, the only answer is…" or, "If you would just. . . ." Whatever follows these two statements narrows the choices right there. It gets the vision right down close to the ground so that you don't see anything happening outside. Humans tend not to see over a long range. Now we are…” quote by Frank Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e37/frank-herbert-262_brave-new-world_we-say-well-the-only-answer-is-or-if-you_999602.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e37/frank-herbert-262_brave-new-world_we-say-well-the-only-answer-is-or-if-you_999602.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e37/frank-herbert-262_brave-new-world_we-say-well-the-only-answer-is-or-if-you_999602.jpg) > ““We say, "Well, the only answer is…" or, "If you would just. . . ." Whatever follows these two statements narrows the choices right there. It gets the vision right down close to the ground so that you don't see anything happening outside. Humans tend not to see over a long range. Now we are required, in these generations, to have a longer range view of what we inflict on the world around us. This is where, I think, science fiction is helping. I don't think that the mere writing of such a book as Brave New World or 1984 prevents those things which are portrayed in those books from happening. But I do think they alert us to that possibility and make that possibility less likely. They make us aware that we may be going in that direction.”” [Frank Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-herbert/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Science fiction narrows focus to specific futures, warning of potential dangers and urging broader perspective to avoid repeating past mistakes. **In simple terms:** Fiction warns us, urging wider view. Key Takeaway Use speculative stories to anticipate real‑world impacts. Themes future responsibility vision Mood cautious inspirational Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - policy planning - education - creative writing Key Concepts ethics cautionary tale Questions to Reflect On - What future risks are we ignoring? - How can stories inspire concrete change? 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