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Bits and pieces Quote by Ray Bradbury

“Better to keep it in the old heads, where no one can see it or suspect it. We are all bits and pieces of history and literature and international law. Byron, Tom Paine, Machiavelli, or Christ, it's here. And the hour's late. And the war's begun. And we are out here, and the city is there, all…” quote by Ray Bradbury
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““Better to keep it in the old heads, where no one can see it or suspect it. We are all bits and pieces of history and literature and international law. Byron, Tom Paine, Machiavelli, or Christ, it's here. And the hour's late. And the war's begun. And we are out here, and the city is there, all wrapped up in its own coat of a thousand colors... All we want to do is keep the knowledge we think we will need intact and safe. We're not out to incite or anger anyone yet. For if we are destroyed, the knowledge is dead, perhaps for good... Right now we have a horrible job; we're waiting for the war to begin and, as quickly, end. It's not pleasant, but then we're not in control, we're the odd minority crying in the wilderness. When the war's over, perhaps we can be of some use in the world.””

Ray Bradbury

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Martian Chronicles, 1950

A group safeguards to preserve knowledge during conflict, fearing loss if destroyed.

In simple terms: Preserve knowledge despite war.

Key Takeaway

Safeguard information for future use.

Themes

preservation war knowledge minority control

Mood

anxious hopeful determined

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • library archives
  • academic research
  • cultural heritage
  • post‑war reconstruction
  • emergency planning

Key Concepts

history literature ethics survival memory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we ensure knowledge remains useful after conflict?
  • What safeguards prevent misuse of preserved information?
A Different Perspective

If the war ends, the knowledge may become irrelevant or misused.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2.6 out of 5 (8 ratings)
Bits and pieces Books Destroyed Knowledge History International law Knowledge Knowledge Dead Literature Memory Peace Prophets Right now Tom paine Waiting War War War Begin War Begun

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