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Quote by Spider Robinson

Work

Callahan's Crosstime Saloon

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Author

Spider Robinson
Spider Robinson

Spider Robinson, born Patricia A. Williams, is an American science fiction author known for her unique sense of humor and profound insights into social issues. Born on November 24, 1948, she has made a name for herself in the science fiction community with her works that blend science fiction elements with realism, exploring themes of human nature, social justice, and moral dilemmas. more

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“He listened to her with a cool indifference and said: 'Why do you worry over the matter? God’s will is supreme. All things happen as He wills and at the time determined by Him.' 'How can you say so? Do you mean to say then that human effort has no value?' she retorted. 'Human effort,' he replied, 'is necessary only to learn that human effort as such is useless, and God’s will alone is the real power that controls and brings about all events. When you realise this truth, human effort ceases and divine will starts its work in you, and then you do all things in the freedom of the soul, liberated from care, fear and sorrow. This is the real life to be attained. So leave all things to the Lord by complete surrender to Him.”

“Severe punishment unquestionably has an immediate effect in reducing a tendency to act in a given way. This result is no doubt responsible for its widespread use. We 'instinctively' attack anyone whose behavior displeases us - perhaps not in physical assault, but with criticism, disapproval, blame, or ridicule. Whether or not there is an inherited tendency to do this, the immediate effect of the practice is reinforcing enough to explain its currency. In the long run, however, punishment does not actually eliminate behavior from a repertoire, and its temporary achievement is obtained at tremendous cost in reducing the over-all efficiency and happiness of the group. (p. 190)”

“Our analyses of the FDA data showed relatively little difference between the effects of antidepressants and the effects of placebos. Indeed, the effects were so small that they did not qualify as clinically significant. The drug companies knew how small the effect of their medications were compared to placebos, and so did the FDA and other regulatory agencies. The companies found various ways to make the data seem more favorable to their products, and the FDA helped them keep their negative data secret. In fact, in some instances, the FDA urged the companies to keep negative data hidden, even when the companies wanted to reveal them. My colleagues and I hadn't really discovered anything new. We had merely revealed their 'dirty little secret'.”