E.E. Doc Smith quotes

Edward Elmer "E.E." Smith, also known as E.E. "Doc" Smith, was a pioneering American science fiction author best known for his Lensman and Skylark series. Born in 1890, Smith's imaginative storytelling and innovative ideas revolutionized the genre of space opera. His work laid the foundation for modern science fiction and has influenced countless authors and filmmakers. With a background in chemistry and a PhD in food engineering, Smith's scientific knowledge lent credibility to his vivid and fantastical worlds. Explore the captivating universe created by E.E. "Doc" Smith and experience the thrill of his timeless stories today.

Because America, being a democracy, could not strike first, but had to wait—wait in instant readiness—until she was actually attacked.

- E.E. Doc Smith

Absolute authority will be delegated. Full responsibility will be assumed. Those who succeed will receive advancement and satisfaction of desire. Those who fail will die.

- E.E. Doc Smith

Working hypotheses, young man, must be based upon accurately determined facts; not upon mere guesses, superstitions, or figments of personal prejudices.

- E.E. Doc Smith

How could he explain beauty, or music, or art, to this . . . this matriarchal savage? How explain cerise to a man born blind? And above all, who had ever heard of having to explain to a woman—to any woman, anywhere in the whole macrocosmic universe—that she in particular was beautiful?

- E.E. Doc Smith

If any one of you will concentrate upon one single fact, or small object, such as a pebble or the seed of a plant or other creature, for as short a period of time as one hundred of your years, you will begin to perceive its truth.

- E.E. Doc Smith

I know they shot first, they always do, but how does that change things?

- E.E. Doc Smith