The Mysterious Benedict Society And The Prisoner's Dilemma Quotes
"The only way out was to make an unpleasant decision."
"You can’t just tell me what to do and expect me to go along."
"Under Rhonda’s direction, the children had participated in many curious activities designed to engage their interest and their unusual gifts."
"The problem with the Prisoner's Dilemma is that each prisoner must choose to betray the other one or remain silent—without knowing what the other one’s going to do."
"Constance, do you think Rhonda was lying about Sticky and Kate making up their minds so fast?"
"In the real world, decisions often have real—and really unpleasant—consequences."
"Mr. Benedict was the guardian of an enormously powerful invention known as the Whisperer—a dangerous machine coveted by its equally dangerous inventor."
"Their predicament was based on an intellectual game called the Prisoner’s Dilemma."
"One’s mind is one’s most valuable, private possession."
"I have nothing further to say on this matter, Mr. Gaines."
"Because taking it out into the open makes it vulnerable?"
"In my opinion, my brother Ledroptha’s motivations are worth a great deal of consideration."
"But in the end they all realized it couldn’t work."
"I can handle it. I know it might be upsetting, but I have to know."
"It’s doubtful he even knows I’m aware of it."
"I assure you, this is a ploy, nothing more—a wicked attempt to distract us at a crucial time."
"The fact is I expected this and have made my decision already."
"Well, that’s terrific! So where is the book? I mean, did you bring it with you or—"
"I realize you have something to tell me. I see it on your faces, and obviously you had reasons for leaving the house."
"I would never have allowed that to happen, and yet I made a different, foolish mistake by not anticipating what Constance, in her agitated state, might—"
"I had set an abundance of precautions in place, you see—far more than you’re aware of, since by necessity many were kept secret."
"It was a lucky break for Ledroptha that Mr. Bane was posted at the back door today, though no doubt this was part of his original plan."
"I believe he got in over his head, as they say."
"I can’t say, but it’s important! And you’re not to say anything or let anyone come down there."
"I had to keep my mouth shut! I had to shrug and play it off as confusion!"
"It’s clearly out of use. Why does Benedict keep it?"
"I do hate to wait. Mightn’t we get on with the instructions? It will save time."
"I have to show this to Milligan or Mr. Benedict—it’s urgent, Ms. Plugg!"
"And I really am, Ms. Plugg! I can’t explain how important it was, or why we had to do it that way, but—"
"If the power stayed off much longer, people would forget about convenience and start worrying about security."
"It was so strange! Like one of those dreams where people from all different places and times in your life are together in one spot."
"So you meant to go to a branch library. That explains why Milligan was in the Quarryside neighborhood."
"We’ve all been worried, you know—and we’ve been through a lot."
"I have arranged for you to meet my most highly placed contact in government. He may be accompanied by certain associates, but you must bring him to me alone. Above all, you must be discreet—if our enemies learn his identity, all is lost. Do not fail me."
"Can you imagine what it was like for me when I realized what I’d done? Exactly the most dangerous thing possible, right?"
"How about we save grammar discussions for another time?"
"They may well have carried him away, thinking it was their duty to get him to that secure location."
"It was very dark, and Reynie stopped at the first landing, unsure of his footing."
"It’s French. It’s pronounced RON-day-voo. It means a meeting at a certain time and place."
"Mr. Benedict still had not shown up, and midnight was less than an hour away."
"I cannot stand seeing the complex business of the world being so badly mishandled."
"A little pain never hurt anybody, did it?"
"Your question betrays your naïveté, Reynard. Making things seem a way they aren’t is making them better."
"You think your Ten Men will come help you?"
"The safest thing for all of us is if you go."
"I'm afraid he's wearing that silly helmet for nothing."
"He's right, Mr. Curtain. You should turn yourself in."
"If you're going, Mr. Curtain, then I'm going with you!"
"You mustn’t risk it. No matter what you do, that beam is going to fall."
"I am so weary of trying to control what ought to be controlled, so weary…"
"Perhaps it’s time I relinquish control—at least I can control the relinquishing."
"I’ve been feeling guilty myself. I did sort of kick Milligan out of that elevator."
"You aren’t responsible for all of us. We’re all responsible for each other, right?"
"I keep thinking about how every good thing in this whole business has been completely tangled up with some bad thing."
"Maybe we should acquire a taste for bittersweet. Then everything would feel wonderful."
"It’s going to be a beautiful day, Constance. It’s springtime!"