The Quantum Thief

The criminal is a creative artist; detectives are just critics.

A strange thing happens when you are very rich, even when one’s wealth is as artificial as in our society. You develop a solipsism of sorts. The world yields itself to your will. Everything becomes your reflection, and after a while looking into your own eyes is dull.

Deep learning still comes from approximately ten thousand hours of work on any given subject.

I don't care what your Oort woman wants you to steal for her," she says. "You already did your worst. You stole what could have been. From me and from yourself. And you can never have it back.

I always loved the way you are so quick to see everybody else as monsters.

What is it about it, anyway? Stealing.’ ‘It’s …’ It’s an instinct, I want to say. ... It’s art. But she would not understand, so I merely repeat the old joke. ‘It’s about respecting other people’s property. I make it my property so that I can properly respect it.

You’re bigger than the toys. We are always bigger than the things we make. Put them away. Make something new with your life, with your own mind and hands.

Whisky has always tasted like introspection to me, a quiet moment after taking a sip, the lingering aftertaste, inviting you to ponder upon the flavours on your tongue.

Hell,’ I tell her, ‘is where all the interesting people are.

Tell me one thing,’ Isidore says. ‘What was this place before?’ The Eldest pauses. An expression of sadness flickers across her serene face.

How do you find out if there are shadowy forces manipulating people’s minds? You find a clean template, and make a before-and-after comparison.

I don’t understand people. I need to deduce things. I don’t know why anyone says or does anything if I don’t think about it.

The carriage lurches back and forth as the vehicle – the bastard child of a spider, a H. G. Wells war machine and a taxi – leaps over rooftops and clings to walls.

She smiles, displaying an uneven row of sugar cube teeth.

I merely repeat the old joke. ‘It’s about respecting other people’s property. I make it my property so that I can properly respect it.

You are a policeman, yes? A sysadmin?