Neal Asher Quotes

Powerful Neal Asher for Daily Growth

About Neal Asher

Neal Asher is a British science fiction author, renowned for his intricate and expansive space operas set in the sprawling universe of his 'Polity' series. Born on June 15, 1961, in Southampton, England, Asher developed an early interest in storytelling, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources including H.G. Wells, Isaac Asimov, and J.R.R. Tolkien. After leaving school, Asher worked various jobs, including as a chef and a bouncer, before finding his calling as a writer. His professional writing career began in the early 1990s with short stories published in anthologies and magazines. However, it was not until 2001 that he made his mark on the science fiction world with 'The Skinner', the first book in his 'Polity' series. The 'Polity' series is a richly imagined, multi-volume epic set in a future where humanity has colonized the galaxy and faces various threats, both human and alien. The series is characterized by its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and thought-provoking themes, including the nature of consciousness and the implications of advanced technology on society. Asher's other notable works include the 'Jain trilogy', which delves into the enigmatic Jain race, and the standalone novel 'Gridlinked'. His latest work, 'The Voyage of the Sable Keech', continues the story of the Polity universe. Asher's writing is known for its vivid world-building, gripping action, and deep explorations of humanity and artificial intelligence. Today, Neal Asher continues to contribute to the science fiction genre with his unique blend of action, philosophy, and imaginative storytelling. His works have won numerous awards and gained a dedicated fan base, securing his place as one of Britain's most respected and celebrated science fiction authors.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The universe is a vast and complex place, full of mysteries waiting to be unraveled."

This quote by Neal Asher underscores the immense scale and intricacy of the universe, highlighting its unfathomable depths and hidden secrets that remain to be explored. It serves as a call to curiosity and scientific inquiry, emphasizing the spirit of discovery and human aspiration to unravel the enigmas of the cosmos.


"In the grand scale of things, you are nothing, but in your own small world, everything."

This quote emphasizes the duality of our existence in the universe. It suggests that from a cosmic perspective, each individual is insignificant or minuscule; however, within our personal lives, experiences, and relationships, we hold immense importance, making us everything in our own small worlds. The sentiment encourages an understanding of our place in the grand scheme of things while reminding us not to diminish the impact we have on our immediate surroundings.


"The more we know about ourselves, the less certain we become about our nature."

This quote emphasizes the paradoxical relationship between self-knowledge and self-understanding in human beings. The more we delve into understanding ourselves, the more complexities and uncertainties are revealed, as opposed to a simplistic or clear-cut view of our nature. It suggests that self-awareness can lead to a greater appreciation of the intricacies and mysteries within ourselves rather than providing definitive answers about our inherent essence.


"Fear is just an emotion. It can be harnessed or ignored, but it should never be allowed to control us."

This quote emphasizes that fear, as a natural human emotion, can be managed rather than being a master over us. While it's important to acknowledge its presence, we should not let it dictate our actions or decisions. Instead, we can use it as a catalyst for growth by harnessing its energy to make informed choices and face challenges with courage and resilience.


"The universe may be infinite, but human patience often isn't."

This quote underscores the inherent contrast between the vast, boundless nature of the cosmos and our finite, limited human capacities, particularly in terms of endurance and resilience. It serves as a reminder that while the universe is infinite in its scale and scope, human patience, often tested by the complexities and demands of life, may not be as endless. This quote suggests a call to balance our ambitions with our emotional and psychological capabilities.


Moorcock's interlinked 'Eternal Champion' series is a constant source of enjoyment. Of its tragic hero incarnations, my favourite is 'Elric of Melnibone,' and the best book has to be 'Stormbringer.' And as for that other sword, Excalibur? Pah! Use it to spread your butter.

- Neal Asher

Other, Constant, Use, Sword

I have had periods when I've overused a word, 'candent' being one example, but I'm trying not to do that any more.

- Neal Asher

More, Had, Being, Overused

For me, the writing process is the same as the reading process. I want to know what happens next.

- Neal Asher

Process, Next, Same, Writing Process

I've been reading Tanith Lee since I was a teenager, beginning with 'The Birthgrave' and 'The Storm Lord.' Only recently did I discover, to my delight, how many more of her books I've yet to read.

- Neal Asher

Beginning, Been, Lord, Delight

Gemmell's name guarantees a satisfying story and a thumping good read. I recommend all his heroic creations - 'Druss the axeman,' 'the Jerusalem man,' among others - but my favourite has to be 'Waylander': Clint Eastwood with a crossbow and the same 'Make my day, punk' attitude.

- Neal Asher

Eastwood, Clint, Recommend, Satisfying

It wasn't until I had been writing on and off for maybe ten years that I started to establish any kind of routine, thought I couldn't put a finger on an exact date, and this routine relates simply to the aphorism 'How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.'

- Neal Asher

Thought, Date, Been, Aphorism

I've been an engineer, barman, skip lorry driver, coalman, boat window manufacturer, contract grass cutter and builder.

- Neal Asher

Contract, Been, Skip, Manufacturer

The end of the mid finger on my left hand is wider than normal, the nail distorted and a scar in the end. This was from when I managed to shove it in the path of a mower blade.

- Neal Asher

Normal, Finger, Wider, Shove

My favourite place to write is at my desk in my house in the mountains of Crete. I produce more there because one big distraction is missing: the Internet.

- Neal Asher

Mountains, Big, More, Favourite Place

When you reach the editing stage, it is often the case that you can get too involved with the story to detect errors. You can see words in your head that aren't actually there on the page, sentences blur together and errors escape you, and you follow plot threads and see only the images in your skull.

- Neal Asher

Reach, Sentences, Detect, Errors

If I could time travel into the future, my first port of call would be the point where medical technology is at its best because, like most people on this planet, I have this aversion to dying.

- Neal Asher

Best, Medical, Point, If I Could

With fantasy, one often has to think of a well-loved series before narrowing the selection to a favourite book. So it is with Zelazny. I've read his 'Princes in Amber' books so often, I know them almost verbatim, so much so that I am now trying to forget them so I can return to them with renewed pleasure.

- Neal Asher

Book, Before, Almost, Princes

When I get started each day, I read through and correct the previous day's 2,000 words, then start on the next. As I reach that figure, I try to simply stop and not go on until reaching a natural break. If you just stop while you know what you're going to write next, it's easier to get going again the next day.

- Neal Asher

Through, Next, Correct, Each Day

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