How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Gradually Martin's contemplation moved beyond Almus Pickerbaugh to all leaders, of armies or empires, of universities or churches, and he saw that most of them were Pickerbaughs. (21.2.20)
Martin realizes a sad truth while living in Nautilus. Great scientists might make important discoveries, but it's the dudes who do the most self-promoting who end up taking credit. Basically, it's not good enough to just be good at your job. You need to spend 90% of your time focusing on what people think of you.
Quote #5
Damn these old men, damn these Men of Measured Merriment, these Important Men that come and offer you honors. Money. Decorations. Titles. Want to make you windy with authority. (29.1.79)
Martin realizes by the end of the book that he could easily become a big shot if he wanted to. But the truth is that he finds no one more boring and empty than the wealthy elite. He'd much rather live and work in a shack in Vermont.
Quote #6
When Martin entered the Institute, his colleagues galloped up to shake hands and to exclaim, and if their praise was flustering, there is no time at which one can stomach so much of it as at home-coming. (36.5.1)
When Martin returns from his successful trip to stop a plague in the Caribbean, he's practically a celebrity in the scientific community. But the guy has also lost his wife, his confidence, and his general sense of direction in life. You can't expect him to revel in his success all that much.