The Lathe of Heaven Power Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)

Quote #7

The lips within the curly beard parted in a straining, staring smile, a grin of ecstasy that made Orr turn away as if he had seen something never meant to be seen, both terrifying and pathetic. "Then this world will be like heaven, and men will be like gods!"

"We are, we are already," Orr said, but the other paid no heed. (9.127)

What do you think Dr. Haber means when he says men will be like gods? What does George mean when he says they already are? And why does Haber actually want to be like a god?

Quote #8

"HURAD really runs the world, as is," he said. "I can't help wondering why Haber needs any other form of power. He's got enough, God knows. Why can't he stop here? I suppose it's like Alexander the Great, needing new worlds to conquer. I never did understand that. How was work today?" (10.57)

You probably know who Alexander the Great is, but let's give a recap. He pretty much tried to take over the known world, and by age 30, he had created the largest empire ever known. He was so powerful and amazing that his existence is almost a myth (actually, there are lots of myths about it). But guess what? He never got to rule the entire world, just like our favorite sleep scientist, and he ended up dying pretty young.

Quote #9

This was the way he had to go; he had no choice. He had never had any choice. He was only a dreamer. (6.70)

It's easy to see George as a person with no power—and yet he's the one with the most impressive powers in the whole novel. Why is that? Is choosing not to choose a type of power as well?