The Moon is a Harsh Mistress Manipulation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Signing the Declaration of Independence went as Prof said it would. He sprang it on them at end of long day, announced a special session after dinner at which Adam Selene would speak. (15.1)

We love this example of manipulation because it doesn't require a super computer or other science fiction trope to pull off. Prof simply uses good old-fashioned, down-home political trickery.

Quote #8

"Please. Since they can inflict their will on us, our only chance lies in weakening their will. That was why we had to go to Terra. To be divisive. To create many opinions. The shrewdest of the great generals in China's history once said that perfection in war lay in so sapping the opponent's will that he surrenders without fighting." (20.33)

The Chinese general Prof is paraphrasing is none other than Sun Tzu. His most famous work, The Art of War, is all about manipulating any situation to your advantage.

Quote #9

But invaders fought well, too. These troops were not only crack riot troops, best peace enforcers for city work F.N. had; they also had been indoctrinated and drugged. Indoctrination had told them (correctly) that their only hope of going Earthside again was to capture warrens and pacify them. But was to win or die, for was pointed out that their transports could not take off if they did not win, […]. (24.8)

We haven't given too much credit to the Federated Nations here, but these guys are masters of manipulation as well. Their entire strategy is to manipulate soldiers to fight their hardest for victory. It doesn't work, but they get points for horrifying creativity.