"Not when you constantly change the norm," said Charalas. "The norm of prehistoric times is vastly different from the present. Our norm is different than the future norm. Men advance in knowledge and in responsibility, and they resent, bitterly, being judged on laws and rules set up to control their forefathers. City Indilee was the object of ridicule some hundred kilodays ago because some jurist tried to invoke a rule against flying less than five thousand noads above the city."
"I've read about that," smiled Guy, reading it from Charalas' mind. "At the time, we'd been landing on the building stages for thirty kilodays."
"Right. Another thing, Elanane. Some day anarchy will be the government of man. But not until man has learned to control himself as an individual, to respect the rights of others, and to follow the common wish. Until then we will have government."
"Which brings us back to the original question. You said Ertene is stale."
"I mean it. Elanane—are we capable of running ourselves?"
"Obviously."
"Then we shouldn't fear a test of fire."
"Our ability to keep out of the fight should be answer enough."
"Any coward can keep from fighting by hiding. Perhaps these Terrans are right."