Alas, Babylon Technology and Modernization Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

It was Orlando, or McCoy Base, or both. [...] Thus the lights went out, and in that moment civilization in Fort Repose retreated a hundred years. (6.186-187)

It's one thing when nuclear bombs are dropping, but it's a whole different ball game once the power goes out. And this isn't some short-term outage. Fort Repose may never see another glowing light bulb or cooling air conditioner again. Those are going to be some hot summers.

Quote #2

While radiation was a danger, it could not be felt or seen, and therefore other dangers, and even annoyances, seemed more imperative. (7.6)

Radiation presents a unique danger to our ragtag group of survivors. It's not like a wild animal or gang of highwaymen. You can't confront radiation head-on. In fact, many survivors of Fort Repose don't seem to understand radiation at all.

Quote #3

That morning, when Helen apprehensively opened the freezer, she found several hundred pounds of choice and carefully wrapped meat floating in a noxious sea of melted ice cream and liquified butter. (7.63)

In hindsight, buying pounds of fresh meat might not have been the wisest tactical maneuver. Randy should've bought some beans. Spam. Spaghetti-o's. Anything in a can, really. We often take for granted the conveniences offered by the modern world, but nowhere are those convenience more meaningful—yet overlooked—than with food.