[disclaimer] I'm sure others here are long-time readers of SF, so maybe this has been noted/discussed before...

[point of post] but have you noted that Cayce's command to herself to "Ask the next question" is also a phrase used by Theodore Sturgeon. in fact, he had a necklace with the symbol of this (a question mark with an arrow through it).

Is this History of SF apophenia, or is there some significant connection to be made there?

Probably both? "Asking the next question" is really what *any* intelligent being ought to do.

quote:

Originally posted by Justy:
Probably both? "Asking the next question" is really what *any* intelligent being ought to do.

Did she (Cayce_ mean it as a way to get thorugh the coversation, social interatcion she didn't want. As in the conversation with Bernard at Charlie Don't Surf. Drink the wine, nod... this is working?

Where is the quote from in the book, Sam?

heya, there's two instances: one in the context of her being good at her job...

Chapter 4, Math Grenades:

She's been dropped into neighborhoods like Dogtown, which birthed skateboarding, to explore roots in hope of finding whatever the next thing might be. And she's learned it's largely a matter of being willing to ask the next question. She's met the very Mexican who first wore his baseball cap backward, asking the next question. She's that good.

...and one in the context of her just trying to get by socially in the face of overwhelming emotion...

Chapter 35, [Caffeine]

"Why are there so many police cars?" It's all she can think to ask, this pathetic attempt to prevent a silence that she somehow fears might kill her. Ask the next question. "They're always speeding by, but no sirens."