"People in other careers speak of a 'seven year itch' phenomenon, but these guys have a 'two year itch.' These guys will change jobs not so much to get a raise… but to keep from getting bored." Ow. - jrhyley
Randall Munroe did not care much for Anathen. Having finished it about 15 minutes ago myself, I only partially agree with him. This is only the second Stephenson work I didn't gobble up with a level of fanboy glee usually reserved for space operas, but I did still find it enjoyable. It is only the first time I haven't wholeheartedly agreed with something expounded upon in xkcd. The level of internal conflict I have about both of these is... disproportionate. - jrhyley