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-==== How to Build a Universe That Doesn't Fall Apart Two Days Later ====
-by DICK-1978
-<html>
+==== How to Build a Universe That Doesn't Fall Apart Two Days Later ====
+by DICK-1978
-First, before I begin to bore you with the usual sort of things
+First, before I begin to bore you with the usual sort of things science fiction
-science  fiction writers say in speeches, let me bring you official
+writers say in speeches, let me bring you official greetings from Disneyland. I
-greetings from
+consider myself a spokesperson for Disneyland because I live just a few miles
-Disneyland. I consider myself a spokesperson for Disneyland because I live
+from it -- and, as if that were not enough, I once had the honour of being
-just
+interviewed there by Paris TV.
-a few miles from it -- and, as if that were not enough, I once had the
-honour of
-being interviewed there by Paris TV.
-For several weeks after the interview, I was really ill and confined
+For several weeks after the interview, I was really ill and confined to bed. I
-to
+think it was the whirling teacups that did it. Elizabeth Antebi, who was the
-bed. I think it was the whirling teacups that did it. Elizabeth Antebi, who
+producer of the film, wanted to have me whirling around in one of the giant
-was
+teacups while discussing the rise of fascism with Norman Spinrad... an old
-the producer of the film, wanted to have me whirling around in one of the
+friend of mine who writes excellent science fiction. We also discussed
-giant
+Watergate, but we did that on the deck of Captain Hook's pirate ship. Little
-teacups while discussing the rise of fascism with Norman Spinrad... an old
+children wearing Mickey Mouse hats -- those black hats with the ears -- kept
-friend of mine who writes excellent science fiction. We also discussed
+running up and bumping against us as the cameras whirred away and Elizabeth
-Watergate, but we did that on the deck of Captain Hook's pirate ship. Little
+asked unexpected questions. Norman and I, being preoccupied with tossing little
-children wearing Mickey Mouse hats -- those black hats with the ears -- kept
+children about, said some extraordinarily stupid things that day. Today,
-running up and bumping against us as the cameras whirred away and Elizabeth
+however, I will have to accept full blame for what I tell you, since none of you
-asked unexpected questions. Norman and I, being preoccupied with tossing
+are wearing Mickey Mouse hats and trying to climb up on me under the impression
-little
-children about, said some extraordinarily stupid things that day. Today,
-however, I will have to accept full blame for what I tell you, since none of
-you
-are wearing Mickey Mouse hats and trying to climb up on me under the
-impression
 that I am part of the rigging of a pirate ship.
-Science fiction writers, I am sorry to say, really do not know
+Science fiction writers, I am sorry to say, really do not know anything.  We
-anything.
+can't talk about science, because our knowledge of it is limited and unofficial,
-We can't talk about science, because our knowledge of it is limited and
+and usually our fiction is dreadful. A few years ago, no college or university
-unofficial, and usually our fiction is dreadful. A few years ago, no college
+would ever have considered inviting one of us to speak. We were mercifully
-or
+confined to lurid pulp magazines, impressing no one. In those days, friends
-university would ever have considered inviting one of us to speak. We were
+would say me, "But are you writing anything serious?" meaning "Are you writing
-mercifully confined to lurid pulp magazines, impressing no one. In those
+anything other than science fiction?" We longed to be accepted. We yearned to be
-days,
+noticed. Then, suddenly, the academic world noticed us, we were invited to give
-friends would say me, "But are you writing anything serious?" meaning "Are
+speeches and appear on panels -- and immediately we made idiots of
-you
+ourselves. The problem is simply this: What does a science fiction writer know
-writing anything other than science fiction?" We longed to be accepted. We
+about? On what topic is he an authority?
-yearned to be noticed. Then, suddenly, the academic world noticed us, we
-were
-invited to give speeches and appear on panels -- and immediately we made
-idiots
-of ourselves. The problem is simply this: What does a science fiction writer
-know about? On what topic is he an authority?
-It reminds me of a headline that appeared in a California newspaper
+It reminds me of a headline that appeared in a California newspaper just before
-just
+I flew here. SCIENTISTS SAY THAT MICE CANNOT BE MADE TO LOOK LIKE HUMAN
-before I flew here. SCIENTISTS SAY THAT MICE CANNOT BE MADE TO LOOK LIKE
+BEINGS. It was a federally funded research program, I suppose. Just think:
-HUMAN
+Someone in this world is an authority on the topic of whether mice can or cannot
-BEINGS. It was a federally funded research program, I suppose. Just think:
+put on two--tone shoes, derby hats, pinstriped shirts, and Dacron pants, and
-Someone in this world is an authority on the topic of whether mice can or
-cannot
-put on two--tone shoes, derby hats, pinstriped shirts, and Dacron pants, and
 pass as humans.
-Well, I will tell you what interests me, what I consider important.
+Well, I will tell you what interests me, what I consider important.  I can't
-I
+claim to be an authority on anything, but I can honestly say that certain
-can't claim to be an authority on anything, but I can honestly say that
+matters absolutely fascinate me, and that I write about them all the time.  The
-certain
+two basic topics which fascinate me are "What is reality?" and "What constitutes
-matters absolutely fascinate me, and that I write about them all the time.
+the authentic human being?" Over the twenty-seven years in which I have
-The
+published novels and stories I have investigated these two interrelated topics
-two basic topics which fascinate me are "What is reality?" and "What
+over and over again. I consider them important topics. What are we? What is it
-constitutes
+which surrounds us, that we call the not-me, or the empirical or phenomenal
-the authentic human being?" Over the twenty-seven years in which I have
-published novels and stories I have investigated these two interrelated
-topics
-over and over again. I consider them important topics. What are we? What is
-it
-which surrounds us, that we call the not-me, or the empirical or phenomenal
 world?
-In 1951, when I sold my first story, I had no idea that such
+In 1951, when I sold my first story, I had no idea that such fundamental issues
-fundamental
+could be pursued in the science fiction field. I began to pursue them
-issues could be pursued in the science fiction field. I began to pursue them
+unconsciously. My first story had to do with a dog who imagined that the
-unconsciously. My first story had to do with a dog who imagined that the
+garbagemen who came every Friday morning were stealing valuable food which the
-garbagemen who came every Friday morning were stealing valuable food which
+family had carefully stored away in a safe metal container. Every day, members
-the
+of the family carried out paper sacks of nice ripe food, stuffed them into the
-family had carefully stored away in a safe metal container. Every day,
+metal container, shut the lid tightly -- and when the container was full, these
-members
-of the family carried out paper sacks of nice ripe food, stuffed them into
-the
-metal container, shut the lid tightly -- and when the container was full,
-these
 dreadful-looking creatures came and stole everything but the can.
-Finally, in the story, the dog begins to imagine that someday the
+Finally, in the story, the dog begins to imagine that someday the garbagemen
-garbagemen will eat the people in the house, as well as stealing their food.
+will eat the people in the house, as well as stealing their food.  Of course,
-Of
+the dog is wrong about this. We all know that garbagemen do not eat people. But
-course, the dog is wrong about this. We all know that garbagemen do not eat
+the dog's extrapolation was in a sense logical -- given the facts at his
-people. But the dog's extrapolation was in a sense logical -- given the
+disposal. The story was about a real dog, and I used to watch him and try to get
-facts at
+inside his head and imagine how he saw the world. Certainly, I decided, that dog
-his disposal. The story was about a real dog, and I used to watch him and
+sees the world quite differently than I do, or any humans do. And then I began
-try to
+to think, Maybe each human being lives in a unique world, a private world, a
-get inside his head and imagine how he saw the world. Certainly, I decided,
+world different from those inhabited and experienced by all other humans.  And
-that
+that led me wonder, If reality differs from person to person, can we speak of
-dog sees the world quite differently than I do, or any humans do. And then I
+reality singular, or shouldn't we really be talking about plural realities?  And
-began to think, Maybe each human being lives in a unique world, a private
+if there are plural realities, are some more true (more real) than others?  What
-world,
+about the world of a schizophrenic? Maybe, it's as real as our world. Maybe we
-a world different from those inhabited and experienced by all other humans.
+cannot say that we are in touch with reality and he is not, but should instead
-And
+say, His reality is so different from ours that he can't explain his to us, and
-that led me wonder, If reality differs from person to person, can we speak
+we can't explain ours to him. The problem, then, is that if subjective worlds
-of
+are experienced too differently, there occurs a breakdown of communication...
-reality singular, or shouldn't we really be talking about plural realities?
-And
-if there are plural realities, are some more true (more real) than others?
-What
-about the world of a schizophrenic? Maybe, it's as real as our world. Maybe
-we
-cannot say that we are in touch with reality and he is not, but should
-instead
-say, His reality is so different from ours that he can't explain his to us,
-and
-we can't explain ours to him. The problem, then, is that if subjective
-worlds
-are experienced too differently, there occurs a breakdown of
-communication...
 and there is the real illness.
-I once wrote a story about a man who was injured and taken to a
+I once wrote a story about a man who was injured and taken to a hospital.  When
-hospital.
+they began surgery on him, they discovered that he was an android, not a human,
-When they began surgery on him, they discovered that he was an android, not
+but that he did not know it. They had to break the news to him.  Almost at once,
-a
+Mr. Garson Poole discovered that his reality consisted of punched tape passing
-human, but that he did not know it. They had to break the news to him.
+from reel to reel in his chest. Fascinated, he began to fill in some of the
-Almost at
+punched holes and add new ones. Immediately, his world changed. A flock of ducks
-once, Mr. Garson Poole discovered that his reality consisted of punched tape
+flew through the room when he punched one new hole in the tape.  Finally he cut
-passing from reel to reel in his chest. Fascinated, he began to fill in some
+the tape entirely, whereupon the world disappeared. However, it also disappeared
-of
+for the other characters in the story... which makes no sense, if you think
-the punched holes and add new ones. Immediately, his world changed. A flock
+about it. Unless the other characters were figments of his punched- tape
-of
+fantasy. Which I guess is what they were.
-ducks flew through the room when he punched one new hole in the tape.
-Finally he
-cut the tape entirely, whereupon the world disappeared. However, it also
-disappeared for the other characters in the story... which makes no sense,
-if
-you think about it. Unless the other characters were figments of his
-punched-
-tape fantasy. Which I guess is what they were.
-It was always my hope, in writing novels and stories which asked the
+It was always my hope, in writing novels and stories which asked the question
-question "What is reality?", to someday get an answer. This was the hope of
+"What is reality?", to someday get an answer. This was the hope of most of my
-most
+readers, too. Years passed. I wrote over thirty novels and over a hundred
-of my readers, too. Years passed. I wrote over thirty novels and over a
+stories, and still I could not figure out what was real. One day a girl college
-hundred
+student in Canada asked me to define reality for her, for a paper she was
-stories, and still I could not figure out what was real. One day a girl
+writing for her philosophy class. She wanted a one-sentence answer. I thought
-college
+about it and finally said, "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in
-student in Canada asked me to define reality for her, for a paper she was
+it, doesn't go away." That's all I could come up with. That was back in 1972.
-writing for her philosophy class. She wanted a one-sentence answer. I
-thought
-about it and finally said, "Reality is that which, when you stop believing
-in
-it, doesn't go away." That's all I could come up with. That was back in
-.
 Since then I haven't been able to define reality any more lucidly.
-But the problem is a real one, not a mere intellectual game. Because
+But the problem is a real one, not a mere intellectual game. Because today we
-today
+live in a society in which spurious realities are manufactured by the media, by
-we live in a society in which spurious realities are manufactured by the
+governments, by big corporations, by religious groups, political groups -- and
-media,
+the electronic hardware exists by which to deliver these pseudo-worlds right
-by governments, by big corporations, by religious groups, political groups
+into the heads of the reader, the viewer, the listener. Sometimes when I watch
---
+my eleven-year-old daughter watch TV, I wonder what she is being taught. The
-and the electronic hardware exists by which to deliver these pseudo-worlds
+problem of miscuing; consider that. A TV program produced for adults is viewed
-right
+by a small child. Half of what is said and done in the TV drama is probably
-into the heads of the reader, the viewer, the listener. Sometimes when I
+misunderstood by the child. Maybe it's all misunderstood. And the thing is, Just
-watch
+how authentic is the information anyhow, even if the child correctly understood
-my eleven-year-old daughter watch TV, I wonder what she is being taught. The
+it? What is the relationship between the average TV situation comedy to reality?
-problem of miscuing; consider that. A TV program produced for adults is
+What about the cop shows? Cars are continually swerving out of control,
-viewed
+crashing, and catching fire. The police are always good and they always win.  Do
-by a small child. Half of what is said and done in the TV drama is probably
+not ignore that point: The police always win. What a lesson that is. You should
-misunderstood by the child. Maybe it's all misunderstood. And the thing is,
+not fight authority, and even if you do, you will lose. The message here is, Be
-Just
+passive. And -- cooperate. If Officer Baretta asks you for information, give it
-how authentic is the information anyhow, even if the child correctly
+to him, because Officer Baretta is a good man and to be trusted. He loves you,
-understood
-it? What is the relationship between the average TV situation comedy to
-reality?
-What about the cop shows? Cars are continually swerving out of control,
-crashing, and catching fire. The police are always good and they always win.
-Do
-not ignore that point: The police always win. What a lesson that is. You
-should
-not fight authority, and even if you do, you will lose. The message here is,
-Be
-passive. And -- cooperate. If Officer Baretta asks you for information, give
-it
-to him, because Officer Baretta is a good man and to be trusted. He loves
-you,
 and you should love him.
-So I ask, in my writing, What is real? Because unceasingly we are
+So I ask, in my writing, What is real? Because unceasingly we are bombarded with
-bombarded with pseudo-realities manufactured by very sophisticated people
+pseudo-realities manufactured by very sophisticated people using very
-using
+sophisticated electronic mechanisms. I do not distrust their motives; I distrust
-very sophisticated electronic mechanisms. I do not distrust their motives; I
+their power. They have a lot of it. And it is an astonishing power: that of
-distrust their power. They have a lot of it. And it is an astonishing power:
+creating whole universes, universes of the mind. I ought to know. I do the same
-that of creating whole universes, universes of the mind. I ought to know. I
+thing. It is my job to create universes, as the basis of one novel after
-do
+another. And I have to build them in such a way that they do not fall apart two
-the same thing. It is my job to create universes, as the basis of one novel
+days later. Or at least that is what my editors hope. However, I will reveal a
-after another. And I have to build them in such a way that they do not fall
+secret to you: I like to build universes which do fall apart. I like to see them
-apart two days later. Or at least that is what my editors hope. However, I
+come unglued, and I like to see how the characters in the novels cope with this
-will
+problem. I have a secret love of chaos. There should be more of it. Do not
-reveal a secret to you: I like to build universes which do fall apart. I
+believe -- and I am dead serious when I say this -- do not assume that order and
-like to
+stability are always good, in a society or in a universe. The old, the ossified,
-see them come unglued, and I like to see how the characters in the novels
+must always give way to new life and the birth of new things.  Before the new
-cope
+things can be born the old must perish. This is a dangerous realization, because
-with this problem. I have a secret love of chaos. There should be more of
+it tells us that we must eventually part with much of what is familiar to
-it. Do
+us. And that hurts. But that is part of the script of life. Unless we can
-not believe -- and I am dead serious when I say this -- do not assume that
+psychologically accommodate change, we ourselves begin to die, inwardly.  What I
-order
+am saying is that objects, customs, habits, and ways of life must perish so that
-and stability are always good, in a society or in a universe. The old, the
+the authentic human being can live. And it is the authentic human being who
-ossified, must always give way to new life and the birth of new things.
+matters most, the viable, elastic organism which can bounce back, absorb, and
-Before
-the new things can be born the old must perish. This is a dangerous
-realization,
-because it tells us that we must eventually part with much of what is
-familiar
-to us. And that hurts. But that is part of the script of life. Unless we can
-psychologically accommodate change, we ourselves begin to die, inwardly.
-What I
-am saying is that objects, customs, habits, and ways of life must perish so
-that
-the authentic human being can live. And it is the authentic human being who
-matters most, the viable, elastic organism which can bounce back, absorb,
-and
 deal with the new.
-Of course, I would say this, because I live near Disneyland, and
+Of course, I would say this, because I live near Disneyland, and they are always
-they are
+adding new rides and destroying old ones. Disneyland is an evolving
-always adding new rides and destroying old ones. Disneyland is an evolving
+organism. For years they had the Lincoln Simulacrum, like Lincoln himself, was
-organism. For years they had the Lincoln Simulacrum, like Lincoln himself,
+only a temporary form which matter and energy take and then lose. The same is
-was
-only a temporary form which matter and energy take and then lose. The same
-is
 true of each of us, like it or not.
-The pre-Socratic Greek philosopher Parmenides taught that the only
+The pre-Socratic Greek philosopher Parmenides taught that the only things that
-things
+are real are things which never change... and the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher
-that are real are things which never change... and the pre-Socratic Greek
+Heraclitus taught that everything changes. If you superimpose their two views,
-philosopher Heraclitus taught that everything changes. If you superimpose
+you get this result: Nothing is real. There is a fascinating next step to this
-their
+line of thinking: Parmenides could never have existed because he grew old and
-two views, you get this result: Nothing is real. There is a fascinating next
+died and disappeared, so, according to his own philosophy, he did not exist. And
-step to this line of thinking: Parmenides could never have existed because
+Heraclitus may have been right -- let's not forget that; so if Heraclitus was
-he
+right, then Parmenides did exist, and therefore, according to Heraclitus'
-grew old and died and disappeared, so, according to his own philosophy, he
+philosophy, perhaps Parmenides was right, since Parmenides fulfilled the
-did
+conditions, the criteria, by which Heraclitus judged things real.
-not exist. And Heraclitus may have been right -- let's not forget that; so
-if
-Heraclitus  was right, then  Parmenides did exist, and therefore, according
-to
-Heraclitus'  philosophy, perhaps  Parmenides was right, since Parmenides
-fulfilled the  conditions, the criteria,  by which Heraclitus judged things
-real.
-I offer this merely to show that as soon as you begin to ask  what
+I offer this merely to show that as soon as you begin to ask what is ultimately
-is
+real, you right away begin talk nonsense. Zeno proved that motion was impossible
-ultimately real, you right away begin talk nonsense. Zeno  proved that
+(actually he only imagined that he had proved this; what he lacked was what
-motion
+technically is called the "theory of limits"). David Hume, the greatest skeptic
-was impossible (actually he only imagined that he had  proved this;  what he
+of them all, once remarked that after a gathering of skeptics met to proclaim
-lacked was what technically is called the "theory of  limits"). David  Hume,
+the veracity of skepticism as a philosophy, all of the members of the gathering
-the
+nonetheless left by the door rather than the window. I see Hume's point. It was
-greatest skeptic of them all, once remarked that  after a gathering  of
+all just talk. The solemn philosophers weren't taking what they said seriously.
-skeptics
-met to proclaim the veracity of skepticism as a  philosophy, all of  the
-members
-of the gathering nonetheless left by the door  rather than the  window. I
-see
-Hume's point. It was all just talk. The solemn  philosophers  weren't taking
-what they said seriously.
-But I consider that the matter of defining what is real -- that is a
+But I consider that the matter of defining what is real -- that is a serious
-serious  topic, even a vital topic. And in there somewhere is the other
+topic, even a vital topic. And in there somewhere is the other topic, the
-topic,
+definition of the authentic human. Because the bombardment of pseudo- realities
-the definition of the authentic human. Because the bombardment of pseudo-
+begins to produce inauthentic humans very quickly, spurious humans -- as fake as
-realities begins to produce inauthentic humans very quickly, spurious humans
+the data pressing at them from all sides. My two topics are really one topic;
---
+they unite at this point. Fake realities will create fake humans.  Or, fake
-as fake as the data pressing at them from all sides. My two topics are
+humans will generate fake realities and then sell them to other humans, turning
-really
+them, eventually, into forgeries of themselves. So we wind up with fake humans
-one topic; they unite at this point. Fake realities will create fake humans.
+inventing fake realities and then peddling them to other fake humans.  It is
-Or,
+just a very large version of Disneyland. You can have the Pirate Ride or the
-fake humans will generate fake realities and then sell them to other humans,
+Lincoln Simulacrum or Mr. Toad's Wild Ride -- you can have all of them, but none
-turning them, eventually, into forgeries of themselves. So we wind up with
-fake
-humans inventing fake realities and then peddling them to other fake humans.
-It
-is just a very large version of Disneyland. You can have the Pirate Ride or
-the
-Lincoln Simulacrum or Mr. Toad's Wild Ride -- you can have all of them, but
-none
 is true.
-In my writing I got so Interested in fakes that I finally came up
+In my writing I got so Interested in fakes that I finally came up with the
-with the
+concept of fake fakes. For example, in Disneyland there are fake birds worked by
-concept of fake fakes. For example, in Disneyland there are fake birds
+electric motors which emit caws and shrieks as you pass by them. Suppose some
-worked by
+night all of us sneaked into the park with real birds and substituted them for
-electric motors which emit caws and shrieks as you pass by them. Suppose
+the artificial ones. Imagine the horror the Disneyland officials would feet when
-some
+they discovered the cruel hoax. Real birds! And perhaps someday even real hippos
-night all of us sneaked into the park with real birds and substituted them
+and lions. Consternation. The park being cunningly transmuted from the unreal to
-for
+the real, by sinister forces. For instance, suppose the Matterhom turned into a
-the artificial ones. Imagine the horror the Disneyland officials would feet
+genuine snow-covered mountain? What if the entire place, by a miracle of God's
-when
+power and wisdom, was changed, in a moment, in the blink of an eye, into
-they discovered the cruel hoax. Real birds! And perhaps someday even real
-hippos
-and lions. Consternation. The park being cunningly transmuted from the
-unreal to
-the real, by sinister forces. For instance, suppose the Matterhom turned
-into a
-genuine snow-covered mountain? What if the entire place, by a miracle of
-God's
-power and wisdom, was changed, in a moment, in the blink of an eye, into
 something incorruptible? They would have to close down.
-In Plato's Timaeus, God does not create the universe, as does the
+In Plato's Timaeus, God does not create the universe, as does the Christian God;
-Christian God; He simply finds it one day. It is in a state of total chaos.
+He simply finds it one day. It is in a state of total chaos.  God sets to work
-God
+to transform the chaos into order. That idea appeals to me, and I have adapted
-sets to work to transform the chaos into order. That idea appeals to me, and
+it to fit my own intellectual needs: What if our universe started out as not
-I
+quite real, a sort of illusion, as the Hindu religion teaches, and God, out of
-have adapted it to fit my own intellectual needs: What if our universe
+love and kindness for us, is slowly transmuting it, slowly and secretly, into
-started
+something real?
-out as not quite real, a sort of illusion, as the Hindu religion teaches,
-and
-God, out of love and kindness for us, is slowly transmuting it, slowly and
-secretly, into something real?
-We would not be aware of this transformation, since we were not
+We would not be aware of this transformation, since we were not aware that our
-aware that
+world was an illusion in the first place. This technically is a Gnostic
-our world was an illusion in the first place. This technically is a Gnostic
+idea. Gnosticism is a religion which embraced Jews, Christians, and pagans for
-idea. Gnosticism is a religion which embraced Jews, Christians, and pagans
+several centuries. I have been accused of holding Gnostic ideas. I guess I do.
-for
+At one time I would have been burned. But some of their ideas intrigue me.  One
-several centuries. I have been accused of holding Gnostic ideas. I guess I
+time, when I was researching Gnosticism in the Britannica, I came across mention
-do.
+of a Gnostic codex called The Unreal God and the Aspects of His Nonexistent
-At one time I would have been burned. But some of their ideas intrigue me.
+Universe, an idea which reduced me, to helpless laughter. What kind of person
-One
+would write about something that he knows doesn't exist, and how can something
-time, when I was researching Gnosticism in the Britannica, I came across
+that doesn't exist have aspects? But then I realized that I'd been writing about
-mention
+these matters for over twenty-five years. I guess there is a lot of latitude in
-of a Gnostic codex called The Unreal God and the Aspects of His Nonexistent
+what you can say when writing about a topic that does not exist. A friend of
-Universe, an idea which reduced me, to helpless laughter. What kind of
+mine once published a book called Snakes of Hawaii. A number of libraries wrote
-person
+him ordering copies. Well, there are no snakes in Hawaii. A11 the pages of his
-would write about something that he knows doesn't exist, and how can
-something
-that doesn't exist have aspects? But then I realized that I'd been writing
-about
-these matters for over twenty-five years. I guess there is a lot of latitude
-in
-what you can say when writing about a topic that does not exist. A friend of
-mine once published a book called Snakes of Hawaii. A number of libraries
-wrote
-him ordering copies. Well, there are no snakes in Hawaii. A11 the pages of
-his
 book were blank.
-Of course, in science fiction no pretense is made that the worlds
+Of course, in science fiction no pretense is made that the worlds described are
-described are real. This is why we call it fiction. The reader is warned in
+real. This is why we call it fiction. The reader is warned in advance not to
-advance not to believe what he is about to read. Equally true, the visitors
+believe what he is about to read. Equally true, the visitors to Disneyland
-to
+understand that Mr. Toad does not really exist and that the pirates are animated
-Disneyland understand that Mr. Toad does not really exist and that the
+by motors and servo-assist mechanisms, relays and electronic circuits. So no
-pirates
+deception is taking place.
-are animated by motors and servo-assist mechanisms, relays and electronic
-circuits. So no deception is taking place.
-And yet the strange thing is, in some way, some real way, much of
+And yet the strange thing is, in some way, some real way, much of what appears
-what
+under the title "science fiction" is true. It may not be literally true, I
-appears under the title "science fiction" is true. It may not be literally
+suppose. We have not really been invaded by creatures from another star system,
-true,
+as depicted in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The producers of that film
-I suppose. We have not really been invaded by creatures from another star
+never intended for us to believe it. Or did they?
-system, as depicted in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The producers of
-that
-film never intended for us to believe it. Or did they?
-And, more important, if they did intend to state this, is it
+And, more important, if they did intend to state this, is it actually true? That
-actually
+is the issue: not, Does the author or producer believe it, but -- Is it true?
-true? That is the issue: not, Does the author or producer believe it, but --
+Because, quite by accident, in the pursuit of a good yarn, a science fiction
-Is
+author or producer or scriptwriter might stumble onto the truth...  and only
-it true? Because, quite by accident, in the pursuit of a good yarn, a
+later on realize it.
-science
-fiction author or producer or scriptwriter might stumble onto the truth...
-and
-only later on realize it.
-The basic tool for the manipulation of reality is the manipulation
+The basic tool for the manipulation of reality is the manipulation of words. If
-of
+you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use
-words. If you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people
+the words. George Orwell made this clear in his novel 1984. But another way to
-who
+control the minds of people is to control their perceptions. If you can get them
-must use the words. George Orwell made this clear in his novel 1984. But
+to see the world as you do, they will think as you do.  Comprehension follows
-another
+perception. How do you get them to see the reality you see? After all, it is
-way to control the minds of people is to control their perceptions. If you
+only one reality out of many. Images are a basic constituent: pictures.  This is
-can
+why the power of TV to influence young minds is so staggeringly vast.  Words and
-get them to see the world as you do, they will think as you do.
+pictures are synchronized. The possibility of total control of the viewer
-Comprehension
+exists, especially the young viewer. TV viewing is a kind of sleep- learning. An
-follows perception. How do you get them to see the reality you see? After
+EEG of a person watching TV shows that after about half an hour the brain
-all,
+decides that nothing is happening, and it goes into a hypnoidal twilight state,
-it is only one reality out of many. Images are a basic constituent:
+emitting alpha waves. This is because there is such little eye motion. In
-pictures.
+addition, much of the information is graphic and therefore passes into the right
-This is why the power of TV to influence young minds is so staggeringly
+hemisphere of the brain, rather than being processed by the left, where the
-vast.
+conscious personality is located. Recent experiments indicate that much of what
-Words and pictures are synchronized. The possibility of total control of the
+we see on the TV screen is received on a subliminal basis. We only imagine that
-viewer exists, especially the young viewer. TV viewing is a kind of sleep-
+we consciously see what is there. The bulk of the messages elude our attention;
-learning. An EEG of a person watching TV shows that after about half an hour
+literally, after a few hours of TV watching, we do not know what we have seen.
-the
+Our memories are spurious, like our memories of dreams; the blanks are filled in
-brain decides that nothing is happening, and it goes into a hypnoidal
+retrospectively. And falsified. We have participated unknowingly in the creation
-twilight
+of a spurious reality, and then we have obligingly fed it to ourselves. We have
-state, emitting alpha waves. This is because there is such little eye
+colluded in our own doom.
-motion. In
-addition, much of the information is graphic and therefore passes into the
-right
-hemisphere of the brain, rather than being processed by the left, where the
-conscious personality is located. Recent experiments indicate that much of
-what
-we see on the TV screen is received on a subliminal basis. We only imagine
-that
-we consciously see what is there. The bulk of the messages elude our
-attention;
-literally, after a few hours of TV watching, we do not know what we have
-seen.
-Our memories are spurious, like our memories of dreams; the blanks are
-filled in
-retrospectively. And falsified. We have participated unknowingly in the
-creation
-of a spurious reality, and then we have obligingly fed it to ourselves. We
-have
-colluded in our own doom.
-And -- and I say this as a professional fiction writer -- the
+And -- and I say this as a professional fiction writer -- the producers,
-producers,
+scriptwriters, and directors who create these video/audio worlds do not know how
-scriptwriters, and directors who create these video/audio worlds do not know
+much of their content is true. In other words, they are victims of their own
-how
+product, along with us. Speaking for myself, I do not know how much of my
-much of their content is true. In other words, they are victims of their own
+writing is true, or which parts (if any) are true. This is a potentially lethal
-product, along with us. Speaking for myself, I do not know how much of my
+situation. We have fiction mimicking truth, and truth mimicking fiction. We have
-writing is true, or which parts (if any) are true. This is a potentially
+a dangerous overlap, a dangerous blur. And in all probability it is not
-lethal
+deliberate. In fact, that is part of the problem. You cannot legislate an author
-situation. We have fiction mimicking truth, and truth mimicking fiction. We
+into correctly labeling his product, like a can of pudding whose ingredients are
-have
+listed on the label... you cannot compel him to declare what part is true and
-a dangerous overlap, a dangerous blur. And in all probability it is not
-deliberate. In fact, that is part of the problem. You cannot legislate an
-author
-into correctly labeling his product, like a can of pudding whose ingredients
-are
-listed on the label... you cannot compel him to declare what part is true
-and
 what isn't if he himself does not know.
-It is an eerie experience to write something into a novel, believing
+It is an eerie experience to write something into a novel, believing it is pure
-it is
+fiction, and to learn later on -- perhaps years later -- that it is true. I
-pure fiction, and to learn later on -- perhaps years later -- that it is
+would like to give you an example. It is something that I do not understand.
-true. I
-would like to give you an example. It is something that I do not understand.
 Perhaps you can come up with a theory. I can't.
-In 1970 I wrote a novel called Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said.
+In 1970 I wrote a novel called Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said.  One of the
-One of
+characters is a nineteen-year-old girl named Kathy. Her husband's name is
-the characters is a nineteen-year-old girl named Kathy. Her husband's name
+Jack. Kathy appears to work for the criminal underground, but later, as we read
-is
+deeper into the novel, we discover that actually she is working for the police.
-Jack. Kathy appears to work for the criminal underground, but later, as we
+She has a relationship going on with a police inspector. The character is pure
-read
-deeper into the novel, we discover that actually she is working for the
-police.
-She has a relationship going on with a police inspector. The character is
-pure
 fiction. Or at least I thought it was.
-Anyhow, on Christmas Day of 1970, I met a girl named Kathy - this
+Anyhow, on Christmas Day of 1970, I met a girl named Kathy - this was after I
-was
+had finished the novel, you understand. She was nineteen years old.  Her
-after I had finished the novel, you understand. She was nineteen years old.
+boyfriend was named Jack. I soon learned that Kathy was a drug dealer. I spent
-Her
+months trying to get her to give up dealing drugs; I kept warning her again and
-boyfriend was named Jack. I soon learned that Kathy was a drug dealer. I
+again that she would get caught. Then, one evening as we were entering a
-spent
+restaurant together, Kathy stopped short and said, "I can't go in." Seated in
-months trying to get her to give up dealing drugs; I kept warning her again
+the restaurant was a police inspector whom I knew. "I have to tell you the
-and
-again that she would get caught. Then, one evening as we were entering a
-restaurant together, Kathy stopped short and said, "I can't go in." Seated
-in
-the restaurant was a police inspector whom I knew. "I have to tell you the
 truth," Kathy said. "I have a relationship with him."
-Certainly, these are odd coincidences. Perhaps I have precognition.
+Certainly, these are odd coincidences. Perhaps I have precognition.  But the
-But
+mystery becomes even more perplexing; the next stage totally baffles me.  It has
-the mystery becomes even more perplexing; the next stage totally baffles me.
+for four years.
-It
-has for four years.
-In 1974 the novel was published by Doubleday. One afternoon I was
+In 1974 the novel was published by Doubleday. One afternoon I was talking to my
-talking
+priest - I am an Episcopalian -- and I happened to mention to him an important
-to my priest - I am an Episcopalian -- and I happened to mention to him an
+scene near the end of the novel in which the character Felix Buckman meets a
-important scene near the end of the novel in which the character Felix
+black stranger at an all-night gas station, and they begin to talk.  As I
-Buckman
+described the scene in more and more detail, my priest became progressively more
-meets a black stranger at an all-night gas station, and they begin to talk.
+agitated. At last he said, 'That is a scene from the Book of Acts, from the
-As I
+Bible! In Acts, the person who meets the black man on the road is named Philip -
-described the scene in more and more detail, my priest became progressively
+- your name." Father Rasch was so upset by the resemblance that he could not
-more
+even locate the scene in his Bible. "Read Acts," he instructed me. "And you'll
-agitated. At last he said, 'That is a scene from the Book of Acts, from the
+agree. It's the same down to specific details."
-Bible! In Acts, the person who meets the black man on the road is named
-Philip -
-- your name." Father Rasch was so upset by the resemblance that he could not
-even locate the scene in his Bible. "Read Acts," he instructed me. "And
-you'll
-agree. It's the same down to specific
-details."
-I went home and read the scene in Acts. Yes, Father Rasch was right;
+I went home and read the scene in Acts. Yes, Father Rasch was right; the scene
-the
+in my novel was an obvious retelling of the scene in Acts... and I had never
-scene in my novel was an obvious retelling of the scene in Acts... and I had
+read Acts, I must admit. But again the puzzle became deeper. In Acts, the high
-never read Acts, I must admit. But again the puzzle became deeper. In Acts,
+Roman official who arrests and interrogates Saint Paul is named Felix -- the
-the
+same name as my character. And my character Felix Buckman is a high-ranking
-high Roman official who arrests and interrogates Saint Paul is named Felix
+police general; in fact, in my novel he holds the same office as Felix in the
---
+Book of Acts: the final authority. There is a conversation in my novel which
-the same name as my character. And my character Felix Buckman is a
+very closely resembles a conversation between Felix and Paul.
-high-ranking
-police general; in fact, in my novel he holds the same office as Felix in
-the
-Book of Acts: the final authority. There is a conversation in my novel which
-very closely resembles a conversation between Felix and Paul.
-Well, I decided to try for any further resemblances. The main
+Well, I decided to try for any further resemblances. The main character in my
-character in
+novel is named Jason. I got an index to the Bible and looked to see if anyone
-my novel is named Jason. I got an index to the Bible and looked to see if
+named Jason appears anywhere in the Bible. I couldn't remember any. Well, a man
-anyone
+named Jason appears once and only once in the Bible. It is in the Book of Acts.
-named Jason appears anywhere in the Bible. I couldn't remember any. Well, a
+And, as if to plague me further with coincidences, in my novel Jason is fleeing
-man
+from the authorities and takes refuge in a person's house, and in Acts the man
-named Jason appears once and only once in the Bible. It is in the Book of
+named Jason shelters a fugitive from the law in his house - an exact inversion
-Acts.
+of the situation in my novel, as if the mysterious Spirit responsible for all
-And, as if to plague me further with coincidences, in my novel Jason is
-fleeing
-from the authorities and takes refuge in a person's house, and in Acts the
-man
-named Jason shelters a fugitive from the law in his house - an exact
-inversion
-of the situation in my novel, as if the mysterious Spirit responsible for
-all
 this was having a sort of laugh about the whole thing.
-Felix, Jason, and the meeting on the road with the black man who is
+Felix, Jason, and the meeting on the road with the black man who is a complete
-a
+stranger. In Acts, the disciple Philip baptizes the black man, who then goes
-complete stranger. In Acts, the disciple Philip baptizes the black man, who
+away rejoicing. In my novel, Felix Buckman reaches out to the black stranger for
-then
+emotional support, because Felix Buckman's sister has just died and he is
-goes away rejoicing. In my novel, Felix Buckman reaches out to the black
+falling apart psychologically. The black man stirs up Buckman's spirits and
-stranger for emotional support, because Felix Buckman's sister has just died
+although Buckman does not go away rejoicing, at least his tears have stopped
-and
+falling. He had been flying home, weeping over the death of his sister, and had
-he is falling apart psychologically. The black man stirs up Buckman's
+to reach out to someone, anyone, even a total stranger. It is an encounter
-spirits
+between two strangers on the road which changes the life of one of them -- both
-and although Buckman does not go away rejoicing, at least his tears have
+in my novel and in Acts. And one final quirk by the mysterious Spirit at work:
-stopped
+the name Felix is the Latin word for "happy." Which I did not know when I wrote
-falling. He had been flying home, weeping over the death of his sister, and
-had
-to reach out to someone, anyone, even a total stranger. It is an encounter
-between two strangers on the road which changes the life of one of them --
-both
-in my novel and in Acts. And one final quirk by the mysterious Spirit at
-work:
-the name Felix is the Latin word for "happy." Which I did not know when I
-wrote
 the novel.
-A careful study of my novel shows that for reasons which I cannot
+A careful study of my novel shows that for reasons which I cannot even begin to
-even
+explain I had managed to retell several of the basic incidents from a particular
-begin to explain I had managed to retell several of the basic incidents from
+book of the Bible, and even had the right names. What could explain this? That
-a
+was four years ago that I discovered all this. For four years I have tried to
-particular book of the Bible, and even had the right names. What could
+come up with a theory and I have not. I doubt if I ever will.
-explain
-this? That was four years ago that I discovered all this. For four years I
-have
-tried to come up with a theory and I have not. I doubt if I ever will.
-But the mystery had not ended there, as I had imagined. Two months
+But the mystery had not ended there, as I had imagined. Two months ago I was
-ago I
+walking up to the mailbox late at night to mail off a letter, and also to enjoy
-was walking up to the mailbox late at night to mail off a letter, and also
+the sight of Saint Joseph's Church, which sits opposite my apartment building. I
-to
+noticed a man loitering suspiciously by a parked car. It looked as if he was
-enjoy the sight of Saint Joseph's Church, which sits opposite my apartment
+attempting to steal the car, or maybe something from it; as I returned from the
-building. I noticed a man loitering suspiciously by a parked car. It looked
+mailbox, the man hid behind a tree. On impulse I walked up to him and asked, "Is
-as
+anything the matter?"
-if he was attempting to steal the car, or maybe something from it; as I
-returned
-from the mailbox, the man hid behind a tree. On impulse I walked up to him
-and
-asked, "Is anything the matter?"
@@ Line 617: / Line 396: @@
-Incredibly, because I have never done this before, I got out my
+Incredibly, because I have never done this before, I got out my wallet, took all
-wallet,
+the money from it, and handed the money to him. He then shook hands with me and
-took all the money from it, and handed the money to him. He then shook hands
+asked where I lived, so that he could later pay the money back.  I returned to
-with me and asked where I lived, so that he could later pay the money back.
+my apartment, and then I realized that the money would do him no good, since
-I
+there was no gas station within walking distance. So I returned, in my car. The
-returned to my apartment, and then I realized that the money would do him no
+man had a metal gas can in the trunk of his car, and, together, we drove in my
-good, since there was no gas station within walking distance. So I returned,
+car to an all-night gas station. Soon we were standing there, two strangers, as
-in
+the pump jockey filled the metal gas can. Suddenly I realized that this was the
-my car. The man had a metal gas can in the trunk of his car, and, together,
+scene in my novel --the novel written eight years before. The all- night gas
-we
+station was exactly as I had envisioned it in my inner eye when I wrote the
-drove in my car to an all-night gas station. Soon we were standing there,
+scene -- the glaring white light, the pump jockey -- and now I saw something
-two
+which I had not seen before. The stranger who I was helping was black.  We drove
-strangers, as the pump jockey filled the metal gas can. Suddenly I realized
+back to his stalled car with the gas, shook hands, and then I returned to my
-that
+apartment building. I never saw him again. He could not pay me back becauseI had
-this was the scene in my novel --the novel written eight years before. The
+not told him which of the many apartments was mine or what my name was. I was
-all-
+terribly shaken up by this experience. I had literally lived out a scene
-night gas station was exactly as I had envisioned it in my inner eye when I
+completely as it had appeared in my novel. Which is to say, I had lived out a
-wrote the scene -- the glaring white light, the pump jockey -- and now I saw
+sort of replica of the scene in Acts where Philip encounters the black man on
-something which I had not seen before. The stranger who I was helping was
+the road.
-black.
-We drove back to his stalled car with the gas, shook hands, and then
-I
-returned to my apartment building. I never saw him again. He could not pay
-me
-back becauseI had not told him which of the many apartments was mine or what
-my
-name was. I was terribly shaken up by this experience. I had literally lived
-out
-a scene completely as it had appeared in my novel. Which is to say, I had
-lived
-out a sort of replica of the scene in Acts where Philip encounters the black
-man
-on the road.
@@ Line 655: / Line 420: @@
-The answer I have come up with may not be correct, but it is the
+The answer I have come up with may not be correct, but it is the only answer I
-only
+have. It has to do with time. My theory is this: In some certain important
-answer I have. It has to do with time. My theory is this: In some certain
+sense, time is not real. Or perhaps it is real, but not as we experience it to
-important sense, time is not real. Or perhaps it is real, but not as we
+be or imagine it to be. I had the acute, overwhelming certitude (and still have)
-experience it to be or imagine it to be. I had the acute, overwhelming
+that despite all the change we see, a specific permanent landscape underlies the
-certitude
+world of change: and that this invisible underlying landscape is that of the
-(and still have) that despite all the change we see, a specific permanent
+Bible; it, specifically, is the period immediately following the death and
-landscape underlies the world of change: and that this invisible underlying
+resurrection of Christ; it is, in other words, the time period of the Book of
-landscape is that of the Bible; it, specifically, is the period immediately
+Acts.
-following the death and resurrection of Christ; it is, in other words, the
-time
-period of the Book of Acts.
-Parmenides would be proud of me. I have gazed at a constantly
+Parmenides would be proud of me. I have gazed at a constantly changing world and
-changing
+declared that underneath it lies the eternal, the unchanging, the absolutely
-world and declared that underneath it lies the eternal, the unchanging, the
+real. but how has this come about? If the real time is circa AD S0, then why do
-absolutely real. but how has this come about? If the real time is circa AD
+we see AD 1978? And if we are really living in the Roman Empire, somewhere in
-S0,
+Syria, why do we see the United States?
-then why do we see AD 1978? And if we are really living in the Roman Empire,
-somewhere in Syria, why do we see the United States?
-During the Middle Ages, a curious theory arose, which I will now
+During the Middle Ages, a curious theory arose, which I will now present to you
-present
+for what it is worth. It is the theory that the Evil One -- Satan -- is the "Ape
-to you for what it is worth. It is the theory that the Evil One -- Satan --
+of God." That he creates spurious imitations of creation, of God's authentic
-is
+creation, and then interpolates them for that authentic creation.  Does this odd
-the "Ape of God." That he creates spurious imitations of creation, of God's
+theory help explain my experience? Are we to believe that we are occluded, that
-authentic creation, and then interpolates them for that authentic creation.
+we are deceived, that it is not 1978 but AD 50... and Satan has spun a
-Does
+counterfeit reality to wither our faith in the return of Christ?
-this odd theory help explain my experience? Are we to believe that we are
-occluded, that we are deceived, that it is not 1978 but AD 50... and Satan
-has
-spun a counterfeit reality to wither our faith in the return of Christ?
-I can just picture myself being examined by a psychiatrist. The
+I can just picture myself being examined by a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist
-psychiatrist says, "What year is it?" And I reply, "AD 50." The psychiatrist
+says, "What year is it?" And I reply, "AD 50." The psychiatrist blinks and then
-blinks and then asks, "And where are you?" I reply, "In Judaea." "Where the
+asks, "And where are you?" I reply, "In Judaea." "Where the heck is that?" the
-heck
+psychiatrist asks. "It's part of the Roman Empire," I would have to answer. "Do
-is that?" the psychiatrist asks. "It's part of the Roman Empire," I would
+you know who is President?" the psychiatrist would ask, and I would answer, "The
-have
+Procurator Felix." "You're pretty sure about this?" the psychiatrist would ask,
-to answer. "Do
+meanwhile giving a covert signal to two very large psych techs. "Yep," I'd
-you know who is President?" the psychiatrist would ask, and I would answer,
+replay. "Unless Felix has stepped down and had been replaced by the Procurator
-"The
+Festus. You see, Saint Paul was held by Felix for --" "Who told you all this?"
-Procurator Felix." "You're pretty sure about this?" the psychiatrist would
+the psychiatrist would break in, irritably, and I would reply, 'The Holy
-ask,
+Spirit." And after that I'd be in the rubber room, inside gazing out, and
-meanwhile giving a covert signal to two very large psych techs. "Yep," I'd
+knowing exactly how come I was there.  Everything in that conversation would be
-replay. "Unless Felix has stepped down and had been replaced by the
+true, in a sense, although palpably not true in another. I know perfectly well
-Procurator
+that the date is 1978 and that Jimmy Carter is President and that I live in
-Festus. You see, Saint Paul was held by Felix for --" "Who told you all
+Santa Ana, California, in the United States. I even know how to get from my
-this?"
+apartment to Disneyland, a fact I can't seem to forget. And surely no Disneyland
-the psychiatrist would break in, irritably, and I would reply, 'The Holy
+existed backat the time of Saint Paul.
-Spirit." And after that I'd be in the rubber room, inside gazing out, and
-knowing exactly how come I was there.
-Everything in that conversation would be true, in a sense, although
-palpably not true in another. I know perfectly well that the date is 1978
-and
-that Jimmy Carter is President and that I live in Santa Ana, California, in
-the
-United States. I even know how to get from my apartment to Disneyland, a
-fact I
-can't seem
-to forget. And surely no Disneyland existed backat the time of Saint Paul.
-So, if I force myself to be very rational and reasonable, and all
+So, if I force myself to be very rational and reasonable, and all those other
-those
+good things, I must admit that the existence of Disneyland (which I know is
-other good things, I must admit that the existence of Disneyland (which I
+real) proves that we are not living in Judaea in AD 50. The idea of Saint Paul
-know
+whirling around inthe giant teacups wile composing First Corinthians, as Paris
-is real) proves that we are not living in Judaea in AD 50. The idea of Saint
+TV films him with a telephoto lens -- that just can't be. Saint Paul would never
-Paul whirling around inthe giant teacups wile composing First Corinthians,
+go near Disneyland. Only children, tourists, and visiting Soviet high officials
-as
+ever go to Disneyland. Saints do not.
-Paris TV films him with a telephoto lens -- that just can't be. Saint Paul
-would
-never go near Disneyland. Only children, tourists, and visiting Soviet high
-officials ever go to Disneyland. Saints do not.
-But somehow that biblical material snared my unconscious and crept
+But somehow that biblical material snared my unconscious and crept into my
-into my
+novel, and equally true, for some reason in 1978 I relived a scene which I
-novel, and equally true, for some reason in 1978 I relived a scene which I
+described back in 1970. What I am saying is this: There is internal evidence in
-described back in 1970. What I am saying is this: There is internal evidence
+at least one of my novels that another reality, an unchanging one, exactly as
-in
+Parmenides and Plato suspected, underlies the visible phenomenal world of
-at least one of my novels that another reality, an unchanging one, exactly
+change, and somehow, in some way, perhaps to our surprise, we can cut through to
-as
+it. Or rather, a mysterious Spirit can put us in touch with it, if it wishes us
-Parmenides and Plato suspected, underlies the visible phenomenal world of
+to see this permanent other landscape. Time passes, thousands of years pass, but
-change, and somehow, in some way, perhaps to our surprise, we can cut
+at the same instant that we see this contemporary world, the ancient world, the
-through to
+world of the Bible, is concealed beneath it, still. there and still real.
-it. Or rather, a mysterious Spirit can put us in touch with it, if it wishes
-us
-to see this permanent other landscape. Time passes, thousands of years pass,
-but
-at the same instant that we see this contemporary world, the ancient world,
-the
-world of the Bible, is concealed beneath it, still. there and still real.
 Eternally so.
-Shall I go for broke and tell you the rest of this peculiar story?
+Shall I go for broke and tell you the rest of this peculiar story?  I'll do so,
-I'll do
+having gone this far already. My novel Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said was
-so, having gone this far already. My novel Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said
+released by Doubleday in February of 1974. The week after it was released, I had
-was
+two impacted wisdom teeth removed, under sodium pentathol. Later that day I
-released by Doubleday in February of 1974. The week after it was released, I
+found myself in intense pain. My wife phoned the oral surgeon and he phoned a
-had
+pharmacy. Half an hour later there was a knock at my door: the delivery person
-two impacted wisdom teeth removed, under sodium pentathol. Later that day I
+from the pharmacy with the pain medication. Although I was bleeding and sick and
-found myself in intense pain. My wife phoned the oral surgeon and he phoned
+weak, I felt the need to answer the knock on the door myself. When I opened the
-a
+door, I found myself facing a young woman -- who wore a shining gold necklace in
-pharmacy. Half an hour later there was a knock at my door: the delivery
+the center of which was a gleaming gold fish. For some reason I was hypnotized
-person
+by the gleaming golden fish; I forgot my pain, forgot the medication, forgot why
-from the pharmacy with the pain medication. Although I was bleeding and sick
-and
-weak, I felt the need to answer the knock on the door myself. When I opened
-the
-door, I found myself facing a young woman -- who wore a shining gold
-necklace in
-the center of which was a gleaming gold fish. For some reason I was
-hypnotized
-by the gleaming golden fish; I forgot my pain, forgot the medication, forgot
-why
 the girl was there. I just kept staring at the fish sign.
@@ Line 781: / Line 505: @@
-The girl touched the glimmering golden fish with her hand and said,
+The girl touched the glimmering golden fish with her hand and said, "This is a
-"This
+sign worn bythe early Christians." She then gave me the package of medication.
-is a sign worn bythe early Christians." She then gave me the package of
-medication.
-In that instant, as I stared at the gleaming fish sign and heard her
+In that instant, as I stared at the gleaming fish sign and heard her words, I
-words, I suddenly experienced what I later learned is called anamnesis -- a
+suddenly experienced what I later learned is called anamnesis -- a Greek word
-Greek word meaning, literally, "loss of forgetfulness." I remembered who I
+meaning, literally, "loss of forgetfulness." I remembered who I was and where I
-was
+was. In an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, it all came back to me. And not
-and where I was. In an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, it all came back
+only could I remember it but I could see it. The girl was a secret Christian and
-to
+so was I. We lived in fear of detection by the Romans. We had to communicate
-me. And not only could I remember it but I could see it. The girl was a
+with cryptic signs. She had just told me all this, and it was true.
-secret
-Christian and so was I. We lived in fear of detection by the Romans. We had
-to
-communicate with cryptic signs. She had just told me all this, and it was
-true.
-For a short time, as hard as this is to believe or explain, I saw fading
+For a short time, as hard as this is to believe or explain, I saw fading into
-into
+view the black prison like contours of hateful Rome. But, of much more
-view the black prison like contours of hateful Rome. But, of much more
+importance, I remembered Jesus, who had just recently been with us, and had gone
-importance, I remembered Jesus, who had just recently been with us, and had
+temporarily away, and would very soon return. My emotion was one of joy. We were
-gone
+secretly preparing to welcome Him back. It would not be long. And the Romans did
-temporarily away, and would very soon return. My emotion was one of joy. We
+not know. They thought He was dead, forever dead. That was our great secret, our
-were
+joyous knowledge. Despite all appearances, Christ was going to return, and our
-secretly preparing to welcome Him back. It would not be long. And the Romans
-did
-not know. They thought He was dead, forever dead. That was our great secret,
-our
-joyous knowledge. Despite all appearances, Christ was going to return, and
-our
 delight and anticipation was boundless.
-Isn't it odd that this strange event, this recovery of lost memory,
+Isn't it odd that this strange event, this recovery of lost memory, occurred
-occurred only a week after Flow My Tears was released? And it is Flow My
+only a week after Flow My Tears was released? And it is Flow My Tears which
-Tears
+contains the replication of people and events from the 8ook of Acts, which is
-which contains the replication of people and events from the 8ook of Acts,
+set at the precise moment in time -- just after Jesus' death and resurrection --
-which
+that I remembered, by means of the golden fish sign, as having just taken place?
-is set at the precise moment in time -- just after Jesus' death and
-resurrection
--- that I remembered, by means of the golden fish sign, as having just taken
-place?
-If you were me, and had this happen to you, I'm sure you wouldn't be
+If you were me, and had this happen to you, I'm sure you wouldn't be able to
-able
+leave it alone. You would seek a theory that would account for it. For over four
-to leave it alone. You would seek a theory that would account for it. For
+years now, I have been trying one theory after another: circular time, frozen
-over
+time, timeless time, what is called "sacred" as contrasted to "mundane"
-four years now, I have been trying one theory after another: circular time,
+time... I can't count the theories I've tried out. One constant has prevailed,
-frozen time, timeless time, what is called "sacred" as contrasted to
+though, throughout all theories. There must indeed be a mysterious Holy Spirit
-"mundane"
+which has an exact and intimate relation to Christ, which can indwell in human
-time... I can't count the theories I've tried out. One constant has
+minds, guide and inform them, and even express itself through those humans, even
-prevailed,
-though, throughout all theories. There must indeed be a mysterious Holy
-Spirit
-which has an exact and intimate relation to Christ, which can indwell in
-human
-minds, guide and inform them, and even express itself through those humans,
-even
 without their awareness.
-In the writing of Flow My Tears, back in 1970, there was one unusual
+In the writing of Flow My Tears, back in 1970, there was one unusual event which
-event
+I realized at the time was not ordinary, was not a part of the regular writing
-which I realized at the time was not ordinary, was not a part of the regular
+process. I had a dream one night, an especially vivid dream. And when I awoke I
-writing process. I had a dream one night, an especially vivid dream. And
+found myself under the compulsion -- the absolute necessity -- of getting the
-when I
+dream into the text of the novel precisely as I had dreamed it.  In getting the
-awoke I found myself under the compulsion -- the absolute necessity -- of
+dream exactly right, I had to do eleven drafts of the final part of the
-getting the dream into the text of the novel precisely as I had dreamed it.
+manuscript, until I was satisfied.
-In
-getting the dream exactly right, I had to do eleven drafts of the final part
-of
-the manuscript, until I was satisfied.
-I will now quote from the novel, as it appeared in the final,
+I will now quote from the novel, as it appeared in the final, published
-published
 form. See if this dream reminds you of anything.
-<i>
+//The countryside, brown and dry, in summer, where he had lived as a child. He
-The countryside, brown and dry, in summer, where he had lived
+rode a horse, and approaching him on his left a squad of horses nearing
-as a child. He rode a horse, and approaching him on his left a
+slowly. On the horses rode men in shining robes, each a different contour; each
-squad of horses nearing slowly. On the horses rode men in
+wore a pointed helmet that sparkled in the sunlight. The slow, solemn knights
-shining robes, each a different contour; each wore a pointed
+passed him and as they traveled by he made out the face of one: an ancient
-helmet that sparkled in the sunlight. The slow, solemn knights
+marble face, a terribly old man with rippling cascades of white beard. What a
-passed him and as they traveled by he made out the face of one:
+strong nose he had. What noble features.  So tired, so serious, so far beyond
-an ancient marble face, a terribly old man with rippling cascades
+ordinary men. Evidently he was a king. Felix Buckman let them pass; he did not
-of white beard. What a strong nose he had. What noble features.
+speak to them and they said nothing to him. Together, they all moved toward the
-So tired, so serious, so far beyond ordinary men. Evidently he was
+house from which he had come. A man had sealed himself up inside the house, a
-a king. Felix Buckman let them pass; he did not speak to them and
+man alone, Jason Taverner, in the silence and darkness, without windows, by
-they said nothing to him. Together, they all moved toward the house
+himself from now on into eternity. Sitting, merely existing, inert. Felix
-from which he    had come. A man had sealed himself up inside the
+Buckman continued on, out into the open countryside. And then he heard from
-house, a man alone, Jason Taverner, in the silence and darkness,
+behind him one dreadful single shriek. They had killed Taverner, and seeing them
-without windows, by himself from now on into eternity. Sitting,
+enter, sensing them in the shadows around him, knowing what they intended to do
-merely
+with him, Taverner had shrieked. Within himself Felix Buckman felt absolute and
-existing, inert. Felix Buckman continued on, out into the open
+utter desolate grief. But in the dream he did not go back nor look back.  There
-countryside. And then he heard from behind him one dreadful single
+was nothing that could be done. No one could have stopped the posse of
-shriek. They had killed Taverner, and seeing them enter, sensing
+varicolored men in robes; they could not have been said no to. Anyhow, it was
-them
+over. Taverner was dead.//
-in the shadows around him, knowing what they intended to do with
-him,
-Taverner had shrieked. Within himself Felix Buckman felt absolute
-and
-utter desolate grief. But in the dream he did not go back nor look
-back.
-There was nothing that could be done. No one could have stopped the
-posse of varicolored men in robes; they could not have been said no
-to. Anyhow, it was over. Taverner was dead.
-</i>
-This passage probably does not suggest any particular thing to you,
+This passage probably does not suggest any particular thing to you, except a law
-except
+posse exacting judgement on someone either guilty or considered guilty. It is
-a law posse exacting judgement on someone either guilty or considered
+not clear whether Taverner has in fact committed some crime or is merely
-guilty. It
+believed to have committed some crime. I had the impression that he was guilty,
-is not clear whether Taverner has in fact committed some crime or is merely
+but that it wasa tragedy that he had to be killed, a terribly sad tragedy.  In
-believed to have committed some crime. I had the impression that he was
+the novel, this dream causes Felix Buckman to begin to cry, and therefore he
-guilty,
-but that it wasa tragedy that he had to be killed, a terribly sad tragedy.
-In
-the novel, this dream causes Felix Buckman to begin to cry, and therefore he
 seeks out the black man at the all-night gas station.
-Months after the novel was published, I found the section in the Bible to
+Months after the novel was published, I found the section in the Bible to which
-which
 this dream refers. It is Daniel, 7:9:
-<i>
+//Thrones were set in place and one ancient in years took his seat.  His robe
-Thrones were set in place and one ancient in years took his seat.
+was white as snow and the hair of his head like cleanest wool.  Flames of fire
-His robe
+were his throne and its wheels blazing fire; a flowing river of fire streamed
-was white as snow and the hair of his head like cleanest wool.
+out before him. Thousands upon thousands served him and myriads upon myriads
-Flames of
+attended his presence. The court sat, and the book was opened.//
-fire were his throne and its wheels blazing fire; a flowing river of
-fire
-streamed out before him. Thousands upon thousands served him and
-myriads upon myriads attended his presence. The court sat, and the
-book
-was opened.
-</i>
-The white-haired old man appears again in Revelation, i:13:
+The white-haired old man appears again in Revelation, 1:13:
-<i>
+//I saw... one like a son of man, robed down to his feet, with a
-I saw... one like a son of man, robed down to his feet, with a
 golden
 girdle round his breast. The hair of his head was white as
@@ Line 938: / Line 610: @@
 wool, and his eyes flamed like fire; his feet gleamed like burnished
 brass   refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of
-rushing waters.
+rushing waters.//
-</i>
@@ Line 945: / Line 616: @@
-<i>
+// When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right
-When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his
+hand upon me and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, and I am
-right
+the living one, for I was dead and now I am alive for evermore, and I hold the
-hand upon me and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the first and the
+keys of Death and Death's domain. Write down therefore what you have seen, what
-last, and
+is now, and what will be hereafter."  //
-I am the living one, for I was dead and now I am alive for evermore,
-and I
-hold the keys of Death and Death's domain. Write down therefore what
-you
-have seen, what is now, and what will be hereafter."
-</i>
@@ Line 963: / Line 628: @@
-<i>
+// ... he made out the face of one: an ancient marble face, a terribly old man
-... he made out the face of one: an ancient marble face, a terribly
+with rippling cascades of white beard. What a strong nose he had. What noble
-old
+features. So tired, so serious, so far beyond ordinary men.  Evidently he was a
-man with rippling cascades of white beard. What a strong nose he
+king.  //
-had. What
-noble features. So tired, so serious, so far beyond ordinary men.
-Evidently    he was a king.
-</i>
-Indeed he was a king. He is Christ Himself returned, to pass
+Indeed he was a king. He is Christ Himself returned, to pass judgement.  And
-judgement.
+this is what he does in my novel: He passes judgement on the man sealed up in
-And this is what he does in my novel: He passes judgement on the man sealed
+darkness. The man sealed up in darkness must be the Prince of Evil, the Force of
-up
+Darkness. Call it whatever you wish, its time had come. It was judged and
-in darkness. The man sealed up in darkness must be the Prince of Evil, the
+condemned. Felix Buckman could weep at the sadness of it, but he knew that the
-Force
+verdict could not be disputed. And so he rode on, without turning or looking
-of Darkness. Call it whatever you wish, its time had come. It was judged and
-condemned. Felix Buckman could weep at the sadness of it, but he knew that
-the
-verdict could not be disputed. And so he rode on, without turning or looking
 back, hearing only the shriek of fear and defeat: the cry of evil destroyed.
-So my novel contained material from other parts of the Bible, as
+So my novel contained material from other parts of the Bible, as well as the
-well as
+sections from Acts. Deciphered, my novel tells a quite different story from the
-the sections from Acts. Deciphered, my novel tells a quite different story
+surface story (which we need not go into here). The real story is simply this:
-from
+the return of Christ, now king rather than suffering servant. Judge rather than
-the surface story (which we need not go into here). The real story is simply
+victim of unfair judgement. Everything is reversed. The core message of my
-this: the return of Christ, now king rather than suffering servant. Judge
+novel, without my knowing it, was a warning to the powerful: You will shortly be
-rather
+judged and condemned. Who, specifically, did it refer to? Well, I can't really
-than victim of unfair judgement. Everything is reversed. The core message of
+say; or rather would prefer not to say. I have no certain knowledge, only an
-my
+intuition. And that is not enough to go on, so I will keep my thoughts to
-novel, without my knowing it, was a warning to the powerful: You will
+myself. But you might ask yourselves what political events took place in this
-shortly be
+country between February 1974 and August 1974. Ask yourself who was judged and
-judged and condemned. Who, specifically, did it refer to? Well, I can't
+condemned, and fell like a flaming star into ruin and disgrace. The most
-really
+powerful man in the world. And I feel as sorry for him now as I did when I
-say; or rather would prefer not to say. I have no certain knowledge, only an
+dreamed that dream. 'That poor poor man," I said once to my wife, with tears in
-intuition. And that is not enough to go on, so I will keep my thoughts to
+my eyes. "Shut up in the darkness, playing the piano in the night to himself,
-myself. But you might ask yourselves what political events took place in
+alone and afraid, knowing what's to come." For God's sake, let us forgive him,
-this
+finally. But what was done to him and all his men -- "all the President's men,"
-country between February 1974 and August 1974. Ask yourself who was judged
+as it's put -- had to be done. But it is over, and he should be let out into the
-and
+sunlight again; no creature, no person, should be shut up in darkness forever,
-condemned, and fell like a flaming star into ruin and disgrace. The most
-powerful man in the world. And I feel as sorry for him now as I did when I
-dreamed that dream. 'That poor poor man," I said once to my wife, with tears
-in
-my eyes. "Shut up in the darkness, playing the piano in the night to
-himself,
-alone and afraid, knowing what's to come." For God's sake, let us forgive
-him,
-finally. But what was done to him and all his men -- "all the President's
-men,"
-as it's put -- had to be done. But it is over, and he should be let out into
-the
-sunlight again; no creature, no person, should be shut up in darkness
-forever,
 in fear. It is not humane.
-Just about the time that Supreme Court was ruling that the Nixon
+Just about the time that Supreme Court was ruling that the Nixon tapes had to be
-tapes had
+turned over to the special prosecutor, I was eating at a Chinese restaurant in
-to be turned over to the special prosecutor, I was eating at a Chinese
+Yorba Linda, the town in California where Nixon went to school -- where he grew
-restaurant in Yorba Linda, the town in California where Nixon went to school
+up, worked at a grocery store, where there is a park named after him, and of
---
+course the Nixon house, simple clapboard and all that. In my fortune cookie, I
-where he grew up, worked at a grocery store, where there is a park named
+got the following fortune:
-after
-him, and of course the Nixon house, simple clapboard and all that. In my
-fortune
-cookie, I got the following fortune:
-<i>
+//
       DEEDS DONE IN SECRET HAVE A
       WAY OF BECOMING FOUND OUT.
-</i>
+//
-I mailed the slip of paper to the White House, mentioning that the
+I mailed the slip of paper to the White House, mentioning that the Chinese
-Chinese
+restaurant was located within a mile of Nixon's original house, and I said, "I
-restaurant was located within a mile of Nixon's original house, and I said,
+think a mistake has been made; by accident I got Mr. Nixon's fortune. Does he
-"I
-think a mistake has been made; by accident I got Mr. Nixon's fortune. Does
-he
 have mine?" The White House did not answer.
-Well, as I said earlier, an author of a work supposed fiction might
+Well, as I said earlier, an author of a work supposed fiction might write the
-write
+truth and not know it. To quote Xenophanes another pre-Socratic: "Even if a man
-the truth and not know it. To quote Xenophanes another pre-Socratic: "Even
+should chance to speak the most complete truth, yet he himself does not know it;
-if a
+all things are wrapped in appearances" (Fragment 34). And Heraclitus added to
-man should chance to speak the most complete truth, yet he himself does not
+this: "The nature of things is in the habit of concealing itself' (Fragment
-know
+). W. S. Gilbert, of Gilbert and Sullivan, put it: 'Things are seldom what
-it; all things are wrapped in appearances" (Fragment 34). And Heraclitus
+they seem; skim milk masquerades as cream." The point of all that is that we
-added
+cannot trust our senses and probably not even our a priori reasoning. As to our
-to this: "The nature of things is in the habit of concealing itself'
+senses, I understand that people who have been blind from birth and are suddenly
-(Fragment
+given sight are amazed to discover that objects appear to get smaller and
-). W. S. Gilbert, of Gilbert and Sullivan, put it: 'Things are seldom what
+smaller as they get farther away. Logically, there is no reason for this.  We,
-they seem; skim milk masquerades as cream." The point of all that is that we
+of course, have come to accept this, because we re use to it. We see objects get
-cannot trust our senses and probably not even our a priori reasoning. As to
+smaller, but we know that in actuality they remain the same size. So even the
-our
+common everyday pragmatic person utilizes a certain amount of sophisticated
-senses, I understand that people who have been blind from birth and are
-suddenly
-given sight are amazed to discover that objects appear to get smaller and
-smaller as they get farther away. Logically, there is no reason for this.
-We, of
-course, have come to accept this, because we re use to it. We see objects
-get
-smaller, but we know that in actuality they remain the same size. So even
-the
-common everyday pragmatic person utilizes a certain amount of sophisticated
 discounting of what his eyes and ears tell him.
-Little of what Heraclitus wrote has survived, and what we do have is
+Little of what Heraclitus wrote has survived, and what we do have is obscure,
-obscure, but Fragment 54 is lucid and important: "latent structure is master
+but Fragment 54 is lucid and important: "latent structure is master of obvious
-of
+structure." This means that Heraclitus believed that a veil lay over the true
-obvious structure." This means that Heraclitus believed that a veil lay over
+landscape. He also may have suspected that time was somehow not what it seemed,
-the
+because in Fragment 52 he said: 'Time is a child at play, playing draughts; a
-true landscape. He also may have suspected that time was somehow not what it
+child's is the kingdom." This is indeed cryptic. But he also said, in Fragment
-seemed,
+: "If one does not expect it, one will not find out the unexpected; it is not
-because in Fragment 52 he said: 'Time is a child at play, playing draughts;
+to be tracked down and no path leads us to it." Edward Hussey, in his scholarly
-a
-child's is the kingdom." This is indeed cryptic. But he also said, in
-Fragment
-: "If one does not expect it, one will not find out the unexpected; it is
-not
-to be tracked down and no path leads us to it." Edward Hussey, in his
-scholarly
 book The Pre-Socratics, says:
-<i>
+// If Heraclitus is to be so insistent on the lack of understanding shown by
-If Heraclitus is to be so insistent on the lack of understanding
+most men, it would seem only reasonable that he should offer further
-shown
+instructions for penetrating to the truth. The talk of riddle-guessing suggests
-by most men, it would seem only reasonable that he should offer
+that some kind of revelation, beyond human control, is necessary...  The true
-further
+wisdom, as has been seen, is closely associated with God, which suggests further
-instructions for penetrating to the truth. The talk of riddle-guessing
+that in advancing wisdom a man becomes Iike, or a part of, God .  //
-suggests that some kind of revelation, beyond human control, is
-necessary...
-The true wisdom, as has been seen, is closely associated with God,
-which suggests further that in advancing wisdom a man becomes Iike,
-or a part of, God .
-</i>
-This quote is not from a religious book or a book on theology; it is
+This quote is not from a religious book or a book on theology; it is an analysis
-an
+of the earliest philosophers by a Lecturer in Ancient Philosophy at the
-analysis of the earliest philosophers by a Lecturer in Ancient Philosophy at
+University of Oxford. Hussey makes it clear that to these early philosophers
-the
+there was no distinction between philosophy and religion. The first great
-University of Oxford. Hussey makes it clear that to these early philosophers
+quantum leap in Greek theology was by Xenophanes of Colophon, born in the mid-
-there was no distinction between philosophy and religion. The first great
+sixth century BC Xenophanes, without resorting to any authority expect that of
-quantum leap in Greek theology was by Xenophanes of Colophon, born in the
-mid-
-sixth century BC Xenophanes, without resorting to any authority expect that
-of
 his own mind, says:
-<i>
+// One god there is, in no way like mortal creatures either in bodily form or
-One god there is, in no way like mortal creatures either in bodily
+in the thought of his mind. The whole of him sees, the whole of him thinks, the
-form
+whole of him hears. He stays always motionless in the same place; it is not
-or in the thought of his mind. The whole of him sees, the whole of
+fitting that he should move about now this way, now that.  //
-him
-thinks, the whole of him hears. He stays always motionless in the
-same
-place; it is not fitting that he should move about now this way, now
-that.
-</i>
-This is a subtle and advanced concept of God, evidently without
+This is a subtle and advanced concept of God, evidently without precedent among
-precedent
+the Greek thinkers. "The arguments of Parmenides seemed to show that all reality
-among the Greek thinkers. "The arguments of Parmenides seemed to show that
+must indeed be a mind," Hussey writes, "or an object of thought in a mind."
-all
+Regarding Heraclitus specifically, he says, "In Heraclitus it is difficult to
-reality must indeed be a mind," Hussey writes, "or an object of thought in a
+tell how far the designs in God's mind are distinguished from the execution in
-mind." Regarding Heraclitus specifically, he says, "In Heraclitus it is
+the world, or indeed how far God's mind is distinguished from the world." The
-difficult to tell how far the designs in God's mind are distinguished from
+further leap by Anaxagoras has always fascinated me. "Anaxagoras had been driven
-the
+to a theory of the microstructure of matter which made it, to some extent,
-execution in the world, or indeed how far God's mind is distinguished from
+mysterious to human reason." Anaxagoras believed that everything was determined
-the
+by Mind. These were not childish thinkers, nor primitives. They debated serious
-world." The further leap by Anaxagoras has always fascinated me. "Anaxagoras
+issues and studied one another's views with deft insight. It was not until the
-had
+time of Aristotle that their views got reduced to what we can neatly -- but
-been driven to a theory of the microstructure of matter which made it, to
+wrongly -- classify as crude. The summation of much pre-Socratic theology and
-some
+philosophy can be stated as follows: The kosmos is not as it appears to be, and
-extent, mysterious to human reason." Anaxagoras believed that everything was
+what it probably is, at its deepest level, is exactly that which the human being
-determined by Mind. These were not childish thinkers, nor primitives. They
+is at his deepest level -- call it mind or soul, it is something unitary which
-debated serious issues and studied one another's views with deft insight. It
+lives and thinks, and only appears to be plural and material. Much of this view
-was
+reaches us through the Logos doctrine regarding Christ. The Logos was both that
-not until the time of Aristotle that their views got reduced to what we can
+which thought, and the thing which it thought: thinker and thought together. The
-neatly -- but wrongly -- classify as crude. The summation of much
+universe, then, is thinker and thought, and since we are part of it, we as
-pre-Socratic
+humans are, in the final analysis, thoughts of and thinkers of those thoughts.
-theology and philosophy can be stated as follows: The kosmos is not as it
-appears to be, and what it probably is, at its deepest level, is exactly
-that
-which the human being is at his deepest level -- call it mind or soul, it is
-something unitary which lives and thinks, and only appears to be plural and
-material. Much of this view reaches us through the Logos doctrine regarding
-Christ. The Logos was both that which thought, and the thing which it
-thought:
-thinker and thought together. The universe, then, is thinker and thought,
-and
-since we are part of it, we as humans are, in the final analysis, thoughts
-of
-and thinkers of those thoughts.
-Thus if God thinks about Rome circa AD 50, then Rome circa AD 50 is.
+Thus if God thinks about Rome circa AD 50, then Rome circa AD 50 is.  The
-The
+universe is not a windup clock and God the hand that winds it. The universe is
-universe is not a windup clock and God the hand that winds it. The universe
+not a battery-powered watch and God the battery. Spinoza believed that the
-is
+universe is the body of God extensive in space. But long before Spinoza -- two
-not a battery-powered watch and God the battery. Spinoza believed that the
+thousand years before him -- Xenophanes had said, "Effortlessly, he wields all
-universe is the body of God extensive in space. But long before Spinoza --
-two
-thousand years before him -- Xenophanes had said, "Effortlessly, he wields
-all
 things by the thought of his mind" (Fragment 25).
-If any of you have read my novel Ubik, you know that the mysterious entity
+If any of you have read my novel Ubik, you know that the mysterious entity or
-or
+mind or force called Ubik starts out as a series of cheap and vulgar commercials
-mind or force called Ubik starts out as a series of cheap and vulgar
-commercials
 and winds up saying:
-<i>
+// I am Ubik. Before the universe was I am. I made the suns. I made the
-I am Ubik. Before the universe was I am. I made the suns. I made the
+worlds. I created the lives and the places they inhabit; I move them here, I put
-worlds. I created the lives and the places they inhabit; I move them
+them there. They go as I say, they do as I tell them. I am the word and my name
-here,
+is never spoken, the name which no one knows. I am called Ubik but that is not
-I put them there. They go as I say, they do as I tell them. I am the
+my name. I am. I shall always be.  //
-word
-and my name is never spoken, the name which no one knows. I am
-called
-Ubik but that is not my name. I am. I shall always be.
-</i>
-It is obvious from this who and what Ubik is; it specifically says
+It is obvious from this who and what Ubik is; it specifically says that it is
-that it
+the word, which is to say, the Logos. In the German translation, there is one of
-is the word, which is to say,   the Logos. In the German translation, there
+the most wonderful lapses of correct understanding that I have ever come across;
-is one
+God help us if the man who translated my novel Ubik into German were to do a
-of the most wonderful lapses of correct understanding that I have ever come
+translation from the koine Greek into German of the New Testament. He did all
-across; God help us if the man who translated my novel Ubik into German were
+right until he got to the sentence "I am the word." That puzzled him.  What can
-to
+the author mean by that? he must have asked himself, obviously never having come
-do a translation from the koine Greek into German of the New Testament. He
+across the Logos doctrine. So he did as good a job of translation as
-did
+possible. In the German edition, the Absolute Entity which made the suns, made
-all right until he got to the sentence "I am the word." That puzzled him.
-What
-can the author mean by that? he must have asked himself, obviously never
-having
-come across the Logos doctrine. So he did as good a job of translation as
-possible. In the German edition, the Absolute Entity which made the suns,
-made
 the worlds, created the lives and the places they inhabit, says of itself:
-<i>
+//
 I am the brand name.
-</i>
+//
-Had he translated the Gospel according to Saint John, I suppose it would
+Had he translated the Gospel according to Saint John, I suppose it would have
-have
 come out as:
-<i>
+//When all things began, the brand name already was.  The brand name dwelt
-When all things began, the brand name already was.
+with God, and what God was, the brand name was.  //
-The brand name dwelt with God, and what God was, the brand name was.
-</i>
 It would seem that I not only bring you greetings from Disneyland but from
-Mortimer Snerd. Such is the fate of an author who hoped to include
+Mortimer Snerd. Such is the fate of an author who hoped to include theological
-theological
+themes in his writing. "The brand name, then, was with God at the beginning, and
-themes in his writing. "The brand name, then, was with God at the beginning,
+through him all things came to be; no single thing was created without him."  So
-and
-through him all things came to be; no single thing was created without him."
-So
 it goes with noble ambitions. Let's hope God has a sense of humour.
+Or should I say, Let's hope the brand name has a sense of humour.
-   Or should I say, Let's hope the brand name has a sense of humour.
-As I said to you earlier, my two preoccupations in my writing are
+As I said to you earlier, my two preoccupations in my writing are "What is
-"What is
+reality?" and "What is the authentic human?" I'm sure you can see by now that I
-reality?" and "What is the authentic human?" I'm sure you can see by now
+have not been able to answer the first question. I have an abiding intuition
-that I
+that somehow the world of the Bible is a literally real but veiled landscape,
-have not been able to answer the first question. I have an abiding intuition
+never changing, hidden from our sight, but available to us by revelation.  That
-that somehow the world of the Bible is a literally real but veiled
+is all I can come up with -- a mixture of mystical experience, reasoning, and
-landscape,
+faith. I would like to say something about the traits of the authentic human,
-never changing, hidden from our sight, but available to us by revelation.
-That
-is all I can come up with -- a mixture of mystical experience, reasoning,
-and
-faith. I would like to say something about the traits of the authentic
-human,
 though; in this quest I have had more plausible answers.
-The authentic human being is one of us who instinctively knows what
+The authentic human being is one of us who instinctively knows what he should
-he
+not do, and, in addition, he will balk at doing it. He will refuse to do it,
-should not do, and, in addition, he will balk at doing it. He will refuse to
+even if this brings down dread consequences to him and to those whom he
-do
+loves. This, to me, is the ultimately heroic trait of ordinary people; they say
-it, even if this brings down dread consequences to him and to those whom he
-loves. This, to me, is the ultimately heroic trait of ordinary people; they
-say
 no to the tyrant and they calmly take the consequences of this resistance.
-Their
+Their deeds may be small, and almost always unnoticed, unmarked by
-deeds may be small, and almost always unnoticed, unmarked by history. Their
+history. Their names are not remembered, nor did these authentic humans expect
-names are not remembered, nor did these authentic humans expect their names
+their names to be remembered. I see their authenticity in an odd way: not in
-to
+their willingness to perform great heroic deeds but in their quiet refusals. In
-be remembered. I see their authenticity in an odd way: not in their
+essence, they cannot be compelled to be what they are not.
-willingness
-to perform great heroic deeds but in their quiet refusals. In essence, they
-cannot be compelled to be what they are not.
-The power of spurious realities battering at us today -- these
+The power of spurious realities battering at us today -- these deliberately
-deliberately manufactured fakes never penetrate to the heart of true human
+manufactured fakes never penetrate to the heart of true human beings. I watch
-beings. I watch the children watching TV and at first I am afraid of what
+the children watching TV and at first I am afraid of what they are being taught,
-they
+and then I realise, They can't be corrupted or destroyed.  They watch, they
-are being taught, and then I realise, They can't be corrupted or destroyed.
+listen, they understand, and, then, where and when it is necessary, they
-They
+reject. There is something enormously powerful in a child's ability to withstand
-watch, they listen, they understand, and, then, where and when it is
+the fraudulent. A child has the clearest eye, the steadiest hand.  The
-necessary,
+hucksters, the promoters, are appealing for the allegiance of these small people
-they reject. There is something enormously powerful in a child's ability to
+in vain. True, the cereal companies may be able to market huge quantities of
-withstand the fraudulent. A child has the clearest eye, the steadiest hand.
+junk breakfasts; the hamburger and hot dog chains may sell endless numbers of
-The
+unreal fast-food items to the children, but the deep heart beats firmly,
-hucksters, the promoters, are appealing for the allegiance of these small
+unreached and unreasoned with. A child of today can detect a lie quicker than
-people
+the wisest adult of two decades ago. When I want to know what is true, I ask my
-in vain. True, the cereal companies may be able to market huge quantities of
-junk breakfasts; the hamburger and hot dog chains may sell endless numbers
-of
-unreal fast-food items to the children, but the deep heart beats firmly,
-unreached and unreasoned with. A child of today can detect a lie quicker
-than
-the wisest adult of two decades ago. When I want to know what is true, I ask
-my
 children. They do not ask me; I turn to them.
-One day while my son Christopher, who is four, was playing in front
+One day while my son Christopher, who is four, was playing in front of me and
-of me
+his mother, we two adults began discussing the figure of Jesus in the Synoptic
-and his mother, we two adults began discussing the figure of Jesus in the
+Gospels. Christopher turned toward us for an instant and said, "I am a
-Synoptic Gospels. Christopher turned toward us for an instant and said, "I
+fisherman. I fish for fish." He was playing with a metal lantern which someone
-am a
+had given me, which I had never used... and suddenly I realised that the lantern
-fisherman. I fish for fish." He was playing with a metal lantern which
+was shaped like a fish. I wonder what thoughts were being placed in my little
-someone
+boy's soul at that moment -- and not placed there by cereal merchants or candy
-had given me, which I had never used... and suddenly I realised that the
+peddlers. "I am a fisherman. I fish for fish." Christopher, at four, had found
-lantern
+the sign I did not find until I was forty-five years old.  Time is speeding
-was shaped like a fish. I wonder what thoughts were being placed in my
+up. And to what end? Maybe we were told that two thousand years ago. Or maybe it
-little
+wasn't really that long ago; maybe it is a delusion that so much time has
-boy's soul at that moment -- and not placed there by cereal merchants or
+passed. Maybe it was a week ago, or even earlier today.  Perhaps time is not
-candy
+only speeding up; perhaps, in addition, it is going to end.
-peddlers. "I am a fisherman. I fish for fish." Christopher, at four, had
-found
-the sign I did not find until I was forty-five years old.
-Time is speeding up. And to what end? Maybe we were told that two thousand
-years
-ago. Or maybe it wasn't really that long ago; maybe it is a delusion that so
-much time has passed. Maybe it was a week ago, or even earlier today.
-Perhaps
-time is not only speeding up; perhaps, in addition, it is going to end.
-And if it does, the rides at Disneyland are never going to be the
+And if it does, the rides at Disneyland are never going to be the same
-same
+again. Because when time ends, the birds and hippos and lions and deer at
-again. Because when time ends, the birds and hippos and lions and deer at
+Disneyland will no longer be simulations, and, for the first time, a real bird
-Disneyland will no longer be simulations, and, for the first time, a real
-bird
 will sing.
-</html>