“Nevertheless, it is there, for the fact is the master key to the meaning of the universe, the one light that shines in a world of darkness, and the one sure hope in a world of doubt.”
“The fact that I was once a reptile?”
“And I—yes. I would not give what the webbing between my fingers tells me for all the promises of all the religions of all the countries on earth.”
“Ancestral pride is evidently not your strong point.”
“I don’t know about that; but up to a year ago mental darkness was my portion. I had no religion.”
“And have you any now?”
“No, but I have a certainty.”
“Of what?”
“Of the fact that the world has a meaning and life an aim. Shall we sit down on this seat and talk for a while, if I am not boring you?—and may I light a cigarette?”