“What’s wrong with saving the life of a dying patient, as some of those doctors did?”
“The first question to ask is whether the patient’s life should be saved.”
“That’s exactly what a doctor isn’t supposed to ask. He has to try to save them all. Just as you never ask whether people are going to use your knowledge for a good purpose or a bad. You simply answer their questions.”
“I answer because I am indifferent, and I care nothing what use they make of what I say. Are your doctors also indifferent?”
Siebling said, “You’re supposed to answer questions, not ask them. Incidentally, why do you answer at all?”
“Some of your men find joy in boasting, in doing what they call good, or in making money. Whatever mild pleasure I can find lies in imparting information.”
“And you’d get no pleasure out of lying?”
“I am as incapable of telling lies as one of your birds of flying off the Earth on its own wings.”
“One thing more. Why did you ask to talk to me, of all people, for recreation? There are brilliant scientists, and great men of all kinds whom you could have chosen.”
“I care nothing for your race’s greatness. I chose you because you are honest.”