From this distance, the individual is indistinguishable. Only the grandest marks of civilization can be seen, and those which shine their lights into the dark all look very much like one another.
There is only the world, altogether. On this scale there is no room for the petty and personal, for the war or conflict that ever plague them.
[Grandpa, do you need a hard drink. This is so heavy.]
I see. You aren't wrong. You prefer a world like that then? [Asking in a way that he wants to be sure this is correct.] One free of all of those things?
[He looks curious, turning his attention to Emet. The sourness Emet gave him before doesn't seem to have dampened his willingness to chat.]
You aren't missing much. They are terrible. As I'm sure you know already. Have you really seen a time and place with no... anything like that? War, disease, poverty...?
So I have, yes, and it does not require a lack of differences between individuals. Each still has their own particular ideas and talents, but applies them to best support the whole-- nothing is kept to a single person alone, shared among all instead.
[there's a subtle shift in his tone, not so harsh.]
They place the good of all above all else, and in this way each is content.
[always too concerned with individuality, with their own wants.]
All are, individually, important parts of the whole. If one is troubled, they would not ignore it nor be ignored by others-- they do not matter less, for society would cease to function if enough individuals did. Yet there is no dissatisfaction with the arrangement, for those within such a society have the foresight to see what will come of all contributing to the greater good, rather than losing sight of the eventual results of their work and becoming disillusioned.
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[a slight tilt of his head, as he glances over.]
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Either. You're familiar with things like these?
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[a moment of consideration, and:]
I do prefer them this way.
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[He regards Emet a moment, and then looks back out at the stars.]
How come?
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There is only the world, altogether. On this scale there is no room for the petty and personal, for the war or conflict that ever plague them.
[it looks peaceful.]
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I see. You aren't wrong. You prefer a world like that then? [Asking in a way that he wants to be sure this is correct.] One free of all of those things?
Have you been in many wars?
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[he sounds a little more tired, there, but follows it with a shake of his head.]
I have seen many a war, but I do not tend to take up arms for them myself.
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You aren't missing much. They are terrible. As I'm sure you know already. Have you really seen a time and place with no... anything like that? War, disease, poverty...?
Wouldn't the people stop being... different?
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[there's a subtle shift in his tone, not so harsh.]
They place the good of all above all else, and in this way each is content.
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I don't think those kinds of values would go over well in America. Definitely not in New York.
It sounds nice, in theory. A little like ants, or bees. But if you put the good of everyone over everything else, how will you ever value yourself?
[He doesn't sound judgmental, just conversational.]
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[always too concerned with individuality, with their own wants.]
All are, individually, important parts of the whole. If one is troubled, they would not ignore it nor be ignored by others-- they do not matter less, for society would cease to function if enough individuals did. Yet there is no dissatisfaction with the arrangement, for those within such a society have the foresight to see what will come of all contributing to the greater good, rather than losing sight of the eventual results of their work and becoming disillusioned.
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A hovering harmony has been broken, and we're now losing pieces of ourselves because of it?
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[those theories are a work in progress.]