'
'But aren't you the one who's always saying that the societies
of men must have failed because they had forgotten the simple goodness
of Nature, ‘primal virtue' and all of that? That society had
overridden the subtle ways of the Tao, creating its own, alternative
order in which Man's will alone was powerful? That there were no
natural, softening influences to prevent man's ignorance and
violence?' Her words seemed mockery, but there was a reason for them.
She was trying to draw him to the heart of the matter, which could be
difficult when he became thoughtful and began to withdraw.
'You know I've said these things, and you know I still believe
them. But why couldn't men do both: raise themselves above the
endless struggle, and still have the thought and compassion to put away
war and racial hatred, to feed and clothe and give medicine to those who
need it? Why does it have to be one or the other?' There was no
answer to such a question. Impatiently, she stirred the fire with a
stick.
'Aren't you really trying to tell me that you've decided to
visit the island at all costs, and that you're afraid of what you
might find there?'
'Yes,' he replied dourly, confused.
'Why are you so threatened by the Children? From everything
you've told me, they sound even more primitive than the
hill-people.
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