Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

With regard to that conclusion, I'm reminded of a scene in Heinlein's «Stranger in a Strange Land», near the end of part 2 chapter 13, a conversation between Dr. Jubal Harshaw and Duke:

“To Mike it’s a solemn—but joyful—religious ceremony.”

Duke snorted. “Jubal, you don’t believe that stuff about ghosts. It’s just cannibalism combined with rank superstition.”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far. I find these ‘Old Ones’ hard to swallow—but Mike speaks of them the way we talk about last Wednesday. As for the rest— Duke, what church were you brought up in?” Duke told him; Jubal went on: “I thought so…. Tell me—how did you feel when you took part in the symbolic cannibalism that plays so paramount a part in your church’s rituals?”

Duke stared. “What the devil are you talking about?”

&c.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: