Asked & Answered~255

The Only Valid Answer ...in 12 lines

Philosophy 101

"Raise your hand," Prof Wix says, "if you've ever felt alone in the Universe?"

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All hands go up, except a young man's at the back of the class.

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Prof Wix eyes his name chart. "What about you, Nelson?"

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"Are you asking us as a Planet, Professor, or as single human beings?"

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"The latter."

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Nelson's hand goes up. "In that case, Yes is the only valid answer."

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"Why do you say that, Nelson?"

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"By definition, we are each separate and distinct entities."

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"Yet, we each have an inborn desire to belong to something bigger than ourselves."

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"Yes, like plastic ball bins in a child's play center. Alone, together."

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"But, is not Alone-and-Together contradictory, by definition?"

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"Yes, and No." Nelson lowers his hand.

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