What is “Bad” or “Good”? [Adapted from ancient Chinese thought]

“Didn’t get a job.”

“That’s bad.”

“Those that got the jobs contracted cancer from the building.”

“That’s bad.”

“The remnant built a skyscraper and I’m still alive.”

“That’s good.”

“But there was strife and the building was destroyed–it hurt some people and thousands more died.”

“That’s bad.”

“But not everyone, there are many of us left.”

“That’s good.”

“Bet we’re all getting older at once.”

“That’s bad, huh?  Maybe space travelers don’t age as much.  I wonder if God ages?”

“Baby boomers age.  There won’t be enough hospital space.”

“That’s definitely bad.”

“But new hospitals are coming up and almost everyone will be covered.”

“That’s good.”

“Did you read The Andromeda Strain?”

“No.”

“That’s bad.”

“Why?”

“You should read it.  The Andromeda Strain was about a remnant in a town and Terminal Man? I don’t remember but it was short.  I think it was about doctor miracles with brain study, it was easier to read than Andromeda Strain and had a happy Hollywood ending for the few, the remnant.”

“That’s good.”

“Heard of The Red and the Black?”

“What?”

“A novel by Stendhal, Le Rouge et Le Noir, about the choice in the early 19th Century I think; Napolean was running around and the Popes, between the ecclesiastical life or that of a soldier.  Those were practically the only choices left except for the happy few.”

“How about farming?”

“No new jobs–masses were leaving farms I suppose.” The industrial revolution was starting it’s engines and they were loud!”