"but one thing above all--one reason stands out--we need the gods to protect us from loneliness. But why is loneliness so intolerable? We can't stand to be alone--why not? Because human beings are children, that's why. "But those are all disguises we create for nature. You know how Danny loves to tell us that the science narrative privileges the balance of power. How there's no objective truth, except for who's got the power. Power tells the story and everyone accepts it as truth, because power rules." He took a breath. "But who's got the balance of power now, Danny? Can you feel it? Take a deep breath. Feel it? No? Then I'll tell you. The balance of power lies in the hands of the entity that always holds the balance of power--nature. Nature, Danny. Not us. All we can do is go for the ride and try to hang on." --