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Martin Eden

(13,569 posts)

18. That question was answered at the end of "Venus on the Half Shell" by Kilgore Trout

Thu Dec 26, 2024, 06:49 PM

Thursday

(actually Phillip Jose Farmer)

The hero of the story travels the universe seeking the answer to his existential question: Why were we created only to suffer and die?

He finally gains an audience with the oldest and wisest creature (a giant cockroach) which had firsthand knowledge. Its answer was the last two words in the book:

Why not?

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Why? [View all] angrychair Thursday OP

For its own amusement. Susan Calvin Thursday #1

For amusement. The same reason I would assemble a Lionel train set. 3Hotdogs Thursday #17

A couple of thoughts.... anciano Thursday #2

While I do not believe in any higher power angrychair Thursday #9

I don't know, but George Carlin observed God is supposed to be an omnipotent, all powerful, all knowing being, but.. surfered Thursday #3

Yeah. Fuck all. If Jesus was a smart as we think he is, he would tune into Dave Ramsey every day 3Hotdogs Thursday #19

Humanity was in it's childhood... Think. Again. Thursday #4

Control Blue Full Moon Thursday #5

According to the Bible, we are not supposed to make an image of God. Clouds Passing Thursday #6

Good questions LogDog75 Thursday #7

If God was that smart that he wanted the choir of angels and harps, why not just make a choir of angels and harps. That, 3Hotdogs Thursday #20

Either you believe in God, or you believe ... Intractable Thursday #8

I agree with you LogDog75 Thursday #12

From your analogy, the question is where did the two-feet of dirt come from? Intractable Thursday #15

Message auto-removed Name removed Yesterday #42

Divinity JoseBalow Yesterday #43

I have faith not religion Marthe48 Thursday #10

I think when we die we are dead. No complex or convoluted explanations needed. elocs Thursday #28

I have the answer. bluescribbler Thursday #11

Matter and energy is, was, and always will be... GiqueCee Thursday #13

"Why?" JoseBalow Thursday #14

Now, that's what I call "putting things into perspective." Intractable Thursday #16

wonderful pics... and then came that last one and i lol'd! nt orleans Thursday #22

In fairness, True Dough Thursday #32

That question was answered at the end of "Venus on the Half Shell" by Kilgore Trout Martin Eden Thursday #18

Art Maeve Thursday #21

Love RainCaster Thursday #23

Good perspective angrychair Thursday #33

Why? Roy Rolling Thursday #24

Nice perspective angrychair Thursday #34

I am an atheist too Americanme Thursday #25

Don't overthink it because that's a fool's errand. n/t elocs Thursday #29

"I think men created the creator, to answer any questions they had no answers for." Talitha Thursday #31

Why didn't Jesus at least educate the people about germs or even the concept of zero ? rickford66 Thursday #26

It's a rigged question to claim to be an "unapologetic atheist" and still expect a 'theological' answer to "Why?" ancianita Thursday #27

I thank you for the thoughtful angrychair Thursday #37

I see. Understood. Thank you. ancianita 17 hrs ago #45

I would also ask, what if? Buddyzbuddy Thursday #30

Thank you angrychair Yesterday #38

Thank you. I agree with you. Buddyzbuddy Yesterday #40

Why is not the question; it's the answer. usonian Thursday #35

To those of us who have had experience with some level of spiritual dimensions, atheism in today's Karadeniz Thursday #36

Thank you angrychair Yesterday #39

Yep ! Karadeniz 21 hrs ago #44

Why? To be blunt... To see it happen. See full post for context. Hellbound Hellhound Yesterday #41