The Practise of Digression
Then, without waiting for an answer he continued:
'What strikes me most about ants and beetles and other gentlemen of the insect world is their astonishing seriousness: they run backwards and forwards with such important expressions on their faces, just as if their life really meant something. Just think: Man, Lord of Creation, most exulted of beings is looking at them – but they've no time for him; what's more, a gnat will sit on the nose of the Lord of the Creation and use him for food. It's insulting. Yet, looked at in another way, how is our life any better than theirs? And why shouldn't they give themselves airs, if we are permitted to do so? Now then, my philosopher, solve that problem for me. Why don't you answer? Eh?'
'I would prefer not to.'
'This', he said to Mike, 'is undoubtedly something in the nature of a set-back. I have drawn blank. The papers bring out posters, 'Psmith Baffled'. I must try again. Meanwhile, to work. Work, the hobby of the philosopher and the poor man's friend.'
'That's understandable. Their habits are very peculiar. Very peculiar' He kept pushing the float. The water was not quite up to his chest. 'They lead a very tragic life', he said.
'No, pardon me,' he replied. 'Well, yes, if you like; why not? It doesn't matter what you call it. I've been in such a delightful rapture all day, whether it's hallucination or whether it isn't.'
On The Eve, p.22-23
Bartleby The Scrivener
Psmith in the City, p.169 in The World of Psmith
A Perfect Day For Banana Fish, p.10 in For Esme – with Love and Squalor
Mysteries, p. 71
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