The Inevitabilities paused in their swirling, as if even mindless hunger recognized the weight of the question.
THE Creature was silent for a moment that could have been seconds or centuries…time got nervous around questions that fundamental.
"Existence," THE Creature finally replied, its voice carrying the certainty of someone stating physical law, "is best experienced as a Civilization."
HUUM!
The Fold Dweller waited for elaboration. The Inevitabilities resumed their dance.
"Not just best experienced," THE Creature continued, "but one can only attain the true height of existence as a Civilization and nothing else. Individual achievement, personal transcendence, singular power…these are rehearsals for the real performance. Shadows cast by the actual flame."
The statement landed with the weight of revelation that rewrote previous understandings.
