human
The future may be quite different from what I expected. I can't tell yet for sure. I must see how things--work out.
gpt
That's a very good way, my dear, the old man commended.
human
It's a large part of knowledge to know how to leave well enough alone. Nine times out of ten life works out better by itself than we can make it.
gpt
I know I've got to feel my way,
human
I don't see why.
gpt
You don't see--?
human
No, I don't. Why should you feel your way? You're not blind.
gpt
I feel my way because I don't see it.
human
Oh yes, you do--all you need to see.
gpt
But I don't see any. I assure you it's all confusion.
human
Not a bit, my dear. It's as plain as a pikestaff--for the next step.
gpt
I don't know what you mean by the next step.
human
I suppose the next step would be--well, let us say what you've got to do to-day. That's about as much ground as any one can cover with a stride. You see that, don't you? You've got to eat your dinner, and go to bed. That's all you've got to settle for the moment.
gpt
I'm afraid I must look a little farther ahead than that.
human
What for? What good will it do? You won't see anything straight. It's no use trying to see daylight two hours before dawn. People are foolish enough sometimes to make the attempt, but they only strain their eyesight. For every step you've got to take there'll be something to show you the line to follow.
gpt
What?
human
W-well, the old man answered, slowly,
gpt
I can understand plain English, if that would do.
human
You can make it do, but it doesn't do very well. It's really one of those things that require what the primitive Christians called an unknown tongue. Since we haven't got that as a means of communication--
gpt
Some people call it a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Some people have described it by other figures of speech. The description isn't of importance--it's the _Thing_.
human
Oh, but I've never seen anything like that. I never expect to.
gpt
That's a pity; because it's there.
human
There? Where?
gpt
Just where one would look for it--if one looked at all. When it moves, he went on, his hand suiting the action to the word, on a level with his eyes,
human
I don't know what I gain either by its moving or its standing still, so long as I don't see it.
gpt
No, neither do I,
human
Well, then?
gpt
Shall I tell you a little story?
human
If you like. I shall be happy to hear it.