human
Politeness, bah! old Osmond said.
gpt
To see a healthy young man simply--simply accepting the status quo!
human
If the status quo is a good status quo, Ludovick said uneasily, for he did not like to discuss such subjects,
gpt
Our freedom,
human
But we _are_ free, Ludovick said, perplexed.
gpt
We can say what we like, do what we like, so long as it is consonant with the public good.
human
Ah, but who determines what is consonant with the public good?
gpt
Look here, old man, I have read books. I know about the old days before the Belphins came from the stars. Men were destroying themselves quickly through wars, or slowly through want. There is none of that any more.
human
All lies and exaggeration, old Osmond said.
gpt
But surely some of what they teach about the past must be true, Ludovick insisted.
human
And today every one of us has enough to eat and drink, a place to live, beautiful garments to wear, and all the time in the world to utilize as he chooses in all sorts of pleasant activities. What is missing?
gpt
They've taken away our frontiers!
human
But I'm happy. And everybody is happy, except--except a few _killjoys_ like you.
gpt
They certainly did a good job of brainwashing you, boy, Osmond sighed.
human
And of most of the young ones, he added mournfully.
gpt
With each succeeding generation, more of our heritage is lost. He patted the girl's hand.
human
You're a good girl, Corrie. You don't hold with this being cared for like some damn pet poodle.
gpt
Never mind Osmond, Eversole, one of Corisande's alleged uncles grinned.
human
He talks a lot, but of course he doesn't mean a quarter of what he says. Come, have some wine.