In Any Lifetime

by Marc Guggenheim

Quantum decoherence—the loss of a definite phase relation between a quantum state and its environment—led to a wave function collapse, among other things.

“You found me in this multitude,” she breathed. The awe he heard in her voice matched what he felt in his heart. Jonas turned, and their eyes locked. “I’ll always find you,” he said. “In any multitude. In any lifetime.” The promise felt like a vow.

Citizens of democratic countries voluntarily chose the reassuring certainty of authoritarianism, and Hitler became führer of the world almost without firing a shot.

I'm so confused about this IRL. "Certainty of authoritarianism" seems like an oxymoron.

Jonas asked Eva why the world chose oppression over freedom, dictatorship over democracy. She looked at him, apparently struck by his guilelessness.

“Freedom,” she said, “is hard for some people. I suppose it’s hard for most people. Life is easier when there’s someone above you telling you what to do.”

Maybe true, but how sad.

“No one is afraid,” she said. “Because no one ever thinks it’s going to be them.”

The truest freedom, she realized, is not to be aware of how free one is.

He wants to let go. He is tired of his crusade. Pursuing a vendetta is exhausting business. Vengeance takes its toll on the vengeful.

“In a manner of speaking,” Jonas deadpans.

I got so sick of the author using this phrase "Jonas deadpans".

“Words to live by,” Jonas deadpans.