Genesis

by Bernard Beckett

Nevertheless, I believe those who feel the urge to understand Adam’s heroism instinctively understand the importance of empathy. For a society to function successfully perhaps there needs to be a level of empathy which cannot be corrupted. For the first time the change in all three Examiners was perceptible. They straightened. The leader loomed taller, their eyes burned more intensely. EXAMINER: Are you saying a society wracked by plague is preferable to one wracked by indifference? ANAXIMANDER: That is a good way of framing the question. EXAMINER: And your answer? ANAXIMANDER: I think, in the circumstances, it is impossible to justify the romanticism of Adam’s actions, although, given our history, we all have cause to be thankful for them. Silence. They wanted her to say more, but Anax knew she had dodged a bullet and stood quietly before the panel, determined not to step back into its path. EXAMINER: An interesting answer.