The Fall of Babel (The Books of Babel #4)

by Josiah Bancroft

“Tell me, are you familiar with the concept of evolution—the broad notion that change happens gradually as traits are rewarded with survival?

“There once was a modest merchant. His life was not extravagant, his business was rather middling, but he was comfortable enough and respected. He had a loving wife who gave him a son, and the modest merchant’s fortunes were sufficient to provide for all their needs. “Then one day, the modest merchant took ill. What at first seemed a slump turned into a steep decline, and it wasn’t long before the doctors said he would not recover. Lying upon his deathbed, the merchant called his son, who was scarcely a man, to his bedside to receive his inheritance. The son was very excited to think of his coming fortune, and so was rather surprised to find that his inheritance was an old, ugly, and empty trunk that sat at the foot of his father’s bed. Its hinges were rusty, and the key in its latch turned and turned without catching. The son couldn’t help but feel offended by the humble gift. “But the modest merchant quickly explained that it was not an ordinary trunk. No, it was a magic trunk, one which would provide the son with whatever he needed. All he had to do was close the chest, speak his need out loud, and turn the key three times. When he opened the trunk, whatever he had asked for would be there. “After his father’s funeral, the modest merchant’s son, feeling understandably doubtful, decided to test the magic trunk. He took a moment to think about what he wanted most in the world. He certainly didn’t want to be modest. He wanted to be rich. So, he closed the lid and said alou...

the gift of mastery over our environment—and if we misuse these, if we take these things for granted, the ones who will suffer most are our sons and daughters. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of our ancestors’ labor. We should relish the pudding. But that privilege does not relieve us of our responsibility to be faithful custodians of the world we leave for our children.”