A Canticle for Leibowitz

by Walter M. Miller Jr.

He had asked a question that he himself could not answer by reason, having never seen the old man, and had thereby lost the right to make the answer mandatory.

The principal industries of the continent, excepting a few seacoast regions, were hunting, farming, fighting, and witchcraft-the last being the most promising “industry” for any youth with a choice of careers and having in mind as primary ends, maximum wealth and prestige.

‘Soon the sun will set’-is that prophecy? No, it’s merely an assertion of faith in the consistency of events.

“Ignorance is king. Many would not profit by his abdication. Many enrich themselves by means of his dark monarchy. They are his Court, and in his name they defraud and govern, enrich themselves and perpetuate their power.

He could hear his abdomen growl. The futility, alas, of trying to digest a rifle ball.

Ask for an omen, then stone it when it comes-de essentia hominum.

For Brother Joshua’s group had only begun the first short lap of a long and doubtful journey, a new Exodus from Egypt under the auspices of a God who must surely be very weary of the race of Man.