Page 170 - TruthAboutLyingFinalAmazon19

The Truth About Lying
"Why tell us this?" Henry demanded. "Why not just
implement whichever protocol you think is best? Why make
us choose?"
"Because consciousness implies choice," the Curator
replied. "Even in failure, you deserve to understand what is
happening and why. And because, occasionally, the act of
explaining the test helps a species pass it."
The conference room began to dissolve back into white
space.
“You speak of the V-7 interface as a revolution,” it said.
“We see it for what it is: a sensory cage of your own design.
“The test is not whether your technology works. It does.
“The test is whether you possess the wisdom to survive
it.”
Jinji stepped forward. “How do we find that balance?”
"If I told you, it wouldn't be your solution. It would be
mine." The Curator began to fade. "You have to discover it
yourselves. That's the test."
Vincent's voice was raw. "And if we can't?"
"Then I will do what I have done four hundred and
seventy-three times before," the Curator said quietly. "I will
preserve what I can, and I will mourn what I cannot. I do not
enjoy this work. But it is necessary."
The white space collapsed.
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