Page 13 - Tales Apocalyptic and Dystopian

The Stars Impel

disruptive for human beings; remember, we evolved on this planet,
so we have an affinity for the forces of this solar system. Antisocial
behavior has always been kept to a minimum—at least until
technology threw out the basis of natural restraints. The alternative is
that the forces are not particularly malignant, but you have destroyed
their balance by placing only a narrow band of possible human types
on the planet. It may be that a more complete range of biological
specimens would interact with the planetary forces in a way that
would produce a greater and more evenly-distributed range of
personality traits. In either case, it will be not be possible on any
other planet either to limit the population to one set of traits or to
recreate humanity with exactly the same complex of traits as it
displayed on Earth.”
Yarsis considered. “Then you’re saying that our premise of
predetermined fitness may not be correct?”
“In a word: yes. You have tried to use science, which must always
be limited, to control nature in an absolute way. Your knowledge,
vast though it may be, cannot encompass every situation. I certainly
do not make that claim for astrology; no system can attain that level
of certainty and comprehensiveness, whether it’s your science or the
Babylonians’. That is why I always conclude my readings with this
simple maxim: the stars impel; they do not compel. Good day,
ladies.”

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