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The
End
The Danish philosopher
Kierkegaard
tells a parable of a theater where a variety show is proceeding. Each show is
more fantastic than the last
and is applauded by the audience. Suddenly the
manager comes forward. He apologizes for the interruption
but the theater is
on fire
and he begs his patrons to leave in an orderly fashion. The audience
think this is the most amusing turn of the evening
and cheer thunderously. The
manager again implores them to leave the burning building
and he is again
applauded vigorously. At last he can do no more. The fire raced through the
whole building and the fun-loving audience with it. "And so
"
concluded Kierkegaard
"will our age
I sometimes think
go down in fiery
destruction to the applause of a crowded house of cheering
spectators."
Resource
July/August
1990.