Level 7

MAY 4

Today I tried to lose myself again in the mental game of inventing new myths for the coming generation on Level 7. I thought about it a good deal and then discussed it with R-747 in the lounge.

While I am busy speculating and talking about such things I forget my own predicament. Maybe it is dangerous to escape from reality in this way—P-867 would certainly say it is—but the practice helps me, at least while I am indulging in it.

I suggested to R-747 a few general principles which she might keep in mind when she is creating new myths and stories. Here are some of them.

High is bad, low is good. Open space is harmful; enclosed space is beneficial. Vast distances are the product of a sick or perverse imagination; being content with the physical limits of one’s level is normal and admirable. The quest for variety in life is wicked; sticking to one’s job and being satisfied with little entertainment is good citizenship.

R-747 thought these principles would be quite helpful and said she would use them when she wrote some more stories.

P-867 interrupted us as usual. I cannot get rid of her during my discussions with R-747.