“That’s true. It might. But how do you know whether you are making a lie real or simply deluding yourself?”

His expression is simply calm, and he fixes Viatorus with an attentive look. He has seen what lengths people will go to in order to continue believing things that make them feel good. But it is not like he imagines he holds a privileged, objective view of the universe either. A number of his own beliefs are entirely illogical, changeable, and based on delusions. He is aware and does not take them seriously, knowing what they are. He can’t imagine not knowing, and yet so many manage to reach adulthood without ever experiencing any thorough disillusionment. What is that like? His interest is sincere.