I've never been able to understand that custom." "Not all customs have to have a reason. - Robert Sheckley

Still, no matter how commonplace, one’s death is the most interesting event of one’s life.

Corpses shouldn’t be forced to answer questions. Death was man’s ancient privilege, his immemorial pact with life, granted to the slave as well as the noble. Death was man’s solace, and his right. But perhaps they had revoked that right; and now you couldn’t evade your responsibilities simply by being dead.

Paradox is the inevitable forerunner of chaos.