The universe is indifferent to our fates. This was the crushing burden that the character took with him as he struggled through the surf toward survi… - Dan Simmons

There is no guarantee of happiness, wisdom, or long life if you drink of me this evening, she says, very softly. There is no nirvana. There is no salvation. There is no afterlife. There is no rebirth. There is only immense knowledge—of the heart as well as the mind—and the potential for great discoveries, great adventures, and and a guarantee of more of the pain and terror that make up so much of our short lives.

How about, she said, that you do the logical thing because it's the logical thing to do?

Doing a life study while drunk and in the process of being seduced is never a formula for quality art.