Chapter 6 Summary

Reading 1:“The Land of Certus”

A medieval traveler stumbles upon a land, the land of Certus, where mysterious red and green lights emanate like auras around various people and their deeds. The traveler is told that the lights are the lights of good and bad and, although he is initially skeptical, further observation convinces him this is so. But then complications arise. A man named Georges ignores the lights and encourages others to do the same. The inhabitants of a neighboring town claim that their sacred book shows what is truly good and bad and that the lights are simply there to deceive. The traveler is shocked when he comes upon Georges being tortured. However, he accepts the rightness of the deed when he sees that the torturers are glowing green. Would you have accepted it as well?

Reading 2:“Those Who Help Themselves”

Visitors from Earth visitors find on the planet Omega the “only truly moral civilization” that they have encountered on their travels. The Omegans truly care for one another. Their society, although involving some competition for goods, makes sure that the less fortunate are well taken care of. The Omegans have virtually eliminated discrimination in terms of sex and color. Their society is democratic, but their debates about policies and ideals, as well as their competition for office, have a high moral tone. The visitors from Earth try to find out the Omegans’ secret and finally do: The Omegans believe in the perpetual reincarnation of souls, which is not only natural but random. There was no telling what one might be in the next life in terms of sex, color, ability, or inclination. Therefore, in promoting a society that helps, they would ultimately be helping themselves.