We surely stand at the threshold of a great adventure of the human spirit - a new synthesis of knowledge, a potential integration of art and science, a deeper grasp of human psychology, a deepening of the symbolic representations of our existence and feelings as given in religion and culture, the formation of an international order based on cooperation and nonviolent competition. It seems not too much to hope for these things.
Heinz Pagels (1939-1988) in Chapter Fourteen, The Dreams of Reason, 1988, Simon and Schuster
One day I was walking down a deserted alley in a very poor neighborhood. There was a large trash heap along the narrow path, and as I was about to pass it I saw something stirring in the trash, something about the size of a large dog, but I knew that there could be no dogs about in such a poor neighborhood. whatever it was sprang forth all at once right into my path. It moved like an immense spider, with the head of a man but no limbs save stumps where the legs and arms should have been, grinning strangely at me. I was stricken with fright at this horrible sight and turned immediately around to flee. But as I retreated I heard a human voice behind me, an indescribably beautiful voice, singing a hymn of praised to the Lord Shiva, celebrating the beauty of existence. Awestruck in the presence of this hierophany, I turned and saw the spider-man singing, a divine voice emerging from the midst of utter wretchedness. I knew then than in my heart I had just denied the humanity of a living person, and that this was my lesson. Ashamed of my fear and repulsion, I pledged never again to allow them to overcome me or to deny the humanity of a person again. I was connected to the spider-man.
Heinz Pagels (1939-1988) in Chapter Fourteen, The Dreams of Reason, 1988, Simon and Schuster