All life is dangerous. We forget that,we who have been reared in one of the small pockets of civilization. For that is all that civilization really is, Easterbrook. Small pockets of men here and there who have gathered together for mutual protection and who thereby are able to outwit and control Nature. They have beaten the jungle – but that victory is only temporary. At any moment, the jungle will once more take command. Proud cities that were, are now mere mounds of earth, overgrown with rank vegetation, and the poor hovels of men who just manage to keep alive, no more. Life is always dangerous – never forget that. in the end, perhaps, not only great natural forces, but the work of our own hands may destroy it. We are very near to that happening at this moment…”

-Christie, The Pale Horse, 182.