Entry #A-9: "Abundance" [Audio, January 27]

[dead_black_eyes]

[L's typical monotone is still clipped and precise, but unusually breathless and animated today.]

I want a job.

I have never interviewed for one, but I've typed up a resume and I am a very fast learner. There are too many hours in the day, I've found, and as soon as I possibly can, I want to start working.

Also, I want to take on a mission with my partner before mid-February, so any guidance in that department on a regular basis would be much appreciated, in addition to the regular training that Shibusen offers.

[Coded Privately to Mello and Near]

Thank you both for everything. Your kindness and hospitality have been exemplary.

I'll be moving out in the next few days, but I will visit frequently.

[/End Private]

Comments

[Audio]

[socialbutterfly]

It's easier to initially assume that people are honest than to live convinced that everyone is dishonest. Are you dishonest?

[Audio]

[dead_black_eyes]

Knowing that there is even the slightest possibility that I am dishonest, would any answer I could give you mean much?

[Audio]

[socialbutterfly]

Knowing that any answer, including that one, will reveal more than you give, can you really discount the worth of even a dishonest answer?

[Audio]

[dead_black_eyes]

After the revelation of that most valuable answer, I would think that one would have no choice but to discount the worth of all following answers.

[Audio]

[socialbutterfly]

After you discount all the following answers, I would think that one would have no choice but to discover that all answers are equal once more.

[Audio]

[dead_black_eyes]

If they're all worthless, I'd call that equal value. One is one, and zero is zero.

[Audio]

[socialbutterfly]

Therefore it is better to take what you say at equal value rather modifying it. [q.e.d.]

[Audio]

[dead_black_eyes]

One is one, and zero is zero, but one is not zero.

[Audio]

[socialbutterfly]

[Wait, this was q.e.d'd already...]

What someone says is what someone says...

[Audio]

[dead_black_eyes]

Not if I say "one," but know in my heart that "zero" is the truth.

[Audio]

[socialbutterfly]

What about if you listen?

[Audio]

[dead_black_eyes]

I beg your pardon?

[Audio]

[socialbutterfly]

If you listen to "one," can you know in your heart that "zero" is the truth?

[Audio]

[dead_black_eyes]

Hearing, listening, and knowing are all so different. Of course I can.

[Audio]

[socialbutterfly]

... You just like zero, don't you?

[Audio]

[dead_black_eyes]

Acknowledging something isn't necessarily liking it, but I suppose I do, yes.

[Audio]

[socialbutterfly]

Why?

[Audio]

[dead_black_eyes]

Because the irony of something existing simply to represent nonexistence has a strange, reassuring symmetry to it. I suppose it's difficult to explain fully and concisely.