# XXX: The End of Everything explained — The Absolute at Large

> Chapter companion for The Absolute at Large by Karel Čapek.

## What happens

Years later, Brych, Binder, Canon Jost, and Rejzek gather at the Damohorsky tavern, discussing religion, sauerkraut, and the lingering legacy of the Karburator movement, now suppressed by police raids. The chapter ends with a familiar debate about faith and reason, echoing pre-war arguments.

## Themes in this chapter

### Skepticism and Faith

The characters debate the rationality of different religions, with Canon Jost asserting reason for his own faith while dismissing others, and Binder and Brych arguing for belief in fellow humans.

### The Absurdity of Absolutes

The conversation equates religious absolutism with culinary preferences, highlighting how people cannot understand differing beliefs, yet the same pattern repeats after the war.

## Character check-ins

### Brych

Now a locksmith proprietor, reading the People's Journal and reminiscing about the old days.

### Jan Binder

Former merry-go-round owner, now fat and without his striped jersey, ordering sausages and recalling Kuzenda's wisdom.

### Canon Jost

Ruddy-cheeked and cheerful, debating religion and sauerkraut preparation with the others.

### Old Rejzek

Journalist who joins the group for supper, briefly mentioned.

### Kuzenda

Mentioned as ailing but remembered fondly; his sayings about belief in people are quoted by Binder.

## Key lines

> People are always getting back just where they used to be,” observed Mr. Binder.

Binder notes that despite the war, people return to their old arguments and divisions.

_Reflects the cyclical nature of human conflict and belief._

> The world will be an evil place as long as people don’t believe in other people.

Brych asserts that lack of trust in fellow humans is the root of evil.

_Central moral of the chapter, echoing Kuzenda's philosophy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_absolute_at_large_se/chapters/xxx-the-end-of-everything
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_absolute_at_large_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_absolute_at_large_se/chapters