The Cream of the Jest · Chapter
XXVI: “Epper Si Muove” explained
Kennaston reflects on the irrational progress of humanity, seeing history as a series of blind blunders that nonetheless lead to improvement.
What happens
Kennaston reflects on the irrational progress of humanity, seeing history as a series of blind blunders that nonetheless lead to improvement. He extends this view to the evolution of life on Earth and the cosmos, questioning the purpose of existence and the role of life as an intruder in a soulless universe. He then critiques revealed religions, finding them akin to fairy tales and noting that they promise a better tomorrow while urging disregard for the present moment. He concludes that art, unlike religion, fulfills the need to make the sensations of the moment soul-satisfying.
Themes in this chapter
The Search for Meaning
Kennaston's central question 'Why is a Kennaston?' drives his philosophical inquiry into the purpose of human existence.
Disillusionment and Cynicism
Kennaston views human progress as irrational and accidental, and dismisses revealed religions as deceptive fairy tales.
Religion and Mortality
Kennaston critiques religion for promising a better tomorrow while urging disregard for the present, and contrasts it with art.
Art and Illusion
The chapter concludes that art performs what religion only promises, making the sensations of a moment soul-satisfying.
Characters to notice
- Felix Kennaston
The central consciousness of the chapter, reflecting on history, evolution, and the purpose of life.
- Maugis d'Aigremont
Quoted by Kennaston: 'It is very strange how affairs fall out in this world of ours, so that a man may discern no plan or purpose anywhere.'
- Horvendile
Mentioned as the dream-weaver who deals with ordinary people in dreams.
Key passages
“It is very strange how affairs fall out in this world of ours, so that a man may discern no plan or purpose anywhere.”
Maugis d'Aigremont's cry that events in the world seem to lack any discernible plan or purpose.
Kennaston echoes this sentiment as he observes history's irrational progress.
“Why is a Kennaston?”
Kennaston whimsically asks what purpose his own existence serves.
This question encapsulates his broader inquiry into the meaning of human life.
“For art performed what religion only promised.”
Art achieves the soul-satisfying experience of the moment that religion merely holds out as a future reward.
Kennaston's concluding insight contrasts the immediate fulfillment of art with religion's deferred promises.