# XXVI: “Epper Si Muove” explained — The Cream of the Jest

> Chapter companion for The Cream of the Jest by James Branch Cabell.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cream_of_the_jest_se/chapters/xxvi-epper-si-muove
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cream_of_the_jest_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cream_of_the_jest_se/chapters