Notes From the Editor's Desk -- 1/7/21

Mephistopheles, upon meeting American Faust, was unprepared, but pleasantly surprised, to discover just how craven was his interlocutor. Moreover, he was, at first, appalled to find that his ancient role in the psyche, that of providing the means to satiate the desire for experience unlimited, was being filled by computers of some kind, thus removing all the artistry in human corruption wherein Mephistopheles takes pride. Mephistopheles did not, however, have the time to study or critique the synods that provide a world of one’s own choosing, because, rather like Van Winkle, he forgot the time, or could not square what his watch displayed with the present state of man. With every suggestion Mephistopheles was quick to make, taking care to make these redolent, abruptly would American Faust interrupt, demanding counsel more immediate. Mephistopheles noticed something was amiss when he saw how American Faust could stand before a gathered crowd but could not do the same before a mirror. Casting a glance about, wondering as to who among them, or this whole world o’er, must truly be the one Mephistopheles seeks, it then dawned on him that it mattered not, since the personal relationships, through which the devil works and that the devil craves, had been reduced to violent hygiene. Violence requires only a one-factor analysis, not grades or subtlety. Like hunger without gluttony, there is no enjoyment there. How much the world and human will must be changed if its perversion looks complete! Hell is empty, the capitol o’erwhelemd, where sadly Mephistopheles sits and wonders. When each lives in a world of their own choosing, who could not take credit for the devil’s ultimate defeat?