Perhaps a lunatic was simply a minority of one. At one time it had been a sign of madness to believe that the Earth goes round the Sun; today, to believe the past is inalterable. He might be alone in holding that belief, and if alone, then a lunatic. But the thought of being a lunatic did not greatly trouble him; the horror was that he might also be wrong.

Summary

This quote highlights the idea that being labeled as "lunatic" or crazy is subjective and can be influenced by societal norms and beliefs. The example of it being once deemed madness to believe in a heliocentric system serves as a reminder that what is considered insane can change over time. The protagonist fears not just being seen as insane for believing in the ability to change the past, but also the unsettling possibility of being fundamentally mistaken in his beliefs.

Topics