Rosewater was twice as smart as Billy, but he and Billy were dealing with similar crises in similar ways. They had both found life meaningless, partly because of what they had seen in war. Rosewater, for instance, had shot a fourteen-year-old fireman, mistaking for a German soldier. So it goes. And Billy had seen the greatest massacre in European history, which was the fire-bombing of Dresden. So it goes. So they were trying to re-invent themselves and their universe. Science fiction was a big help.

Summary

This quote highlights the parallel experiences of Rosewater and Billy, who are both grappling with existential crises after witnessing the harsh realities of war. Despite Rosewater being considered more intelligent than Billy, both characters feel a sense of meaninglessness in life. Rosewater's accidental killing of a young fireman and Billy's witnessing of the devastating fire-bombing of Dresden have deeply affected them. Both individuals embark on a journey of self-discovery and attempt to reshape their perception of the world. Science fiction acts as a tool for them to explore new possibilities and find solace in reconstructing their understanding of reality. The recurring phrase "So it goes" underscores the notion of accepting the inevitable and moving forward despite their traumatic experiences.

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