Space-ships and time machines are no escape from the human condition. Let Othello subject Desdemona to a lie-detector test; his jealousy will still blind him to the evidence. Let Oedipus triumph over gravity; he won't triumph over his fate.

Summary

This quote highlights the theme of the inescapable human condition. It suggests that external advancements, like space-ships and time machines, cannot free individuals from their innate flaws and weaknesses. Even if advanced technology were to be employed, as seen in the example of Othello subjecting Desdemona to a lie-detector test, the underlying emotions and biases of individuals would still cloud their judgment and prevent them from seeing the truth. Similarly, even if someone like Oedipus were to defeat the constraints of gravity, they would ultimately be helpless in changing their predetermined fate.

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