The townspeople got together with the learned men of the town to
ponder over profound subjects.
They were thinking that they knew a great
deal compared to the others, that they were learned men and the rest
were ignorant. And they decided to find a simple uncomplicated theme to
see who could explain it better. A
nd they decided to choose
"
Loneliness"
Many eloquent speakers were attending and they spoke and spoke
incessantly.
They would speak with philosophical attitude and posture: "
Loneliness is a mountain, it is the winter cold. Loneliness is the depth
of the sea."
And they were applauded by many but in truth, they all wanted to be
heard and applauded.
The turn finally came for the Madman, because his presence was always
requested since they all wanted to make fun of him.
And he said:
" The
mountain is accompanied by the trees, by the light of the day and also
by the stars.
The depth of the sea is accompanied by the cold, by the
fearsome darkness.
The winter is accompanied by heavy coats, by the
crying of old people and children who cannot find how to cover
themselves. Then, nothing of those to me, is loneliness.
To me,
loneliness is to be here reunited with so many indifferent persons who
do not want to listen to anybody but themselves. To me, that is
loneliness, a world where union is not cultivated but its opposite."
"When the townspeople and learned men heard those words, they said:
"
That man is crazy."
And he answered: " In truth, we all are lonely in
this place."
