“Enlightenment can be a thing of great beauty” the man said. “When natural science can become the norm and thrive in an environment where people let go of religion and dogma”, he paused and fingered the book he held. He looked up at his visitor with a smile and went on. “When the authorities are seen to be working for the people and the people in turn start to think for themselves.” He swung in his chair and looked out of the window.
He admired the spacious courtyard below and the fringe of green treetops in the distance for a few moments before turning back to the visiting professor.
“We, of course, are mostly concerned with physics. We both know that the whole thrust of physics is to discover truths about the nature of the physical universe, with nothing assumed or presupposed. Everything we see now and discover later has to be based on irrefutable evidence. It is true that occasionally our personal views or considerations may unduly influence our choice of a particular theory, but in the final analysis…” his voice dropped off as he studied the shapes of the shadows spreading across the great area below.
The visitor coughed softly to bring his friend back. “I agree, there is certainly a much greater uunderstanding of our work thanks largely to your brother…” The man bit his tongue as he realised what he had said. “I’m so sorry! I can’t imagine what made me say that. I… I…”
The physicist raised his hand, “Don’t apologise my old friend. He was a talented journalist with a very persuasive style of reporting. My brother is at peace now. The thing is done and that’s that.”
The visitor relaxed. “I’m sure you must be feeling a great sorrow….”
“Not at all! No; not a bit of it.” replied the other. “Don’t you bother yourself in that regard. As I said; he’s at peace at last.”
The men sat in complete silence for a while, until the visit was interrupted by approaching footsteps and a rattle of key at the door of the cell that announced the arrival of the priest, bible in hand, ready to administer the man his last rights.