A fire broke out backstage in a theatre. The clown came out to warn the public; they thought it was a joke and laughed. The more he repeated the warning the louder they applauded, until the fire engulfed everyone. I think that's just how the world will come to an end: to general applause from wits who believe it's a joke. - S. Kierkegaard, Either/Or (Enten – Eller, 1843)

















