word "We" is as lime poured over men, which sets and hardens to
stone, and crushes all beneath it, and that which is white and that
which is black are lost equally in the grey of it. It is the word by
which the depraved steal the virtue of the good, by which the weak steal
the might of the strong, by which the fools steal the wisdom of the
sages.

What is my joy if all hands, even the unclean, can reach into it? What
is my wisdom, if even the fools can dictate to me? What is my freedom,
if all creatures, even the botched and impotent, are my masters? What is
my life, if I am but to bow, to agree, and to obey?

But I am done with this creed of corruption.

I am done with the monster of "We," the word of serfdom, of plunder, of
misery, falsehood and shame.

And now I see the face of god, and I raise this god over the earth, this
god whom men have sought since men came into being, this god who will
grant them joy and peace and pride.

This god, this one word:

"I."

Chapter Twelve

It was when I read the first of the books I found in my house that I
saw the word "I." And when I understood this word, the book fell from
my hands, and I wept, I who had never known tears. I wept in deliverance
and in pity for all mankind.

I understood the blessed thing which I had called my curse. I understood
why the best in me had been my sins and my transgressions; and why I had
never felt guilt in my sins. I understood that centuries of chains and
lashes will not kill the spirit of man nor the sense of truth within
him.

I read many books for many days. Then I called the Golden One, and I
told her what I had read and what I had learned. She looked at me and
the first words she spoke were:

"I love you."

Then I said:

"My dearest one, it is not proper for men to be without names. There was
a time when each man had a name of his own to distinguish him from all
other men. So let us choose our names. I have read of a man who lived
many thousands of years ago, and of all the names in these books, his is
the one I wish to bear. He took the light of the gods and brought it to
men, and he taught men to be gods. And he suffered for his deed as all
bearers of light must suffer. His name was Prometheus."

"It shall be your name," said the Golden One.

"And I have read of a goddess," I said, "who was the mother of the earth
and of all the gods. Her name was Gaea. Let this be your name, my Golden
One, for you are to be the m