"David Gerrold - Chtorr 3 - A Rage for Revenge" - читать интересную книгу автора (Gerrold David)

context for the course. In your language, that means that today is about preparing you for the rest of the
sessions. This is the orientation. Today, we will answer your questions." Almost as an aside, he added,
"Tomorrow, we will begin to question your answers."
"The first thing that we are going to do is make certain that you belong here. The results of this course will
be your responsibility so it has to be your choice to be here. If there is something you need to know,
don't sit on it-because while you're sitting there wondering, you're stuck. And while you're stuck, we
can't go on! Raise your hand and ask. Don't leave the room not knowing. If you have a question, there
are at least a dozen other people sitting on the same question, but afraid to ask. Do them a favor and ask,
so we can all go on."
Foreman stepped crisply to the left side of the dais to face the section of the room. The overhead screens
cut to a new camara angle; they always showed him from the head-on angle.
"When you are clear about the purpose of this course and your reasons for being here, then we will ask
you to commit yourself to completing the course. That means that you will promise to be here on time for
every session, for no other reason except that you have promised.
"Therefore, you are going to have to look at your ability I make and keep a commitment.
"If you choose not to make the commitment, you will have I opportunity to leave. That will be the only
opportunity to leave. So before you make the choice to stay, you need to be absolutely clear that you are
going to be here until the end of the course-or not at all. Everybody got that?"
He looked around the room expectantly. Again that soulpiercing stare.
Nobody spoke. Everybody got it.
"Thank you." Foreman stepped over to the music stand next to the podium and opened the manual there.
He flipped past the first few pages until he found what he was looking for. He studied it thoughtfully.
After a moment he nodded and then stepped to the third side of the dais, facing a new group again. Once
more the overhead screens cut to the head-on angle; I could look at his back or I could look up and see
his face. It didn't matter which part of the room he was speaking to, the effect was that he always seemed
to be addressing me.
Foreman's voice was resonant. It was clear and penetrating. He had a vibrant quality, like a perfectly
tuned cello. "First of all, it is no mistake that you are here. How many of you have been wondering about
that?"
More than half the people in the room raised their hands. I raised mine.
"Good," said Foreman. "That's normal. Wondering about it is part of the process. Now let me tell you,
no mistakes have been made. You are here because you are supposed to be here. Regardless of how
you think you got here. Some of you were invited. Some of you applied. Some of you were
recommended. And I know some of you think you were conned. How many of you think you were
conned into being here?"
A few people raised their hands. I thought about it and raised mine.
"Good. Thank you for admitting that. It's bullshit, of coursenobody was conned into being here-but thank
you for being honest about what you're thinking. It's a good start. This course is about telling the truth.
The truth about what you see, what you feel, what you experience, what you know. In here-unlike the
real world-there is absolutely no penalty for telling the truth; on the contrary, we demand it. If you're not
willing to tell the truth, then please don't be here. Don't waste your time. Don't waste my lime.
"The truth is that you're here because you want to be here. Regardless of whatever stories you told
yourselves about why you tlwught it was a good idea to be here, you're here because tmderneath those
stories is a genuine curiosity and, yes, even the beginnings of a commitment. Not one of you was dragged
into this room. I know, I saw. I stood outside and watched you arrive. You all walked in of your own
volition. That was the test and you passed it.
"You have now completed the hardest part of the course. Getting here. Congratulations." He looked
satisfied. He smiled at us. The effect was terrifying. "You can acknowledge that, if you wish." He
applauded us, so we applauded ourselves-but not without some puzzlement.
Foreman said, "I mean it. Congratulations. It's a privilege to be here. Most of the people on the planet