It would not be long before there were twice as many people in the world as there had been when he, Emory Frost, had been born in that quiet old manor house in Kent. And after that three times as many; and then four-and five… There would be more Restrictions, more Discipline, more Laws. And more Tyranny!…all the things he had rebelled against. There would be no escaping them, and he wondered if the world of the next century would be the better for them or the worse, and why he should never have realized before that what he had taken to be misfortune had, in reality, been luck in disguise. Incredible luck!
Emory Frost reflects on the rapid population growth he anticipates, foreseeing a future with increasing restrictions and oppression. Born in a serene manor, he contrasts his childhood with the looming challenges of a world burdened by a surging populace and stricter governance. This raises questions about the quality of life in the coming century, leaving him to ponder the implications of such changes.
As he considers his past and the struggles he faced, he recognizes that what he initially viewed as misfortune might have actually been a form of hidden luck. This realization highlights the complexity of his experiences and the unforeseen consequences of societal evolution. Frost's internal conflict underscores the tension between growth and freedom, making him question the true nature of progress.
