Life will be wonderful when men no longer fear dying. When the last superstitions are thrown out and we meet death with the same equanimity as life. No longer will children's minds be twisted by evil gods whose fantastic origin is in those barbaric tribes who feared death and lightning, who feared life. That's it: life is the villain to to those who preach reward in death, through grace and eternal bliss, or through dark revenge.
Gore Vidal expresses a vision of a future where humanity no longer fears death, suggesting that this fear has long been rooted in superstition and the beliefs instilled by ancient societies. He argues that true peace and understanding come from confronting death without trepidation and recognizing it as a natural part of life, rather than something to be feared.
In his commentary, Vidal critiques those who use the notion of an afterlife to control and manipulate others, particularly through the idea of divine rewards or punishments. He believes that such beliefs distort the essence of life and twist the minds of children, advocating for a more rational and accepting view of existence that liberates individuals from the chains of fear and superstition.