Perhaps the only reason they survived, Stencil reasoned, was that they were not alone. God knew how many more there were with a hothouse sense of time, no knowledge of life, and at the mercy of Fortune.
In this reflection by Thomas Pynchon, the narrator contemplates the survival of a certain group amidst adversity. They suggest that the key to their endurance lies not just in their individual resilience, but in their shared experience and unity. This collective bond provides them with strength against unpredictable circumstances, symbolized by Fortune.
The passage hints at deeper themes of existential uncertainty and the impact of fate on people's lives. It questions the nature of knowledge and time, emphasizing that those who lack understanding of life can be particularly vulnerable. Ultimately, the survival of these individuals is depicted as a testament to the power of community in facing challenges.
