To know the narrative in advance is to turn yourself into a machine," the Manager continues. "What makes humans human is precisely that they do not know the future. That is why they do the fateful and amusing things they do: who can say how anything will turn out? Therein lies the only hope for redemption, discovery, and-let's be frank-fun, fun, fun! There might be things people will get away with. And not just motel towels. There might be great illicit loves, enduring joy, faith-shaking accidents with farm machinery. But you have to not know in order to see what stories your life's efforts bring you. The mystery is all.
The passage emphasizes that uncertainty is a fundamental aspect of being human. The Manager argues that knowing the future reduces people to mere machines, stripping away the spontaneity and unpredictability that define human experience. It's this unpredictability that allows for both joy and discovery, enabling people to engage in life's adventures without a scripted outcome.
Additionally, the idea of embracing life's mysteries is central to finding hope and enjoyment. The unpredictability of life leads to unexpected experiences, from joyful romances to surprising mishaps. Ultimately, the narrative suggests that the richness of human existence comes from not knowing what lies ahead, making each moment a potential story waiting to unfold.
