“Humans,” I would be thrilled to open my speech a few thousand years from now, “you are too clever to forget, and too stupid to remember.” Here I would pause for lasting effect. “Thus,” I would continue in a trembling voice and raise my hands toward heaven, “there is nothing I can teach you.” At this solemn point, their stupefaction would delight me no end, I am quite sure well in advance. “With one possible exception: hope is your best enemy!” This, too, is but a threadbare illusion, though. For despair is my worst friend.