"The third group will live, it will thrive, it will prevail, and without the aid of machines. It’s blessed, chosen. This group too is already set apart, doing well in the world of the present, rich and happy."
If this is indeed your path Walter, I know you will use your time wisely. You have already enriched the lives of so many. I, for one, am glad I found you, your random thoughts + musings scattered about the internet, your podcasts with Matt, County Highway and your writing here on Substack. It has saved me during these strange and sometimes awful times. I bet there are more subscribers here that would say the same. Happy Thanksgiving. Travel Safe...
You may not be aware, but you have a great voice full of expression and wonder. Please consider making your stories available in audio (with you reading of course). Many people spend their day reading at work and at the end of the day it is great to be able to relax and just listen, and with your voice, would be even more entertaining. Maybe a survey is in order? I apologize in advance if this request has in any way been an inconvenience. Sincerely, Nori
Wonderful and entertaining story, thank you Walter. The guy was obviously paying attention to where we're at in our human journey. Also I loved the gypsy van photo or whatever it is. Honestly I'm not sad to face my end in the next few years, turning 78 in December. Things out there are looking pr3etty scary to me. Maybe it's my age but at least I don't have asthma!
Although not a comment directly on the story, but rather a comment on the comments...I think a good many of us like to recall the "good old days" and are concerned about the future for our children. It actually weighs quite heavy on me from time to time; however, my spirits were lifted on the subject the other day upon reading a post by a friend. It read, "Don't feel sorry or fear for your kids because the world they are going to grow up in is not what it used to be. God created them and called them for the exact moment in time the they are in. Their life wasn't a coincidence or an accident." I do still wish my son could have experienced the 70s carefree childhood that I enjoyed, but I think he will look back on his childhood with fondness.
Very intriguing. It brings to mind that Twilight Zone episode when the criminal is killed by cops and thinks he went to heaven, because he got everything he wanted, whenever he wanted it. Turns out, it was hell.
Thanks for this story, Walter. I’ve been listening to you and Matt since you started your collaboration. It’s one of the highlights of my week....sadly, for me. I am one who enjoys the second half as much as the week in review. I was an English major in college, and had already read some of the stories you review. I couldn’t help but notice the multiple times you’ve mentioned your age, and we are contemporaries. The funny thing is, and no offense, Walter, you seem older than me. It’s not you, it’s me. I have this F’d up view of myself that I’m younger than I am. Having said that, and this story only reinforces it - I’m glad I don’t have a ton of years ahead of me (sorry, but that means you don’t either). The machines are too damn good at this, and they are systematically eating away at those with potential, a future, at least as measured by their age and raw intellect. There is no turning back, no rapture, no transcendent force coming to save us. The third way people will need to detach, find a place in Montana, or better yet, Manitoba, or something. Return to to the earth, and separate from most folks. Sad, really. Have a great Thanksgiving while you enjoy your confirmation of third way status.
This dude was doing some serious drugs...I suspect Ketamine, given the detail & weirdness of his musings. I hope he’ll go on to use his powers for good. Just as you have, Walter. Thanks for the chuckle!
Whoa, what a good short story… Really shortest of the short. And the punchline is at the very end. Fear and loathing in Las Vegas Walter and Matt needs to check this out! Maybe not Hunter but a good one👍
"The third group will live, it will thrive, it will prevail, and without the aid of machines. It’s blessed, chosen. This group too is already set apart, doing well in the world of the present, rich and happy."
If this is indeed your path Walter, I know you will use your time wisely. You have already enriched the lives of so many. I, for one, am glad I found you, your random thoughts + musings scattered about the internet, your podcasts with Matt, County Highway and your writing here on Substack. It has saved me during these strange and sometimes awful times. I bet there are more subscribers here that would say the same. Happy Thanksgiving. Travel Safe...
Dear Walter,
You may not be aware, but you have a great voice full of expression and wonder. Please consider making your stories available in audio (with you reading of course). Many people spend their day reading at work and at the end of the day it is great to be able to relax and just listen, and with your voice, would be even more entertaining. Maybe a survey is in order? I apologize in advance if this request has in any way been an inconvenience. Sincerely, Nori
Wonderful and entertaining story, thank you Walter. The guy was obviously paying attention to where we're at in our human journey. Also I loved the gypsy van photo or whatever it is. Honestly I'm not sad to face my end in the next few years, turning 78 in December. Things out there are looking pr3etty scary to me. Maybe it's my age but at least I don't have asthma!
A gifted wordsmith may find a novel or screenplay in this story.
A silver tongued charlatan might use it to form a new religion.
For myself it is a fine bedtime story that could inhabit my dreams.
Although not a comment directly on the story, but rather a comment on the comments...I think a good many of us like to recall the "good old days" and are concerned about the future for our children. It actually weighs quite heavy on me from time to time; however, my spirits were lifted on the subject the other day upon reading a post by a friend. It read, "Don't feel sorry or fear for your kids because the world they are going to grow up in is not what it used to be. God created them and called them for the exact moment in time the they are in. Their life wasn't a coincidence or an accident." I do still wish my son could have experienced the 70s carefree childhood that I enjoyed, but I think he will look back on his childhood with fondness.
...hamburger with pepper jack cheese, candied bacon, and pickled jalapenos...😋😋😋
Very intriguing. It brings to mind that Twilight Zone episode when the criminal is killed by cops and thinks he went to heaven, because he got everything he wanted, whenever he wanted it. Turns out, it was hell.
21st century Bradbury - thank you Mr. Kirn.
Thanks for this story, Walter. I’ve been listening to you and Matt since you started your collaboration. It’s one of the highlights of my week....sadly, for me. I am one who enjoys the second half as much as the week in review. I was an English major in college, and had already read some of the stories you review. I couldn’t help but notice the multiple times you’ve mentioned your age, and we are contemporaries. The funny thing is, and no offense, Walter, you seem older than me. It’s not you, it’s me. I have this F’d up view of myself that I’m younger than I am. Having said that, and this story only reinforces it - I’m glad I don’t have a ton of years ahead of me (sorry, but that means you don’t either). The machines are too damn good at this, and they are systematically eating away at those with potential, a future, at least as measured by their age and raw intellect. There is no turning back, no rapture, no transcendent force coming to save us. The third way people will need to detach, find a place in Montana, or better yet, Manitoba, or something. Return to to the earth, and separate from most folks. Sad, really. Have a great Thanksgiving while you enjoy your confirmation of third way status.
Hmmm. Lots of homeless here in Bozo. Happy to not be one of them. They own trailers but can’t afford a space. I get it.
I’m afraid this isn’t really a story. Sounds like something that would happen to you ❤️. I hope we steer well enough that the first are the last.
This dude was doing some serious drugs...I suspect Ketamine, given the detail & weirdness of his musings. I hope he’ll go on to use his powers for good. Just as you have, Walter. Thanks for the chuckle!
Entertaining and thoughtful story. Thanks
I enjoyed that, Walter. Many thanks.
Only Walter K. could take such a ordinary interaction and turn it into a interesting, well written story.
Whoa, what a good short story… Really shortest of the short. And the punchline is at the very end. Fear and loathing in Las Vegas Walter and Matt needs to check this out! Maybe not Hunter but a good one👍