At this stage you must admit that whatever is seen to be sentient is nevertheless composed of atoms that are insentient. The phenomena open to our observation so not contradict this conclusion or conflict with it. Rather they lead us by the hand and compel us to believe that the animate is born, as I maintain, of the insentient.

The highest summits and those elevated above the level of other things are mostly blasted by envy as by a thunderbolt.

Such evil deeds could religion prompt.

Air, I should explain, becomes wind when it is agitated.

Such crimes has superstition caused.

It is great wealth to a soul to live frugally with a contented mind.

Globed from the atoms falling slow or swift I see the suns, I see the systems lift Their forms; and even the systems and the suns Shall go back slowly to the eternal drift.