"Be aware of this truth that the people on this earth could be joyous, if only they would live rationally and if they would contribute mutually to each others' welfare.

This world is not a vale of sorrows if you will recognize discriminatingly what is truly excellent in it; and if you will avail yourself of it for mutual happiness and well-being. Therefore, let us explain as often as possible, and particularly at the departure of life, that we base our faith on firm foundations, on Truth for putting into action our ideas which do not depend on fables and ideas which Science has long ago proven to be false.”

― Kurt Vonnegut, Palm Sunday: An Autobiographical Collage

Kurt is quoting his great grandfather Clemens Vonnegut.

Much of the time at least.

A house on fire indeed.

Whether you are afraid or not those things will happen.