The Goods and the Ills

Summary

The narrative revolves around a metaphoric struggle between the Goods and the Ills and their influence on humanity. Initially, both the Goods and the Ills share an equal presence in human affairs until the Ills, due to their sheer number, overwhelm and take control. Seeking justice, the Goods appeal to Jupiter, pleading for separation from the Ills because of their constant conflict and incompatibility. Jupiter agrees and establishes a new decree: while the Ills will continue to arrive on earth collectively, the Goods will visit humanity one at a time. This change results in a world where challenges and misfortunes are abundant, given that Ills come in groups, whereas positive qualities or fortunate events (the Goods) are scarce and solitary, available only to those who can truly appreciate and recognize them. The story emphasizes the prevalence of challenges compared to blessings and suggests the importance of recognizing the subtle presence of good in life's daily struggles.

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All the Goods were once driven out by the Ills from that common share which they each had in the affairs of mankind; for the Ills by reason of their numbers had prevailed to possess the earth. The Goods wafted themselves to heaven and asked for a righteous vengeance on their persecutors. They entreated Jupiter that they might no longer be associated with the Ills, as they had nothing in common and could not live together, but were engaged in unceasing warfare; and that an indissoluble law might be laid down for their future protection. Jupiter granted their request and decreed that henceforth the Ills should visit the earth in company with each other, but that the Goods should one by one enter the habitations of men. Hence it arises that Ills abound, for they come not one by one, but in troops, and by no means singly: while the Goods proceed from Jupiter, and are given, not alike to all, but singly, and separately; and one by one to those who are able to discern them.