Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapters 13-15 Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 13, "The Task of Genuine Love," Miller talks how in his own life is realized Jean Wharton's maxim that genuine needs are always met. "It" knows what "We" do not. One must go through life learning what no one teaches and touching the sublime by doing the ridiculous. One must dissolve problems through detachment. Neither good nor bad respects persons. Fanatics utter profound "second-hand truths" (pg. 230) and sound ridiculous demonstrating them through trivia. Scientists do not speak of miracles. People will do anything for money, even piously chopping off heads in the French Revolution.

If Jesus were to come back to earth, he would more likely sell vacuums than send others off to die in war. In agony on the cross, Jesus cries out that he...