Charles [John has been in the library for two days]
You've been in here for two days.
You know Hansen's just published another paper? I can't even find a topic for my doctorate.
Charles Well, on the bright side, you've invented window art.
[points]
This is a group playing touch football. This is a cluster of pigeons fighting over bread crumbs. And this here is a woman who is chasing a man who stole her purse.
Charles John, you watched a mugging. That's weird.
In competitive behavior, someone always loses.
Charles Well, my niece knows that, John, and she's about this high.
See, if I derive an equilibrium where prevalence is a non-singular event where nobody loses, can you imagine the effect that would have on conflict scenarios, arm negotiations …
Charles When did you last eat?
Charles When did you last eat? You know, food.
You have no respect for cognitive reverie, you know that?
Charles Yes. But pizza – now, pizza I have enormous respect for. And of course beer.
[He leaves] [throws stuff down and follows]
I have respect for beer. [shouts] I have respect for beer!
I can't fail. This is all I am.
Charles Come on, let's go out. I got to get something done. John!
- I can't keep staring into space.
Charles -John, enough!
Got to face the wall, follow their rules, read their books
Charles You want to do some damage? Fine
Charles Come on! Go on, bust your head! Kill yourself. Go do it. Don't mess around. Bust your head! Go on, bust that worthless head wide open.
Charles [John bangs his head against the window pane, cutting his forehead]
Jesus Christ, John.
I can't fail. This is all I am.
Charles Come on, let's go out.
I got to get something done.
Charles John!
I can't keep staring into space.
Charles John, that's enough!
Got to face the wall, follow their rules, read their books …
Charles You want to do some damage, fine! But don't mess around!
Charles Come on! Go on, bust your head! Kill yourself. Don't do it. Don't mess around. Bust your head! Go on, bust that worthless head wide open!
Goddamn it, Charles! What the hell is your problem?!
Charles It's not my problem. And it's not your problem. It's their problem. Your answer isn't face the wall. It's out there, where you've been working.
Charles God, that's wonderful! There's no accounting for taste, is there?
Charles Oh, Gosh.. Right.
I mean, everything's going well. The job is fine, I have enough money
Charles It all seems to add up, doesn't it John?
... but how do you know for sure?
Charles Nothing's ever for sure, John. That's the only sure thing I do know.
