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You're doing it again.
Ohh.
Big building.
You have some time.
A dream 30 years in the making.
Mmm.
Well that's new.
Hmm.
Here.
Ohh.
(exhales)
Did you write this?
No, why?
Public intellectual Simon Harrington is enjoying a
Public intellectual Simon Harrington is enjoying a meteoric rise as an essayist on
meteoric rise as an essayist on
everything from futurism to atheism.
"Meteoric?"
If that were true, I'd have TV appearances.
- [chuckling] - No, I'm here because of George.
Elusive fucker, I've left him so many voicemails.
Mr. New York Times bestseller.
It is not a competition.
Of course it is.
Everything in life is a competition.
My manager said I might be able to get a book deal if
- I actually win this thing. - Honey...
Aren't you the keynote guy?
Uh... Yes, one of them.
Nice to meet you. Simon Harrington.
Nice to meet you too.
Kudos to you for spotting me with my ashy hair.
He's being self-deprecating.
- That's an old photo. - Ah.
This is my lovely wife, Claire.
Hi. Do you know Simon's work?
Absolutely.
Wanna do the autograph thing real quick?
- Sign my brochure? - Oh, um...
I...
[phone vibrating]
Oh. Excuse me.
Tell you what, uh, we were just about to go inside.
Join us.
In the green room?
Yeah, for a pen.
I'd hate to miss the opening remarks.
Well, you won't. I'm giving them.
I-- I promise.
I'll have you back before anything interesting happens.
[chuckling]
[mysterious synth music]
[crowd chatting]
♪
[man] ...to the general public,
you have to sort of put on a show.
Come on.
♪
- [door attendant] Hi. - Hello.
[door attendant] Come on in.
[host] And of course, we want to thank our beautiful host
city of Portland for providing truly top-notch
venues across the board, as we begin this year's annual
event, featuring thought leaders from around the globe.
What do you say, everyone, huh?
- Let's fortify? - [audience] Our lives!
[host] All right. Ah!
Here's one of Rampart's newer friends who will offer
this year's opening remarks in just a few moments.
Simon is enjoying a meteoric rise as an essayist.
And will square off against Rampart staple,
George Rossi, for a truly high-minded event
that some of you flew in for, I happen to know.
Okay, turning the page.
Be sure to download the Rampart app if you haven't already.
Where you can search events, secure tickets, and learn
more about our roster of head-turning speakers.
And of course, each and every debate, panel,
and workshop will live on.
And be streamed on demand after they've
been simulcast live in over 20 languages.
been simulcast live in over 20 languages. Okay.
Okay.
Uh, let's find that pen.
Can I get you some water?
- That would be great. - Yeah.
Oh, yes. And thank you very much.
- Get that for you. - Thank you.
- You okay? - Yeah, I'm just going to
catch my breath.
Dr. Harrington, it's such an honor to meet you.
- Thank you for saying that. - Annette.
I have to admit, I'm just a wee bit
I have to admit, I'm just a wee bit in awe of your contribution to the world.
in awe of your contribution to the world.
[Claire] Oh, please, are you kidding me?
The feeling is entirely mutual.
And I'm really excited to support Simon for a change.
Yes, there he is.
Simon.
Hi. Pleased to meet you.
Thank you for giving me a chance.
- Um... A few minutes? - Two or three.
And I am so sorry that we have to meet
under such difficult circumstances.
Oh, thank you, but Claire's a warrior.
Yes, I am so sorry to hear about the persistence of your cancer.
Thank you for saying that.
There's anything I can do to make you comfortable
during the conference...
Nope. Simon takes great care of me.
You didn't get a phone call?
I'm sorry, do you mind if I--?
- Yes, please. - Oh yeah, uh--
- Yes, please. - Oh yeah, uh-- Yes, you rest.
Yes, you rest.
[chuckles]
- [chuckles] - You okay? - Mm-hm.
- You okay? - Mm-hm.
[Simon] Yeah, I-- I'm sorry. You were saying?
George. He's in an ICU in London.
Excuse me, are you with Harrington's--?
Uh, yeah, she's with us.
Thanks for making time. Take care of her.
[Simon] Yeah, thanks for coming.
That's not possible.
Cardiac arrest.
How bad is it?
Cynthia says that he is stable.
He's under constant supervision.
So, we're going to have to cancel your keynote debate,
So, we're going to have to cancel your keynote debate, I'm afraid.
I'm afraid.
We can have you, um...
host a workshop or two to make the most of things.
I'm really sorry, Simon.
Honey.
Oh, forgive me.
- You need anything else? - No, thank you.
George built Rampart into what it is today.
He put us on the map.
[quiet orchestral score]
He's going to pull through.
We proceed.
Um, well, I don't think that's... wise.
I don't think it will be well received.
George is a trailblazer.
Dogged, determined.
[chuckles] You would expect nothing less from his peers.
You feel strongly?
Yes, I'm sure of it. He's my best friend.
Look, I know you're going to have to find
someone new to debate.
No one sharper than George, but...
I'll do my best.
Don't worry. He's going to pull through.
Well, you're going to have to get on stage
Well, you're going to have to get on stage regardless of what happens tomorrow.
regardless of what happens tomorrow.
Claire's right.
Do you want to come?
I'm going to catch my breath.
Thank you.
♪
[host] So, let's give him a warm Rampart welcome, shall we?
This is Simon Harrington.
[applause]
♪
[man on phone] How's it going out west?
You know, it's a little puff for my taste, but...
They're happy to have him, so...
Good for Simon.
What are you chewing on?
None of your business.
[laughs] You've got to give me something.
I mean, you know everybody over here
is dying to know what you've been up to.
- You are a legend. - Ha ha.
- You are a legend. - Ha ha. [chuckles] All right, good news first.
[chuckles] All right, good news first.
We can proceed with the clinical trial.
You're-- You're a great fit, plain and simple.
Okay.
[chuckles] Okay? Claire, this is good news.
This is good news.
Do I, uh, do I have time to talk to Simon about it?
Um, I mean, sure, if I can know by the end of the week.
I mean, I don't really think that a delay is to your benefit.
- Fair enough? - Fair enough.
[soft jazz music]
- So good to see you. - It's great to see you too.
Hi, how are you? Hi.
♪
[indistinct chatter]
Excuse me, but did you actually
print out one of my essays?
[chuckles] Simon?
- Oh, good eye. - Who does that?
At that moment, I was probably the only person.
At that moment, I was probably the only person. - On the west coast. - [chuckles]
- On the west coast. - [chuckles]
- On the west coast. - [chuckles] - I'm Sarah. - Pleasure to meet you.
- I'm Sarah. - Pleasure to meet you.
This is impressive.
- Thank you. - [Sarah] How do you, like,
congeal all of your thoughts so convincingly on the page?
Well, revisions.
You know, writing is mostly rewriting.
Writing is rewriting?
- Okay, um... - [chuckles]
Well, I try and think what the objection is going to be.
And I get out in front of it.
Good tip.
I think I'm going to waltz over and get a drink.
Nerves and all that jazz.
♪
You met your opponent. Sorry, I wanted to introduce you.
You met your opponent. Sorry, I wanted to introduce you. Ha! Very funny.
Ha! Very funny.
- Ha! Very funny. - Wait, hold on. - I hope Claire is okay?
- Wait, hold on. - I hope Claire is okay?
Yeah, Claire is resting. Who was that?
Sarah Clausen.
Very well respected Christian author.
Big online presence.
- Oh, but-- but she's... - A woman.
No, I was going to say Christian.
[chuckles] Just messing with you.
Your keynote debate kicks off tomorrow on time.
You two will debate the existence or absence of God.
Oh, Annette...
I mean, isn't that borderline passé?
Well, Sarah had a break in her speaking schedule,
which makes this a miracle falling in your lap.
How is it passé?
Well, in this political climate?
You know, nobody listens to anything they say,
and they refuse to listen.
It's like trying to talk somebody out of their favorite
dessert, which theirs is vanilla or something.
Okay. Bet on my plan like I bet on yours.
Oh, I don't know.
Think determined.
Dogged, I believe the word was.
George expects nothing less from his peers.
I wish he'd get back to me.
It says she's a New York Times bestseller.
It says she's a New York Times bestseller. She said my essays were impressive.
She said my essays were impressive.
You know, one of the things that I've
always liked about my written approach is...
Did you just forget your own compliment?
- Oh... Yeah. - [both chuckle]
Isn't it semi-beneath Rampart to be debating
- the existence of God? - I'm sure that they've
had Christians here before.
Yeah, but never defending their faith.
Isn't this supposed to be an intellectual event?
Oh, then keep it intellectual.
Oh... God's Giant Table.
- It's gotta be good. - Oh, fuck me.
It's her biggest yet. Sold 1.2 million copies.
- [whistles] - Are you trying to get
into my head before this thing even starts?
into my head before this thing even starts? You should prepare.
You should prepare.
I mean, what if she's smarter than you?
Simon.
Not a snowball's chance in hell.
That she's really smart or that she'll actually study?
Aren't you supposed to be prepping for the Zurich seminar?
Go call George.
Find out how he's doing.
You really are trying to get in my head.
Every few years, Rampart likes to shake things up.
I'm Terrence Stand.
Welcome to the Quadrennial Keynote Debate Series.
Featuring two leading thinkers in their respective fields.
Our distinguished panel of judges is led by
Rampart President Annette Davis.
[applause]
As well as past speakers you can
learn more about in your program.
Or on the Rampart app.
Three debates and a closing argument.
The winner will find themselves permanently enshrined.
With a lecture series renamed in their honor.
This person will also receive an invitation to
appear on one of our judges panels in perpetuity.
No small thing.
And just to sweeten the pot,
Sarah or Simon will receive a check for $50,000.
With another $50,000 awarded to the winner's charity of choice.
This one, as they say, is for all the marbles.
Let's meet them now.
Sarah Clausen is a sought-after faith-based author and
speaker who Rampart has had on its radar with
speaker who Rampart has had on its radar with her latest book, God's Giant Table.
her latest book, God's Giant Table.
Making the New York Times bestseller list.
She's been named one of ten essential
contemporary writers by Christian Now.
Please welcome Sarah Clausen to our stage.
Please welcome Sarah Clausen to our stage. [applause]
[applause]
Simon Harrington is an up and coming essayist.
Bringing the science of predicting the future
and tech into the mainstream.
You may recognize his published contributions as
a spirited proponent of grounded rationalism.
Which he calls common sense with our toes in the soil.
Please welcome Simon Harrington to the stage.
Please welcome Simon Harrington to the stage. [applause]
[applause]
Good. Boring stuff done.
[audience laughs]
Sarah, why God?
And the follow-up to you, Simon, why not?
But we begin with you, Sarah.
Thank you.
C.S. Lewis said, "I believe in God like I believe in the sun:
not because I see it,
but because by it I see everything else."
God makes sense of things.
Both illuminated in light and obscured in shadow.
God explains the unlikely existence of love.
And transforms it from something
conventionally linked to status, selfishness, and pleasure
conventionally linked to status, selfishness, and pleasure into a movement of kindness, grace, and unlikely community.
into a movement of kindness, grace, and unlikely community.
into a movement of kindness, grace, and unlikely community. God clarifies that which science,
God clarifies that which science,
however valuable, simply cannot.
Survival of the fittest gives us some insight into
initial attraction and subsequent procreation.
But it doesn't even begin to touch the Christian concept of
love, which is self-sacrificing and full of surrender.
Science and rationalism become an ill-fitted
garment in that way.
And I'll pause there. [lightly chuckling]
Forgive me, I'm kind of learning as I go.
- [applause] - May I?
Please.
Well, um...
aside from the strangely inept
comparison to the sun, which is one of the better
examples of things we can easily measure and observe,
I would like to challenge the idea
that somehow love is so mysteriously counterintuitive.
People do silly things for many reasons.
Cultures evolve over time and slowly redefine what love is.
Take the issue of spanking in the United States
now versus a generation ago.
Well, that's conflating the idea--
I'd like to use my time. Thank you.
Think of corporal punishment.
Or the realization that some
vitamin is now a known poison.
And this is witnessed with even a cursory glance across history.
Second, surrender, as Sarah puts it.
Well, what if that is just indulgence by another name?
Do you follow?
I'm getting off on denying my impulses.
You're welcome to take a cynical position on
the motives of those who do believe that surrender
is authored by God, which is far broader than
is authored by God, which is far broader than the Christian faith, I might add.
the Christian faith, I might add.
But it doesn't change the fact that letting go
is really hard and always has been.
And it's somewhat convenient for you to make this sweeping
generalization that throughout history the collective
rising of our moral tide, think Dr. King's quote about
the arc of moral history bending towards justice,
was... intuitive? Or easy?
- Or effortlessly won? - [chuckles]
You're-- You're discounting the suffering of those who came
before us to struggle to create a more just and equal
world for all of us, not just the fittest.
world for all of us, not just the fittest. And that reveals an argument lacking in the kind of humility
And that reveals an argument lacking in the kind of humility
And that reveals an argument lacking in the kind of humility Isaac Newton intended when he wrote,
Isaac Newton intended when he wrote,
"If I have seen further,
it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."
Oh, I'm-- I'm not interested in false modesty,
although I am familiar with that sentiment, properly cited,
belonging to French philosopher Bernard Chartres.
belonging to French philosopher Bernard Chartres. But aren't we here to debate the likelihood of God?
But aren't we here to debate the likelihood of God?
My point is that love defies rational thinking,
and that large groups of people would not continue
throughout history in behavior that seems counterintuitive and
evolutionarily disadvantageous, if not for something else,
for the whisper of the divine in their hearts.
[applause]
Appealing to popular opinion is a common fallacy.
I-- I don't think you realize the self-fulfilling prophecy
that you're constructing here.
The person of faith learns that private and
public self-denial is to be held in the highest regard by
their tribe, that God's favor will thus shine upon them.
And so that person adopts surrender in order to feel warm
and fuzzy inside and to win praise from the people outside.
Pretty attractive rewards, you'd have to admit,
as a person of faith yourself.
People do what makes them feel good and feel included,
and this is crucial in
understanding basic human philosophy.
So please, let us not confuse misguided behavior
or Sarah's tenuous grasp of history as proof of the divine.
or Sarah's tenuous grasp of history as proof of the divine. [applause]
[applause]
- [exhales] - [Sarah] Simon.
- Good job. - Thank you.
It takes time to get acclimated, I'm told.
I thought I did pretty well.
- Wind in your sails. - I was okay?
Had a little too much fun, I think.
Really? I hadn't noticed.
No nausea.
- Should we go get some food? - Oh, I'm so glad.
- Should we go get some food? - Oh, I'm so glad. Yes, if you're feeling up to it.
Yes, if you're feeling up to it.
Yes, if you're feeling up to it. - Mm-hm. - Um...
- Mm-hm. - Um...
- But can I have a minute first? - Take your time.
I'll go get the table.
You're sure?
I'm a big girl.
- Tell them I love them. - I will.
Cynthia, Simon here.
[melancholic music]
♪
Funeral's in three days.
Cynthia's in shock.
Her brother-in-law's taking over.
She wants to be done with it.
It's the same day as my closing argument.
Maybe right now is not the right time to be here.
I mean, maybe we need to look out the window for
a reminder of where we are.
The world is bruised.
Nobody can afford to pay their rent.
But we have done well, Simon.
We're so fortunate.
No, you've done well.
[Claire scoffs]
No, we're staying. We're staying.
And I want to have dinner with my opponent tonight.
Wow, that sounds nice.
It's combat, love.
Nothing nice about it.
Thank you. Keep it coming.
Please don't.
To George.
[Simon scoffs]
- [footsteps approaching] - I'm gonna go.
- Oh, Sarah! - So sorry I'm late.
- My call went long. - This is my wife, Claire.
- My call went long. - This is my wife, Claire. - You look lovely. - Thank you.
- You look lovely. - Thank you.
- So do you. - Thank you.
- [Claire chuckles] - Would you like a drink?
Um, maybe. Not sure-- Probably not.
[Simon] Trying to stay focused?
Drank too much at the meet and greet?
Drank too much at the meet and greet? [dry chuckle]
[dry chuckle]
[Sarah] What's good here?
We're out of towners.
- Where from? - Cambridge.
No way. I've studied at Wellesley for two years.
Love Massachusetts.
And you left?
Got sidetracked.
By the whole speaking and writing thing.
Definitely wasn't part of the plan.
Or my plan. God's will prevails.
- Drinks? - I'm good with water. Thanks.
[Claire] So, um, are you writing another book?
Always. A memoir.
I'm really excited about this--
You seem a little young for that, aren't you?
Well, I guess I could wait until I was your age.
Oh. [chuckles]
I could never pull off a hat like that.
Oh, yeah. I didn't think I could either.
Claire, she's French.
[whispers] It's cancer, actually.
- Oh, my gosh. - No, it's okay. It's okay.
It's advanced stage T cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
I tend to avoid numerical staging when
it comes to hematological malignancies because--
Honey, honey, speak the people's language.
What she's not telling you is that Claire is a world-renowned
nephrologist, which sounds like something you should be put
in jail for, but actually all it means is that you are
sitting right next to a one-of-a-kind kidney doctor.
Wow. Impressive.
Thank you.
It's basically stage IV blood cancer.
I'm so sorry.
Thanks.
But, uh, yeah, that's life...
One day at a time.
Yeah, that's an honorable approach,
one I should really learn from.
[Simon] Sarah.
Rampart. Sounded like you didn't even know about it.
Well, I got the call and was flattered.
And it seemed like a good opportunity.
Well, yeah, of course.
But, I mean, what are you after, ultimately?
I guess I want to point people to God.
- Nothing too fancy. - Uh-huh.
What's the angle? I-- I'm genuinely curious.
What about you?
Tomorrow is going to be better.
Us futurists, we've done the analysis.
It's vital for us to show the how's and the why's
It's vital for us to show the how's and the why's of where the human race is headed so we can
of where the human race is headed so we can
create engagement and excitement around progress.
He doesn't have to work that hard.
I've made us plenty of money.
[Simon] Ah, yes, the patriarchy.
Some hope, and a paycheck.
Simon, did I read somewhere that you have social anxiety?
And at a conference, that must be tough to push through.
His endurance is one of my favorite qualities.
I just hold his hand and he calms down.
I just hold his hand and he calms down. Jesus, Claire.
Jesus, Claire.
So how is George?
Annette said heart attack.
Do you know his work?
I mostly roll in faith-based circles.
George died today.
[sombre music]
A tremendous loss.
And we're just waiting to see if Claire is a viable
candidate for a clinical trial, a last-ditch effort,
so the timing is just perfect all the way around.
- [woman] Sarah? - Yes?
Would you be so kind as to sign this?
Yes, of course.
Do you have a pen? Great.
[woman] I thought you were great.
Thank you.
[pen scribbling]
Have a good night.
[woman] You should let Sarah finish.
You really kind of steamrolled her.
Thank you for the feedback. That's very helpful.
Sorry, a clinical trial, what does that mean for you?
Can we please just traipse through the menu?
Is it okay if I pray for your health, Claire?
What-- Whatever you'd like, yeah.
We should, um, order some food.
Simon, I do have a question.
I respect that you don't believe in God,
- or I accept that you don't. - Okay.
But, don't you tire of being so militant about it?
- [Claire chuckling] Sorry. - [Claire] No.
- Honesty is beautiful. - Militant.
That is an unexpected description.
I don't challenge your conclusion.
I just... what's the reward?
You'll be on the receiving end of it tomorrow.
♪
You good?
- Kudos, you're a good man. - Thank you.
- Not a problem. Here you go-- - Hey...
You're an attractive waiter, you know that?
I wouldn't mind seeing you taking your turns at these
two lovely ladies, a little naked tussle and all that.
That's not okay.
I know, okay, let's go.
I'm good. [shouting] I'm good!
Um... Nice night. Sarah, I'll walk with you.
Oh, there's the award-winning graciousness.
- [Sarah] Is he okay to get home? - [Claire] He's fine.
I'm fine.
Pretty nice to have guy time.
Yeah. Absolutely.
So, do you like living in the Pacific Northwest?
Yeah. You can't beat the outdoors.
Yeah. You can't beat the outdoors. Oh, yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Do you feel it's welcoming?
Or is it just a box people check?
I'm still trying to figure that out myself.
Hey, I'm a headliner at the conference.
- Oh. Right on. - Rampart!
Are you familiar with futurism? Because...
- I'm kind of famous for it. - Oh, right on.
- I'm kind of famous for it. - Oh, right on. - Yeah. - Yeah.
- Yeah. - Yeah.
Hey, I have to get ready for my next debate.
Do you want to help me? I've got flash cards.
Do you want to help me? I've got flash cards. I'm in the middle of my shift still.
I'm in the middle of my shift still.
- Are you sure? - Yeah, absolutely.
Oh, right.
That's fair enough.
Uh, I-- Uh, your wife said you'd throw me a hundred
if I took you out the back door.
You okay to walk?
Yeah.
Have a good night, sir.
Yeah, Claire worries too much.
How do you like Portland?
Um, I like it.
[both chuckle]
I mean, it's no East Coast, but...
I mean, it's no East Coast, but... No, it's not.
No, it's not.
And I'm here in a debate I don't belong in.
Sarah, that is nonsense.
No, I mean, I'm grateful for the opportunity.
No, I mean, I'm grateful for the opportunity. It's just that I have to take everything that comes along,
It's just that I have to take everything that comes along,
so I've been on the road for forever.
I'm our only source of income while my husband
waits for his dream job to magically appear.
He likes to remind me that he doesn't like me being
on the road this much, but he really wants kids.
[Claire chuckles]
I'm sorry.
This must sound so insensitive and small
based on what you're facing.
Do not be. Marriage is hard.
Yeah.
I can tell you what I strive for.
Go first.
So instead of signaling that you're frustrated,
say how you really feel.
Yeah.
But the really hard part is forgiveness.
- Yeah. - It'll all be imperfect,
but so is love.
[tense music]
[Sarah] Do you and Simon have any kids?
Because you found your calling.
Something like that.
I feel like I'm up against Goliath.
I mean, Simon is really good at constructing his points,
but he's really, really good at deconstructing my points.
Yes, he is.
Good morning. I'm Sarah Clausen,
and you're having coffee with Christian Now.
[host] Don't be nervous. We're excited to have you.
This morning's cup of coffee is shared with speaker,
influencer, and author Sarah Clausen,
whose third book, God's Giant Table,
just passed a milestone that is rare--
[button clicking]
[Claire] He has grown a bit of a chip on
his shoulder after the last couple years.
[Sarah] How so?
[Claire] He and I are both atheists, and I'm calm about it,
but he is Simon Harrington.
I don't follow.
Well, he doesn't come from academia like the rest of them.
[Claire] I feel kind of bad for him.
[Claire] I feel kind of bad for him. He's been a bit of an outsider ever since
He's been a bit of an outsider ever since
he was kicked out of seminary.
Well, a bit of an outsider up until now, anyway.
You're joking.
No.
No, the same dependency that made
No, the same dependency that made tonight's dinner less than comfortable.
tonight's dinner less than comfortable.
Do you want to come in?
I shouldn't have said that.
- I am way too trusting. - Oh, I won't say anything.
I think I'm going to go.
- Oh, let me walk you back. - No, no.
It's just down the street.
Okay. Um... Thanks for the chat.
[Claire] Mm-hmm.
[sombre music]
[masturbatory sounds]
♪
[distant waves crashing]
George?
♪
Raise your arms.
[gasping]
So what did you two talk about?
We have a very serious agreement.
Yes, I know.
And that's why I've been sober all these years.
That I need to be able to hang my hat on in this
marriage or things fall apart right quick.
"Right quick?"
Don't mock me.
- You did this. - Come on.
Don't you think my pounding skull is punishment enough?
[scoffs]
Claire...
Do you remember that time I skipped my speaking
arrangement in New York to watch my sister's kids?
Vaguely.
Okay, well, little Max was very content with his handful of
chips until his sister walked in with a whole bag.
And seeing her have more than him made him flip out.
Yeah, I follow, but look, I'm not jealous
of some young Christian author.
Studying up?
Ah, I guess I got curious.
Like you.
You know, she's the kind of person that likes to make people
desire her so she can feel mighty and then reject.
desire her so she can feel mighty and then reject. I'm just making conversation.
I'm just making conversation.
Oh, here, let me get this.
Oh! Fuck.
- I-- I can move. - I'm sorry.
You good?
Great.
[typing]
"While it makes for good cinema and doesn't
sound like a bad way to kill an afternoon,
there's no reason to fear a passive dystopia where we'll
spend our lives in a hover chair sipping meals from a cup.
In reality, the near future, we'll see
people taking greater ownership of their health
and paying far less for improved results.
By 2040, 65% of health spending will
support care models that incentivize prevention and
wellness, with technology improving early detection for
doctors and real-time feedback for the rest of us.
[snorts] It won't be long before our bodies
and our bank account feel the benefits
of an early morning jog."
Are you still good?
- Do you need anything? - I'm making it work.
Hey, when are we gonna hear about the clinical trial?
Soon, I'm sure.
You should be prepping for your next conference.
You should mind your own business.
Or "fuck me," like you're so fond of saying.
Huh.
[typing]
[audience applause]
We gave Sarah the floor at the start of the first debate.
Simon, will you kick things off for us?
Gladly.
Although it is undoubtedly stimulating for
the purposes of this Rampart keynote debate series to
ponder the likelihood of God--
and I'm happy to do it--
I would be remiss if I didn't
acknowledge what was missing in today's houses of worship.
We don't need God.
We are in the midst of our own story.
Humanity has pressing issues to address, and-- and...
we're answering them with science and reason
and technological advances.
Just look around.
There are urgent challenges and breathtaking victories.
But a significant portion of the planet's population still
spends so much of their time and energy
on a lifelong fishing expedition into an empty pond.
That's a profound loss.
Imagine what we could do if we could refocus all
of that brain power.
So my conviction is also a plea.
Rejoin the human race.
Become fully present in every way imaginable.
Don't miss out.
We welcome you. We need you.
And I promise you,
the rewards are self-evident now and tomorrow.
Surely, Simon understands that science grew
out of the 16th and 17th centuries,
where it largely evolved from a bunch of theists.
That makes it relatively new on the scene of human history and,
as originally intended, limited in scope.
See, these theists expected science to confirm
their understanding of the laws of nature and
mathematics built on a faith-based understanding
that a deity once authored natural law.
You're implying that the first thing
trivializes the next thing.
But if I bring up the Egyptian god Horus, who predates
the Christ mythology by 3,000 years, you'll dismiss my
argument outright or say that somehow the absentee savior
story is more authoritative because it came later.
- I'm going to finish my point. - [Simon] Which is it?
Is earlier or later best?
Contrary to the rebuttal that I can only imagine is
boiling up inside of Simon
- at this very moment... - [audience laughing]
...I do not discount the value of science,
...I do not discount the value of science, which allows me to see things in a new way,
which allows me to see things in a new way,
not to mention the ways it helps society to advance.
Let's try it this way.
Science allows me to understand the molecular structure of
a flower and the way it is pollinated, as an example.
But if I stay too close to that flower,
But if I stay too close to that flower, if I live inside the microscope,
if I live inside the microscope,
I will miss a great deal about
what that flower means to people.
As I back away from those molecules and take in the bigger
picture, I begin to observe the flower's beauty.
I feel the emotional impact of its brilliant red color
set against a bland kitchen table or some drab walls.
That contrast stirs something in my soul.
And it's a disservice if I don't linger on
those feelings or begin to wonder why.
Perhaps I begin to reflect on purpose as I consider the way
a flower holds itself together so delicately.
And as I let nature speak to me
beyond a mere clinical observation,
I remember to cherish small moments with a loved one
as I recall that my own life is as fragile as that flower.
You see, it is only when I believe
in God that I begin to find answers beyond mere
comprehension about who we are and why it all matters.
I can't appreciate a flower without invoking a higher power?
[mysterious music]
[Sarah] Of course you can.
But appreciation and worldview are two different things.
Simon, what do you make of the likelihood of God when
there's such widespread disagreement--?
A great point.
Disagreement not only about the existence of it,
but the character and nature of God,
which continues to split believers
into opposing factions.
It is notable that Christians love to pick
on Muslims and Mormons for their outrageous tales,
but they're utterly comfortable with their own.
Yet the burden of proof lies squarely
on my distinguished opponent's shoulders
because I cannot prove the absence of something,
let alone something as outlandish as God.
It would be like trying to calculate
our collective disbelief in leprechauns.
[audience laughing]
It's amazing that you don't see how
you fit the mold of your own criticism.
My opponent, ladies and gentlemen,
demonstrating the religious propensity for sleight of hand,
front and center, for all of you to see.
On one hand, they love to trot out
the Genesis fable to show God's generosity.
Eat of any tree in the garden except one.
Really? Almost nothing? Off limits?
Well, not so fast, say abuse survivors,
divorcees, members of the LGBTQIA community,
and anyone who has been hammered by Christians
and anyone who has been hammered by Christians for living outside of Paul's archaic definition of sexuality,
for living outside of Paul's archaic definition of sexuality,
which includes one man, one woman,
one marriage for all time.
Pretty limited buffet.
Just ask Adam and Eve.
Try to stay focused, Simon.
Are you really saying that by disagreeing with tenets
of Islam or aspects of the Mormon faith
that the Christian cannot believe in God?
That a hole in one belief system anywhere
invalidates all belief systems everywhere?
That's like promoting anarchy
That's like promoting anarchy because we've had one bad president.
because we've had one bad president.
I am waiting for you to make a credible assertion,
and I'm wondering why you're trying to sound like me.
I am trying to respond.
You are vomiting non-sequitur.
- Best foot forward. - That's the point.
- Best foot forward. - That's the point. Excuse me?
Excuse me?
It is senseless because it mirrors
the confused nature of your own argument.
I think my opponent prefers her verbal acrobatics
to actually making a case of her own.
You're...
[sighs]
...very confusing.
[laughs]
Well...
[somber piano music]
I mean, that was a mess, right?
She's insane.
[Claire] This is not her usual forum.
[Simon] Come on, hurry up. I don't even know
[Simon] Come on, hurry up. I don't even know why she's invited to this thing.
why she's invited to this thing.
Can we please slow down? The fatigue is real,
- like, insane. - You have cancer.
No joking for cancer patients.
- [Claire laughing] - [Simon sighs]
Ready?
Why haven't we heard from the doctor?
Why haven't we heard from the doctor? What's up with him?
What's up with him?
[Claire] Um, I'm sure they're just inundated.
Glad you could make it.
- Simon. - Sorry we're late.
[Annette] Would you like to say a few words?
[Simon] Yes, yes, thank you.
Hello, everyone.
George Rossi was a pioneer in the fields
of science, rationality, and futurism.
He was also my closest friend.
It's funny, and a little bit tragic,
that we were so busy in recent years.
So we made an agreement that, if nothing else,
we would always meet out of town as often as we could,
far from the crowds and the attention.
And it was in those moments that the public and private
And it was in those moments that the public and private George Rossi were one and the same.
George Rossi were one and the same.
Endless curiosity.
That he was a father and a husband
and an earnest supporter of the arts,
as well as a humanitarian, are all worthy of note.
But his rigorous thirst for knowledge
is what will linger with me.
The world truly has lost one of its finest minds.
Thank you, Simon.
I'd like to introduce someone who might
be something of an unknown in this room.
It speaks to the inclusive strides
George made throughout his life.
His curiosity, as Simon alluded to,
was so ever-present that George quietly crossed divides
to promote voices that challenged even his own beliefs.
Sarah Clausen, everyone.
Thank you.
I'm not going to wax poetic,
and I promise to keep this brief.
Tonight is all about George.
I wrote to him asking to be pen pals.
Imagine my surprise when he said yes.
I learned a great deal from George,
and it rarely amounted to what felt
like a betrayal of either of our beliefs.
And I hope I don't offend
when I say that I too...
considered him a dear friend.
And I continue to offer my prayers to his family.
[Annette] Everyone came together.
Yeah. Turned out to be kind of perfect actually.
I think it was.
- You should be really proud. - Excuse me.
Well, he was well-remembered.
Thank you for sharing.
How come I feel like I'm not getting the whole story here?
- I'm sorry? - That she knew George.
- Like that. - I don't--
- Simon-- - His replacement
- Simon-- - His replacement just happens to be a secret pen pal.
just happens to be a secret pen pal.
just happens to be a secret pen pal. You think I owe you an explanation
You think I owe you an explanation
for solving something you insisted on?
Huh. Well, I think that--
Thank you for coming.
Good night.
It is beneath this institution to even have her here.
And you know it.
I mean, she wrote a children's book
about the resurrection, for Christ's sake.
Are you really about to dress down this proud
Are you really about to dress down this proud Black woman who gave you this platform?
Black woman who gave you this platform?
No.
And no.
Not tonight.
Work it out, the two of you,
and I expect an improvement over yesterday's belligerence.
You know what? I've known a lot of great feminists
in my time, but I've also known women
who perverted the cause for selfish gain.
George always spoke so highly of you.
But I see something different.
Well, that's because you have a worldview
where you expect to see angels in the sky.
where you expect to see angels in the sky. You know, I'd like to win this thing
You know, I'd like to win this thing
You know, I'd like to win this thing to honor his legacy, but I'll settle
to honor his legacy, but I'll settle
for being the woman who knocks you down in public.
Oh, well, look at all your schemes coming to light.
You really are a subterranean creature, aren't you?
George recommended me.
In light of the health concerns over the past six months,
I was his contingency plan.
He didn't have any health issues.
How well were you paying attention?
[somber music]
George.
George?
♪
Rough night?
Strange dreams.
George...
like he's aware of what happened.
Like he knows he's gone.
I feel like I'm being haunted for being here.
[laughs] I don't even believe in that nonsense.
Your mind is trying to cope.
Dreams are good for that.
It's like the more I share the stage with her,
the more she hurts my reputation.
Remember you used to tell me that your father
was never the same after he got sick?
And your mom responded with an iron fist?
I remember.
She was stressed out.
[Claire] Loss is trauma.
And you have to let go.
How are you feeling?
[sighs] Tired.
Dizzy.
Getting ready really zapped my energy.
- I'm sorry. - Mm-mm.
I'm not gonna let this cancer get me down today.
I'm gonna get there early to get a good seat.
Said the toughest woman I ever met.
- Sarah. Hi. - [Sarah] Hey.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you.
- It's fine. - [Claire] How are you feeling?
You good?
You know, if I can decipher my own handwriting.
I'm sure you're gonna be great.
Thanks. Where's Simon?
Oh, I think he's on his way.
I just, I wanted to ask you a quick question.
I just, I wanted to ask you a quick question. Yeah.
Yeah.
Why did you tell us you didn't know George?
I don't want to talk about George.
I guess it felt like Simon's moment.
Good luck out there today.
Thanks.
[audience applauding]
[Terence] I know you're all looking forward to this.
Our third and final debate
before tomorrow's closing remarks.
Can I get you some water, Mr. Harrington?
- Or we have coffee? - Um, water, yes, thank you.
[Terence] And, of course, the one and only
Simon Harrington.
[audience applauding]
Good morning, Sarah and Simon.
- Good morning. - Thank you.
I want to pose a question to kick things off
that I think will lend itself to some fertile answers.
And by that, I mean, I am intrigued by something
Sarah said earlier about an ill-fitting garment.
Simon, try faith on for size.
Can you stretch it to fit
your rationalist or godless conviction?
I'll take the bait.
Setting aside the gaping issues of history
and so-called evidence,
I will focus squarely on the morality of God.
I am an anti-theist.
- Sorry. - [Simon] Uh, thank you.
The travails of live broadcasting, everyone.
I'm an atheist.
As popularized by Christopher Hitchens,
or I should say an anti-theist for many reasons,
but I'll give you an obvious one first.
What's taking God so long?
How can you justify a righteous deity that allows
so much suffering to play out without direct intervention?
I don't know, Simon.
If I had Jesus himself on the stage,
you would just say he was infringing on your free will.
Oh, you're dinging me for my consistency.
This coming from someone who has to reaffirm
This coming from someone who has to reaffirm her fantastical beliefs every Sunday
her fantastical beliefs every Sunday
lest they vanish into thin air.
lest they vanish into thin air. [audience chuckling]
[audience chuckling]
Let's veer away from the ad hominem.
My opponent, ladies and gentlemen, running low
on intellectual and moral fuel.
As I said, let's veer away from the ad hominem.
Back on track.
Name one thing we need religion for
that we can't infer ourselves.
She can't, although she'll damn well try.
Pride.
The idea that your private motivation matters,
not just your public persona.
not just your public persona. I'm sorry. Are you saying that Jesus invented self-awareness?
I'm sorry. Are you saying that Jesus invented self-awareness?
That's right, everyone.
Don't follow Christ. Follow Simon.
Sage advice.
If I were in charge, it would be multiplied
meats and cheeses for everyone.
Jesus had culinary issues.
- [audience applauding] - [Sarah] You're bitter.
And you don't have to be.
I've been there.
Bitterness leads us all astray.
It's true that you once attended seminary.
Isn't that correct?
Maybe it was God who broke your heart.
- Sarah. - And maybe that's why
you still struggle with alcoholism.
Perhaps an addiction bad enough to get you
kicked out of seminary.
Perhaps you're a subterranean cunt.
[tense music]
Excuse me.
We're going to table this for now
We're going to table this for now and resume tomorrow
and resume tomorrow
when each side will present its final argument.
Thank you for your thick skins today.
[door opens]
[Annette] What Nazi-ing was that?
- [stutters] My friend is gone. - Exactly.
- Dr. Harrington. - Annette.
Sarah was way out of bounds.
And my response was also out of bounds.
There is nothing to salvage here.
Oh, come on, look, I'll make a heartfelt apology
at the closing arguments.
Sarah can forgo an apology.
I'm okay with that.
I just want to know that I am still eligible to win.
I'm not going to make another hasty decision on your behalf.
I need time to think.
I'll own it.
I promise.
I would really rather you step away at this point, Simon.
That doesn't seem necessary.
Not necessary.
Not for you. Nope.
No true payment is ever required for the misdeeds of men.
I would really appreciate it if you didn't heap
I would really appreciate it if you didn't heap your entire experience on my husband's
your entire experience on my husband's
moment of weakness.
I will address what happened in a way that...
affirms the values of this institution.
But it is not going to be pleasant.
Whatever you have to do.
As far as your eligibility is concerned,
you will learn my decision along with everyone else.
But I expect an apology either way.
This is my conference.
It sounds like we both have something to safeguard.
I don't need you to rescue me.
Really?
Did you just miss the last half hour?
[dramatic music]
Tide's coming in.
My reputation is my career.
Decades late and poorly timed as it may be.
Decades late and poorly timed as it may be. I was upset. I mentioned seminary.
I was upset. I mentioned seminary.
- That is it. - But why?
Because she's a Christian and I didn't have any reason
to think she would say anything about it.
to think she would say anything about it. Right. And now she's told the whole world
Right. And now she's told the whole world
that I hate religious people because once upon a time,
God gave my heart a boo-boo.
Oh, also, I'm a drunk.
Well, that is her mistake.
And anybody who knows you knows that's not true.
[both moaning]
Do you want my hand?
No, no, just let me...
Okay, what about my mouth?
Just give me a second.
Sorry.
[Simon sighs]
- Great. - Okay, it is okay.
When are we going to hear from the oncologist?
We talked.
No more treatments, no more clinical trial.
When?
I've just been trying to keep you focused while you're here.
[scoffs]
Well...
Well, there's the rub.
First you share secrets with my sworn enemy
and then you withhold information.
and then you withhold information. Come on, you are being so dramatic.
Come on, you are being so dramatic.
Oh, well, that's great.
Don't apologize.
Just drip with contempt.
It's much more effective.
Simon...
I'm dying.
And I am a doctor, so I know what it's like
when a body is failing and I want peace.
when a body is failing and I want peace. I don't want to live what's left of my life as an experiment.
I don't want to live what's left of my life as an experiment.
I don't...
I need it to stop.
Claire!
For God's sake, are you giving up?
Wow.
I thought you were going to call me a cunt.
I have never heard you say that.
What does it say that some short-term debate opponent
can evoke more passion out of you than I can?
You know the rest of us women, we're not your mother.
I'm getting pretty tired
of these little fucking therapy sessions.
You just don't want me to fight for the thing
that makes me feel alive.
Not when it's the only thing that makes you feel alive.
What are you even trying to salvage at this point?
Annette is right.
We're barely surviving, you and I.
And I know this whole thing seems trivial to you, but...
I need something like this to get me through,
or else I'm going to go crazy.
Ha! You fought dirty because you saw an opening.
Ha! You fought dirty because you saw an opening. Sarah gave you a real chance to win.
Sarah gave you a real chance to win.
Well, it must be just wonderful to just sit there
Well, it must be just wonderful to just sit there and dispense wisdom on the tail end
and dispense wisdom on the tail end
and dispense wisdom on the tail end of a wildly successful career.
of a wildly successful career.
That you supported.
Kind of.
I traveled to all of your lectures,
cheering you on without interruption.
Do not talk to me like you're on some stage.
Yeah, you were there.
With a glazed look on your face,
I could see the obsession in your eyes,
planning your future, desperate for it to hurry up.
Well, I'm sorry that my support meant so little.
That I can't be the goddamn toast
of the town for one fucking minute
without running into your pioneering perfection.
Wow.
That was really mean.
You know, I married you for your mind and your friendship.
And after all these years, Simon,
I really wish that there was something else.
And I will not spend what's left
of my life watching you go down in flames.
But enjoy your moment.
All this talking and all this knowledge,
and you still haven't learned the obvious.
Be careful what you say out loud,
because the universe is listening.
And that stuff boomerangs.
Yeah, and...
for the record,
people are drawn to power and prestige.
They don't like you for you.
They're gonna forget about you the moment you're gone,
and I promise you, you will be gone.
Maybe not like me, and maybe not as soon,
but you will fade away just the same.
And then you'll be a footnote in some book that nobody remembers.
Because this world, it runs on competition.
And none of it matters.
I...
have been trying so hard to get you to be close to me.
Is that even in you?
I wanted you to see me succeed
before you weren't around anymore.
That's why we're still here.
[somber music]
This-- This is my side.
Okay.
[Terence] Mm-hmm.
[light clattering]
Um, will Simon and Sarah please join me on the stage?
I was ready to recite this to all of you.
Another carefully worded statement.
All seem to run together at some point, don't they?
Mine was going to tell you how disappointed I am.
And with conviction.
Dismayed was the word I chose to write down.
But what I really am...
is tired.
Aren't you tired?
What happened on this stage violates the standards.
And the values of this institution.
Full stop.
We bother with all of this, supposedly,
to contend for humankind at its absolute best.
It's the very reason Rampart exists.
You might say it's the only reason.
And I'll tell you what happened
makes me miss George Rossi all the more.
Someone dear to our hearts.
A friend who embodied the values of this institution.
With his every waking moment.
And his loss.
And people are struggling because of it.
Suffering.
Whether they know it or not.
So, what do we do?
Now I acknowledge that my decision...
will not be popular.
It may have its detractors.
But Simon will be allowed to remain
in this competition should he offer a heartfelt apology.
Now I tend to distrust the word sorry
because it's been exploited time and time again.
But...
maybe I too need to evolve.
Maybe my own beliefs demand it
that I practice what it means to be charitable.
Accepting the risks.
If I'm no longer willing to extend mercy,
does that not mean I need some forgiveness too?
Now, Simon owes Sarah and the rest of us
something better, to be sure.
And as we respond, perhaps we can offer something better.
In return.
Simon.
Thank you, Madam President, for those important words.
Painful, though they are to receive.
Appropriate, yet painful.
My father said that a long apology merely dilutes.
That a, um, apology that goes on to...
Claire!
Here. Here.
Let's, uh, take a brief intermission if we can.
I'm just gonna catch my breath and then we'll go back in.
Yeah, we'll rest here a few minutes.
And then we're leaving.
I'm gonna call 911.
You need help, baby.
And a seriously huge hospital.
Gonna miss you.
I'm gonna miss you too.
What are you doing here?
Thanks for having my back.
[sharp inhale]
[somber music]
Your manager said that...
Hi.
Come in.
Uh, please, have a seat.
Thanks.
Oh, thirst.
What brings you to Cambridge?
Book tour.
It's hard, being on the road.
And I'm pregnant, so I'm gonna be taking
And I'm pregnant, so I'm gonna be taking a step back from travel and appearances.
a step back from travel and appearances.
Congratulations.
That's the hope, anyway.
My husband, um, has a part-time thing,
but he spends the rest of the week
practicing with the worship band.
Guitar's great, but it doesn't pay the bills.
No speaking engagements for you?
I poked around on your website.
Uh, there has not been many offers recently,
ever since, uh, you and I had our little kerfuffle.
Which is fine.
Not really feeling it much that lately.
And, uh...
speaking of...
Congratulations.
Oh.
[Simon] Well, you were the last man standing.
Well, Claire collapsed,
and Annette called the whole thing off, so.
What was she supposed to do?
She sent flowers, though.
Annette's a good person.
And I really admired your wife.
It's actually why I'm here.
I felt sick betraying her trust.
And yours.
Oh, please.
I would have done the same thing myself.
I've been thinking about that debate a lot recently.
Oh, boy.
Oh, I'm not gonna convert you.
- Praise God. - [Sarah laughs]
Jesus told me to go easy on the widowers.
Oh, did he tell you that directly?
I guess I've been thinking about it a lot, too.
I should have called you.
You did not deserve to be on the receiving end of a--
How are you holding up these days?
Oh, um...
I hadn't really thought about it like that.
People die. Right?
And you think, or at least I thought, that, um...
the only thing that really leaves is them.
I mean, I'm sure it's some sort of coping mechanism
that I always forget every time a new loss arrives,
but you realize too late
that they're also a feeling.
Being with them is a, uh...
What's the word? It's, um...
Not electrical, not circuitry.
Um, like a current.
Charge.
It's a charge...
that is uniquely shared by you and them.
And when that feeling starts to fade away,
not so fun.
Oh.
I thought that Claire was, uh, working on her next lecture.
Turns out she was writing a poem.
Um, can I share it with you?
Yeah.
Okay. Ahem.
[laughs]
"I strolled through the market hoping to be seen."
Ha!
Christ.
It's so sentimental. Okay.
"I strolled through the market hoping to be seen.
Strangers connected by kindness and warmth.
A surge of humanity, eyes that expressed life.
But no one noticed me."
[sentimental music]
[book shuts]
[sobbing]
♪
[moody synth music]
♪