Philosophical Aspects of Worm Catching

First, said Margaret, the title. Philosophical Aspects of Worm Catching.

What? said Gaius. Is this my article for Velosophy?

It is, said Margaret. I told you I would be helpful.

Something is missing, said Gaius. The bicycle.

Oh yes, said Margaret. Easily fixed. Cyclists' Guide to Philosophical Aspects of Worm Catching.

That is quite catchy, said Gaius, impressed.

Just write, said Margaret.

Yes, it is, said Gaius.

What? said Margaret. Oh, never mind. Now where were we? Cyclists' Guide to Philosophical Aspects of Worm Catching.

What could be pleasanter than to take a picnic lunch and cycle with a friend to a beach to seek for worms? As Stoics we believe in the virtue of the natural world. A picnic, a bicycle, or two, a glass jar, a row of soft tubes emerging from the sand at the edge of the sea, waiting to be poked into.

A glass jar. Is that part of the natural world? asked Gaius.

Oh yes, said Margaret. It is these days. As are bicycles.

I see, said Gaius.

It is at times such as these, continued Margaret, that a Stoic feels his philosophy is an undemanding one. But consider this. Anything might happen at any given moment to discompose his equanimity.

You sound just like me, said Gaius.

That is my aim, said Margaret. Be quiet! Where was I? Oh yes....

A chance piece of sandwich filling might find its way into his pocket. He may, in order to precipitate the worm's emergence, stuff the sandwich filling into the worm hole, with the unfortunate result that the irritated worm might leap up from his wormlike torpor and bite! not the foot of the philosopher, but the foot of his dear friend, the very friend who had provided the filling for the sandwich. How do you like it so far?

Thrilling, said Gaius. What happens next?