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. If I was not
alive sixteen billion years ago, then there was nothing at all. Not even empty
space. Nothing. Zero with no rim around it. The universe in which I exist cannot
exist without me in it. So it's silly to talk about the date I became
self-aware; time started when I did, it stops when I do. All clear? Or shall I
draw you a diagram?"
"All clear on most points, Richard. But you are wrong about the date. Time
did not start in 2133. It started in 2063. Unless one or the other of us is a
golem."
Every time I have a go at solipsism something like this happens. "Honey,
you're cute. But you are a figment of my imagination. Ouch! I told you to stop
that."
"You have a lively imagination, darling. Thanks for thinking me up. Do you
want another proof? Up to now I've just been playing-shall I now break one of
your bones? Just a small one. You pick it."
"Listen, figment. You break one of my bones and you'll regret it for the
next billion years."
"Merely a logical demonstration, Richard. No malice in it."
"And once I set the bone-"
"Oh, I'll set it, dear."
"Not on your life! Once I have it set, I'll phone Xia and ask her to come
over and marry me and protect me from small figments with violent habits."
"You're going to divorce me?" Again she was suddenly all big eyes.
"Hell, no! Just bust you down to junior wife and put Xia in charge
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