Moreover, above all things he dreads death, which is fear.

That is why he suspended life in himself and me for two hundred and fifty thousand years, as his knowledge gave him strength to do, because death was near and he thought that sleep was better than death." "Why should he dread to die," asked Bickley, "seeing that sleep and death are the same ?" "Because his knowledge tells him that Sleep and Death are not the same, as you, in your foolishness, believe, for there Bastin is wiser than you.

Because for all his wisdom he remains ignorant of what happens to man when the Light of Life is blown out by the breath of Fate.

That is why he fears to die and why he talks with Bastin the Preacher, who says he has the secret of the future." "And do you fear to die ?" I asked.
"No, Humphrey," she answered gently.

"Because I think that there is no death, and, having done no wrong, I dread no evil.