Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. Roadside picnic (№ 782)

The strange thing is, why do we like it when people praise us? The money from this increase. Fame? What we can have glory? "He's famous: now three people know about him". Well, let's say four, counting Bayliss. Funny creature man is!... It seems we enjoy praise just for itself. As the kids ice cream. And very stupid. How can I rise in my own eyes? What I didn't know myself? Old fat Richard H. Noonan? And by the way, what is "G"? Here you and! And no one to ask... Not Mr. same Lemchen to ask... Oh, wait! Herbert. Richard Herbert Noonan. Well, it's pouring.