i think that marcus steps on his own feet a little bit here. If the gods exist, then to abandon human beings is not frightening. The gods would never subject you to harm. And if they don't exist or don't care what happens to us, what would be the point of living in a world without god's or providence? Now, if you're an atheist, like i am, this one canna ruffle your feathers, thret your hair stand on end,. because the common atheist's reprisal to this would be, well, i want to live a good life.