"A rational animal" — that, Śrī Prem Prayojan Prabhu reminds us, is how the human being is defined. Reason counts only when it is switched on. Leave it unengaged, and there is no difference between the human and the animal — instinct runs them both. One thing still sets us apart: the human being can ask the question. And about the biggest subject there is — life, everything. But the bitter struggle for survival leaves no minute for it; only a few are fortunate enough to stop and become introspective. Whoever stops runs into the fact that there is no answer. This is saṁśaya, doubt, and it is the second step of inquiry, vicāra — not a dead end. First you choose the subject, then admit you do not understand it.