Dr Samantha Frankel, a geneticist, discovered what she called ''the faith gene'' — and suppressed it …


    A test group lost faith in everything but equally lost their creativity, becoming metaphorical ''p-zombies.''


    She and Jack, her assistant, discussed the results.


    "They''ve become p-zombies," said Jack.


    "A double-edged sword ..." replied Samantha.


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    "How so?"


    "This ''faith gene'' forms a bridge, filling a gap and creating the delusion to believe in fantasy."


    "So, where''s the double edge?" asked Jack.


    "Creativity, intelligence, and abstraction function as the gene expresses itself, but the cost is equally to have delusions, such as bizarre ideologies and false beliefs in aliens, the metaphysical realm, and anything unprovable."


    "So, we can stop the delusions?" Jack raised an eyebrow.


    "Perhaps, by deactivating the gene, though, p-zombies shall walk the Earth."


    "So, it''s hopeless?" Jack raised his hands.


    "Hopeless? Maybe." She shrugged. "But only if it matters to you."


    "What do you mean, if it matters, Professor?"


    "Well, Jack, if the delusions control or hold power over us, that''ll matter. Otherwise, I say, let them be."