A Fine Point

"The contention that the Soviets do not want to reach some kind of understanding is an exaggeration," a well-known scholar claimed. "The only argument that can be maintained is that the Russians until now have evaded the West's efforts in this regard. I am reminded of a remark Professor Baer of Koenigsberg once made: "As far as we can determine, all human beings are mortal. But this does not justify the thesis that all human beings must die. All we can say is: All human beings have died to date."—"And," a critical listener asked, "is the professor still alive today?"—"No," replied the speaker, "he died before he could disprove the thesis."