I think he was quite cynical of a totalitarian mindset of control and mastery that can rest in the background of the scientific "project." Many things that we w

I think he was quite cynical of a totalitarian mindset of control and mastery that can rest in the background of the scientific "project." Many things that we would generally consider horrific by modern standards were considered completely reasonable in the past when done "in the name of science." Judge Holden is, after all, the main villain of Blood Meridian, and yet he says in a speech: > Whatever exists, he said. Whatever in creation exists without my knowledge exists without my consent. [...] The man who believes that the secrets of the world are forever hidden lives in mystery and fear. Superstition will drag him down. The rain will erode the deeds of his life. But that man who sets himself the task of singling out the thread of order from the tapestry will by the decision alone have taken charge of the world and it is only by such taking charge that he will effect a way to dictate the terms of his own fate. I'm sure many people here would, without understanding the context of the quote and his character, identify with that quote nonetheless precisely because of what it offers --- control and mastery.