“One time he was asked if he believed in an afterlife. After a moment's hesitation he said no, that he thought there was only "some kind of velvety cool blackness," adding then: "Of course, I admit I may be wrong. It is conceivable that I might well be reborn as a Chinese coolie. In such case I should lodge a protest."”
He humorously admits uncertainty about the afterlife, suggesting even skeptics can imagine unlikely rebirths and protest absurdities.
In simple terms: Even skeptics can imagine strange afterlife scenarios.
Humor reveals the limits of certainty.
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The anecdote may trivialize profound existential concerns for some listeners.
