In the beginning was the word, the word
That from the solid bases of the light
Abstracted all the letters of the void....
—Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)
The bases for historical knowledge are not empirical facts but written texts, even if these texts masquerade in the guise of wars or revolutions.
—Paul Deman (1919–1983)
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?
—Bible: Hebrew, Job 38:4 -7.
God, to Job.