There is no way we can answer that question of yours, Amos, re: consciousness. And I would starve if I thought about it too deeply.

MOM, fortunately, does not trouble herself with such questions, nor with wondering if they are actually unanswerable or if it is a requirement of life that one doesn't really try to answer it.

I don't know if the grapes suffered before they died, Mom, but they are not suffering now. Let me pour you another glass of wine.