@wales,

Very well written and an intriguing allegory.

To me, it does not present much of a moral dilemma. Between one's ears is a brain. Irrespective of how it got there (creation or evolution), presumably it was intended to be used. A good many of the problems of the world are the result of people not using that with which they were endowed. Ironically, the decision to forfeit thought is the ultimate expression of Free Will ... but as with all decisions, there are consequences.

The deaths described in your story were the payment of a "Stupidty Tax."

Quill