Lost2004

Richard Alpert:
There were other people here before me?

Jacob:
Yes, many.

Richard Alpert:
What happened to them?

Jacob:
They're all dead.

Richard Alpert:
If you brought them here, why didn't you help them?

Jacob:
I wanted them to help themselves. To know the difference between right and wrong without me telling them. It's all useless if I have to make them do anything. Why should I have to step in?

Richard Alpert:
If you don't he [referring to the Man in Black] will.

Jacob:
[pauses, taken aback] Tell you what, would you like a job?

Richard Alpert:
A job? Doing what?

Jacob:
If I don't step in, maybe you could. You could be my representative and intermediary to the people I bring to this Island.

Richard Alpert:
What would I get in return?

Jacob:
You tell me...

Richard Alpert:
I want my wife back.

Jacob:
I can't do that.

Richard Alpert:
Can you absolve me of my sins?

Jacob:
I can't do that either.

Richard Alpert:
Then I don't want to die... I want to live forever.

Jacob:
[smiles, lays a hand on his shoulder] Now that, I can do.