the zahir

-We must do jobs we detest because we are part of an organized society, and if everyone did what they wanted to do, the world would come to a standstill.

-We must at all costs avoid saying no because people prefer those who say yes, and this allows us to survive in hostile territory.

-What other people think is more important than what we feel.

-We must be amusing at all times and sneer at those who express their real feelings; it's dangerous for a tribe to allow its members to show their feelings.

-We must buy jewelry; it identifies us with our tribe, just as body piercing identifies those of a different tribe.

-We must do jobs we detest because we are part of an organized society, and if everyone did what they wanted to do, the world would come to a standstill.

People who are different are dangerous; they belong to another tribe; they want our lands and our women.