We do not believe in the notion of God's chosen people. We laugh at this people's fancies and weep over its misdeeds. To act as God's chosen people is not only stupid and arrogant, but a crime against humanity. We call it racism.
Jostein GaarderWhat Plato was really asking was perhaps why a horse was a horse, and not, for example, a cross between a horse and a pig.
Jostein GaarderA lot of people experience the world with the same incredulity as when a magician pulls a rabbit out of a hat.โฆWe know that the world is not all sleight of hand and deception because we are in it, we are part of it. Actually we are the white rabbit being pulled out of the hat. The only difference beween us and the white rabbit is that the rabbit does not realize it is taking part in a magic trick.
Jostein GaarderIt is different for us mortals. We are the ones who become old and grey. We are the ones who become worn at the seams and disappear. But not our dreams. They can live on in other people even after we have gone.
Jostein GaarderBut all fairytales have rules, and perhaps itโs their rules that actually distinguish one fairytale from the other. These rules never need to be understood. They only need to be followed. If not, what they promise wonโt come true.
Jostein GaarderI sat thinking how terribly sad it was that people are made in such a way that they get used to something as incredible as living. One day we suddenly take the fact that we exist for granted - and then, yes, then we donโt think about it anymore until we are about to leave the world again.
Jostein Gaarder