:What we’re told that we think. - Octavia E. Butler

When it comes to strangers with guns," I told her, "I think suspicion is more likely to keep you alive than trust.

All religions are ultimately cargo cults.
Adherents perform required rituals, follow
specific rules, and expect to be supernaturally
gifted with desired rewards—long life,
honor, wisdom, children, good health, wealth,
victory over opponents, immortality after
death, any desired rewards.

Life was treasure. The only treasure.