How much did that ridiculous maintenance job of yours pay?" Skeeter blinked. "Five bucks an hour, why?" "Five bucks? That's not a salary, that's slav… - Robert Asprin

Are you out of your mind? No, you have to be in possession of a mind, first, to be out of it.

Uncle Sven and I are about to start your first lesson in survival theory."
She gave them both a dubious glance. "That being?"
Sven guffawed. "When the fight starts, be someplace else. And always remember, nobody watches your butt for you when it's You versus the Universe—and Margo, the universe just don't give a damn.

It operates very much like the social structure of a nomadic tribe. Those in the brotherhood are fully human; those outside are not.