How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
Plans, everyone had plans. They were all built on money. Save enough to keep dry, save enough to cast one’s chains, save enough to go away. (28.39)
Poverty often hinges on making enough to get by, but provides no buffer. For the people striving to make a living (literally just enough to live on) the only safety buffer they have is making plans about what they’ll do when they magically make a little extra money. Of course, this money will never come (and Ruku tells us as much here), but it seems these delusional and optimistic plans are necessary to keep one going in the face of certain poverty. Nathan used to lie to himself about buying a little land, Ruku used to think of saving for Ira’s second dowry; it’s only when Ruku sees other people making plans that she has the objectivity to realize they’re all only fooling themselves. Poverty is their lot, and planning for an optimistic future is their soothing lie.