Quote 10
"Because it's not love to be static like the desert, nor is it love to roam the world like the wind. And it's not love to see everything from a distance, like you do. Love is the force that transforms and improves the Soul of the World." (2.669)
Hmm. Love isn't static or roaming. So what is it? Something in between? Something like electrons, which behave like both waves and particles. Love is stable and sturdy, because it can't be broken by separation, but it also moves around, allowing for the lovers to follow their dreams and come back to one another. Okay, maybe not so much like electrons as like a ball of fire ants.
Quote 11
"Why a revolver?" he asked.
"It helped me to trust in people," the Englishman answered. (2.229-30)
Lolwut? No, hear us out. See, the Englishman never had to use his revolver in the desert, but he still has to take it out and give it up when he reaches the safety of the oasis. This statement suggests that he's not naturally trusting. He has to bolster his own strength in order to trust that he could protect himself from other people. Someone like the alchemist, though, only needs himself.