Skip to content

And the continual non-up-turnance of so valuable a…

“And the continual non-up-turnance of so valuable a commodity as a giant squid—the thought of getting their alembics on which made the city’s alchemists whine like dogs—was provoking more and more interest from London’s repo-men and -women.” quote by China Miéville
Download Open image
““And the continual non-up-turnance of so valuable a commodity as a giant squid—the thought of getting their alembics on which made the city’s alchemists whine like dogs—was provoking more and more interest from London’s repo-men and -women.””

China Miéville

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The city’s alchemists obsess over a giant squid, sparking interest among London’s merchants and women.

In simple terms: Obsession over rare resources drives commerce.

Key Takeaway

Beware greedy pursuits.

Themes

economics obsession myth trade

Mood

curious critical

Type

literary analytical

When to use this quote

  • fiction
  • economics
  • culture

Key Concepts

resource scarcity market speculation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives such fixation?
  • How does rarity affect value?
A Different Perspective

Obsession can lead to exploitation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by China Miéville

Explore all 257 China Miéville quotes

More Giant squid quotes

Browse all 12 Giant squid quotes