That was a dhlang !" he said. "An evil spirit! The…
““That was a dhlang !" he said. "An evil spirit! The peasants down in the valleys hang up charms against them! But I thought they were just a superstition!" "No, they're a substition," said Susan. "I mean they're real, but hardly anyone really believes them. Mostly everyone believes in things that aren't real. Something very strange is going on. Those things are all over the place, and they've got bodies . That's not right. We've got to find the person who built the clock - " "And, er, what are you , Miss Susan?" "Me? I'm...a schoolteacher." She followed his gaze to the wrench that she still carried in her hand, and shrugged. "It can get pretty rough at break time, can it?" said Lobsang.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage satirically explores belief, superstition, and the tension between rational skepticism and cultural myths, highlighting how people cling to intangible ideas.
In simple terms: People often believe in unseen things, even when they seem irrational.
Key Takeaway
Question what you accept as truth and why.
Themes
belief
myth
skepticism
culture
identity
Mood
ironic
thought‑provoking
Type
satirical
conversational
When to use this quote
- daily life
- education
- media analysis
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
philosophy
anthropology
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do societies create and maintain myths?
- How does belief shape personal identity?
A Different Perspective
It may trivialize genuine cultural beliefs by labeling them as mere superstition.