Ishmael Responce

1. What does the Taker's creation myth tell Ishmael about is?

The Taker's (our) creation myth starts with the Big Bang and the explosion of mass out of nothing. After a long time of rapid heating and cooling of particles floating around, planets, like Earth were formed. Upon the formation of the Earth, evolution of tiny microorganisms began, evolving to more sophisticated forms of life. The Taker creation myth ends however, with humans being created. The moment humans came to be, evolution ceased. The fact that the mythology says evolution ended with man would tell Ishmael that as humans, and specifically, as takers, we are concerned about our own significance. We feel that we are above the laws governing all other species.

2. How does the story of Cain and Able reinforce Taker mythology?

Ishmael's presentation of the story of Cain and Able reinforces Taker mythology by portraying humans as above the rest of nature. The story ties into various religions, but all of which hold the ideal that man is the crux of creation and therefore, is above the laws that nature and the Leavers abide by.

3. What questions does this pose to you about your own understanding of the world?

Parts of this chapter, and the whole book, caused me to come up with questions such as

Are humans the only Taker species?

Have there been other species of animals that have once been Takers but now are either extinct or have since become Leavers?

Do all Leavers share a creation story or do they vary by species?

What is the difference between an "enlightened" human and Ishmael?
(What I mean by that is, it is difficult for me to see any difference between a human with the thoughts that Ishmael has, and Ishmael.)

What is the fundamental difference that makes Ishmael a Leaver and the human(s) Takers?

What is Ishmael trying to gain by teaching only one human this?