“Meaning what? That you’ve become used to preserving your faith despite being surrounded by heretics?” “No. Rather, it’s as if I’ve got an Amsterdam inside of my head.” “A what !?” “Many different sects and faiths that are always arguing with one another. A Babel of religious disputation that never dies down. I have got used to it.”
Neal Stephenson: Quicksilver
Yes, space(s) are important.
The Friend refused to answer to the name [...] any longer and ignored or chastised those who insisted on using it. When visitors asked if it was the name of the person they were addressing, the Friend simply quoted Luke 23:3 ("thou sayest it"). Identifying as neither male nor female, the Friend asked not to be referred to with gendered pronouns. Followers respected these wishes, avoiding gender-specific pronouns even in private diaries, and referring only to "the Public Universal Friend" or short forms such as "the Friend" or "P.U.F."
Many Plankers wanted to fight injustice and poverty throughout the world, though certainly not with religion; it seemed like everyone was an atheist or headed there. They’d use their brilliance and tenacity, not God, to make a difference.
Edan Lepucki: California
“Wait a minute, Juanita. Make up your mind. This Snow Crash thing — is it a virus, a drug, or a religion?”
Juanita shrugs. “What's the difference?”
Neal Stephenson: Snow Crash
