Helyna
Well-known member
I'm reading the book Xenocide by Orson Scott Card, sequel to Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead. Basically, humans have spread over the galaxy to planets semi-connected through lightspeed communication but slow travel. One of the planets has a Chinese-influenced culture, and there are people called "The Godspoken" who, obvious from the name, are priest-like and honored. Well, I learned that in the first chapter, but in the first paragraph of the third chapter I realized suddenly that the Godspoken have OCD.
It's not just that it's more common for them to have it or something. That's what makes them Godspoken. Parents look for excessive concern with cleanliness in their children. Bleeding hands from washing is a cause for excitement. The messages from the gods are the feelings of filthiness and the intrusive thoughts, and rituals are the mark of this happening. I haven't decided what I think of this yet (whether it's good or bad). Right now, I'm just amazed!!!!! What a way to look at the world!
P.S. Don't get confused: I don't have OCD, but we're all part of the same thing.
It's not just that it's more common for them to have it or something. That's what makes them Godspoken. Parents look for excessive concern with cleanliness in their children. Bleeding hands from washing is a cause for excitement. The messages from the gods are the feelings of filthiness and the intrusive thoughts, and rituals are the mark of this happening. I haven't decided what I think of this yet (whether it's good or bad). Right now, I'm just amazed!!!!! What a way to look at the world!
P.S. Don't get confused: I don't have OCD, but we're all part of the same thing.