Ishmael (by Daniel Quinn): Synopsis and quotations

Ishmael is a captivating and mind expanding journey that provides a fresh perspective of the relationship between man and the Earth. Through the book, Quinn teaches that the laws that work best are the laws of nature. This is in opposition to our current system which is based on man's laws. It also teaches that it is impossible to fix the world by enacting laws. In order to save the world we must alter the …

…forces people to assimilate to a system in which they have no choice about entering in the first place. This fundamental idea of human freedom is one of the factors which separates the Takers from the Leavers. If humans were given more choice as to the type of life they desire, they would not feel so stressed about the situations they are in, providing more time to "save the world" as Ishmael's ad put it.