An intelligent enemy,' he would say, stroking his beard as if it were a bristly pet, 'rather than a foolish friend.' Or, 'He learnt the language of pigeons, and forgot his own.' Or, the favourite of Jan Fishan Khan: 'Nothing is what it seems.
The book "Sorcerer's Apprentice" by Tahir Shah explores the complexities of relationships and perceptions through intriguing quotes. One significant reflection suggests that having an intelligent adversary can be more beneficial than relying on a naive ally. This highlights the value of discernment in choosing whom to trust and emphasizes the challenges posed by friendship versus enmity.
Another thought-provoking notion is encapsulated in the idea of losing one's original identity while adapting to the surroundings, evidenced by the metaphor of learning the language of pigeons. Lastly, the phrase "Nothing is what it seems" reinforces the theme of deception and the importance of looking beyond the surface to understand the true nature of reality.