In Margaret Atwood's book "Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth," a friend shares a thought-provoking perspective about airplanes. He suggests that the ability of planes to soar through the sky isn't solely based on physical principles, but rather on the collective belief of people in their ability to fly. This notion introduces the idea that certain truths or realities may rely on societal consensus and collective perception.

This commentary on belief and perception raises deeper questions about how humans interact with reality. The statement implies that without the widespread faith in something—like flight—what seems feasible can quickly become untenable. Atwood invites readers to reflect on the underlying dynamics of trust and belief that shape our understanding of the world around us.