In "Everything Is Illuminated," a character expresses a longing for an additional commandment that emphasizes constancy. This sentiment reflects a desire for stability in a world marked by change and uncertainty. The wish for an eleventh commandment suggests that amidst life's inevitable transformations, there can be a profound comfort found in unchanging values and relationships.
The notion that one should not change resonates deeply with the themes of the novel, which explores identity, memory, and the impact of history on personal lives. By wishing for a commandment against change, the character underscores a universal human desire for permanence, highlighting the tension between the remarkable forces of progress and the yearning for things to remain the same.