In "The Enchantress of Florence" by Salman Rushdie, a profound realization strikes the traveler regarding the fundamental importance of water. The thought emphasizes that without water, human existence is meaningless. It suggests that even the most powerful individuals, such as emperors, are reduced to nothing without access to this vital resource. The traveler equates water to a ruler, asserting its dominance over humanity. In this perspective, everyone, regardless of their status or power, is ultimately subservient to water, highlighting its critical role in sustaining life. This metaphor emphasizes water's undeniable importance, suggesting that it governs our existence more than any human authority can.

Without water we are nothing," the traveler thought. "Even an emperor, denied water, would swiftly turn to dust. Water is the real monarch and we are all its slaves.