We Believe That We Invent Symbols

This is probably the most famous line of the book. It's the one I see pull up all the time. This is definitely one of Wolf's most quoted passages. We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us. We are their creatures shaped by their hard defining edges. When you accept a coin, you are a soldier at that point. You've taken the payment. You are now, despite your actions, you are acting in the stead of a soldier. Likewise, if you put on a policeman's uniform, you are now acting as a policeman. Yes. He's saying, even though I knew nothing of accepting coins as payment for soldiery, by taking