We see things shroudedly, as through a veil, an over-pixellated screen.”
-- U. (chapter 1.1)

Importance: When the novel begins, U. is quick to speak about myths and reality. Myths, he explains, are the foundation of order and reality, and that even then, people never see down to the truth of reality. Things are as they appear, and then things are as they truly are. The pursuit of truth will matter greatly in the novel.

What does an anthropologist working for a business actually do? We purvey cultural insight.
-- U. (chapter 3.2)

Importance: Here, U. speaks about what he does for a living. U. explains that anthropologists study a people down to their very beliefs and behaviors, interpret and analyze this information, and then pass it along to the appropriate people. The information is used in everything from creating narratives to selling products to forming policies.

On Levi-Strauss. He was my hero….
-- U. (chapter 41.2)

Importance: U. explains to the reader that his...