Chapter 8 Summary

The narrator writes a letter to his friend, relating how the seaman's chiding vexed spurred him to adopt a life of action. He also tells of Zorba, with his tales and dancing and santuri playing. He tells his friend that he is happy, and speaks of his new ideas on the nature of mankind. The narrator ends the letter by expressing his love for his friend, since neither man is able to show his emotions openly when they stand face to face.

After finishing the letter, the narrator and Zorba walk to the village. It is raining, and Zorba asks what the books say about the natural world. The narrator replies that the books don't hold nature in much esteem, at which point Zorba suggests that the scribe ought to burn his library. The narrator agrees that this would be an excellent idea...