Zoë’s Reviews > The God of the Woods > Status Update

"Do you ever wonder whether being born into money has stunted us? ... It's just—lately I've been wondering whether having all of our material needs met from birth has been a positive aspect of our lives. It seems to me it may have resulted in some absence of yearning or striving in us.... When one's parents or grandparents have already quested and conquered, what is there for subsequent generations to do?"

"Who knew the origins of the word [panic]? ... But no one raised a hand.

She explained. It came from the Greek god Pan: the god of the woods. He liked to trick people, to confuse and disorient them until they lost their bearings, and their minds.

To panic, T.J. said, was to make an enemy of the forest. To stay calm was to be its friend."