14. There is a controversy over writing at the heart of the story. What is that conflict?

Back to History 8 Fifth Mountain Readings

The controversy in writing in The Fifth Mountain is that the priests want to be the pathway from the people to the gods, and writing interferes with that intention because now everyone can know the prayers and rituals. Also, the priest believe that they are keeping individuals in check by being the conduit to the gods, prohibiting people from using the god’s power for their own agenda. The priest are worried that their civilization is going to lose their culture because of the easy exchange in ideas due to writing and papyrus.

Example 1

“‘But the word managed to destroy without leaving clues. If the sacred rituals became widely known, many would be able to use them to attempt to change the Universe, and the gods would become confused. Till that moment, only the priestly caste knew the memory of the ancestors, which was transmitted orally, under oath that the information would be kept in secret.’” pg. 64

Example 2

“‘Because these papyri transport ideas,’ he replied. ‘And ideas have power.’ ‘They're just commercial transactions.’ ‘But they could be battle plans. Or our secret prayers. Nowadays, with letters and papyrus, it has become a simple matter to steal the inspiration of a people. It is difficult to hide clay tablets, or animal skins, but the combination of papyrus and the alphabet of Byblos can bring an end to the civilization of any nation, and destroy the world.’” Pg.132-133

William Urdahl

Quotes from The fifth Mountain by Paulo Coelho

picture from: http://america.pink/byblos-syllabary_799858.html