Hammerli 208 Quotes & Sayings

It was said that in the markets to the south of Taghaza salt was exchanged for its weight in gold, which was an exaggeration. The misconception comes from the West African style of silent barter noted by Herodotus and subsequently by many other Europeans. In the gold-producing regions of West Africa, a pile of gold would be set out, and a salt merchant would counter with a pile of salt, each side altering their piles until an agreement was reached. No words were exchanged during this process, which might take days. The salt merchants often arrived at night to adjust their piles and leave unseen. They were extremely secretive, not wanting to reveal the location of their deposits. From this it was reported in Europe that salt was exchanged in Africa for its weight in gold. But it is probable that the final agreed-upon two piles were never of equal weight. — Mark Kurlansky

Start making excuses and there's no end to it. I can't live that kind of life. — Haruki Murakami

I do believe that we are to love our enemies and do good to those who persecute you. I believe that there is power and strength in that. — Michael Moore

I'm a quarterback. I don't need to score the touchdown. I just need to spot the pass. — Trevor Noah

The Muse is mute when public men
Applaud a modern throne. — William Butler Yeats

Seen through the eyes of a U.S. soldier, Afghanistan is a scary place. — Anand Gopal