Three Cups Of Tea

1161 Words5 Pages
Three Cups of Tea “The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time you take tea, you are an honored guest. The third time you share a cup of tea, you become family, and for our family, we are prepared to do anything, even die” (Haji Ali). This quote was one of the most important quotes in this book “Three Cups of Tea” by David Oliver Relin, and was most likely the basis for which the title was formed. This quote also had more significance in which it explained the concept of the theme of this book, which was the importance of building up relationships. Building up relationships takes time, and Mortenson had to learn that it didn’t take three literal cups of tea to gain trust, it was the time spent while drinking tea as a Balti custom that built trust and respect, and that allowed relationships to form and build up assurance and alliances. Throughout the book, Mortenson faces challenges that he finds frustrating and inconveniencing, often viewing them as wrong decisions. But it was those same bad decisions or failures that led him to success in many aspects of life. One thing that Mortenson seemed to struggle with was his impatience, and that is what led Haji Ali to explain the importance of patience, especially with dealing with his culture. When Mortenson was able to overcome adversity he was able to flourish in favorable circumstances. Mortenson, who was vividly described as a risk taker who was used to much attainment, ironically recognized his meaning in life when he actually failed at something. He went to Pakistan to climb the K2 Mountain in memory of his sister who died and when he failed to complete that task he felt like he was such a failure and that he failed his sister. On this mission, he became sick and weak and had to be treated by the people in the local village. It was then, when he felt at his lowest,
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