Nazruddin has an interesting conversation with Salim about the "math" of business. He states, "A businessman isn't a mathematician. Remember that. Never become hypnotized by the beauty of numbers" (page 24). On a scale from one (or zero) to presumably twenty, Nazruddin condemns a man who "... buys at ten, sees it rise to eighteen and does nothing. He is waiting for it to get to twenty... But he has wasted a quarter of his life" (page 24). He tells Salim that he should be a true businessman and when the quality of his business reaches twelve from ten, he should cut his losses and go on with his life. In my opinion, Nazruddin is telling Salim to be content with where he is on the coast. Instead of running around trying to find a new life, I feel that Nazruddin is suggesting to avoid "... a little mathematical excitement" by staying close to home and with people Salim grew up with. He should cherish the relationships and commitments he has made with family and his community.
Nazruddin's intentions towards Salim didn't seem honorable at first because he was taking advantage of Salim's desire to get away, but he trusted him with the store and told him that "Business never dies in Africa; it is only interrupted". Nazruddin, instead of waiting for his store and life to get better, decides to make a change and hopes the same for Salim.
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