Strength according to Lauren Oya Olamina

Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower, set in California, 2025, explores a dystopian science fiction plot. Its title is a biblical allusion to Jesus' parable of the same name.

"A farmer went out to sow his seed..." -Matthew 13 vs 1-23

The main character, Lauren Oya Olamina, is a young black woman navigating the destitution of society in her own way. Her rationalisation of her experiences and those of others from an objective and deeply thought out perspective makes her extremely knowledgeable compared to her peers and even elders. This thirst for knowledge and further understanding is her strength. For Lauren, it is relevant to think critically about the state of life and issues in her community rather than to simply take life as it comes, in other words, ask questions. For example, what use is getting married and having babies in a time of despairing poverty and dejection? Who or what is God?

"All that you touch you Change

All that you Change Changes you

The only lasting truth is Change

God is Change"

Lauren’s connection to her most critical thoughts strengthens to get through this dark time in humanity. Others, however, are not as open to questioning. For some, like her friend Joanne, seeking knowledge scares them, while for others, like her father, it is just best she keeps her thoughts to herself instead of ‘scaring people’. Despite her disagreement with her father's fundamental beliefs, she adores him and values his criticism of her ideas. She feels most empowered sharing her thoughts with him; he is another source of strength for her.

Her manner of thought, especially on matters of the soul, is coined by her as Earthseed which she believes to be the core of everyone; people are Earthseed. Earthseed as a school of thought is the way she defines purpose and, of course, strength.