You make it sound as though it's as vital as food, water and sleep.

[His tone isn't as critical as his words might suggest. It's interesting to think of Crane's guidance making such a profound difference to one's life; certainly Altaïr can see the value of self-understanding and reflection, even if he would not choose this method of achieving it.]

There are no such teachers in the land I come from. Perhaps things would be different there if there were.