“…for some gifts one cannot even say ‘thank you.'”

This quote comes from the beginning of Ivan Illich’s article. It comes immediately before his actual prepared statement, but at the end of his preface. He is referring to his frustration with CIASP programs in this quote. He does not want the North Americans coming down to Mexico thinking they are doing service when they are in reality sometimes harming their way of life. Illich wants people to be aware of his argument so that they will stop doing what they are doing. The definition of service given was: serve, also of a man to have sexual intercourse with (a woman). This quote shows that service is a gift which one cannot say or needs to say “thank you,” even if it is service of a man to have sexual intercourse.