The Tyranny of Ideas

China Miéville's novel Embassytown describes a world in which an alien species, the Ariekei, becomes enthralled by a human's ability to speak their language. What starts out as novelty gives way to obsession, and they become addicted to his voice, their lives falling to pieces, wandering the streets like zombies, tearing the world apart in search of more god-drug. Their obsession has nothing to do with the person behind it, but rather the thing he can provide.