This discussion has become far too abstract! I will simple refer all participants to the initial exposition by Ed W. [my emphases added]:

"During the brief (mercifully) round of recent robling, I pondered Jack Vance's take on the question of abstractions, by which I mean political, religious, and like opinion. Ever notice how people (and here I refer to the generality, not in particular to the denizens of this board, nor the recent exchanges) so often attach such importance to their opinions and those of others on such matters? Thus folks who like each other and have many interests in common, and are quite close in how they behave, will achieve states of ire about the constellation of synaptical firings in each others' brains which constitute opinions, as opposed to actions, on these subjects.

"One of my favorite things about Vance is how he punctures these attitudes. In matters of religion, the examples are legion. But during the latest controversy I happened to be reading The Pnume, and rediscovered one of my favorites; all will remember it.

Reith is trying to get out of the caverns and has commandeered ZAP 210. He pulls out the portfolio of maps. The Pnumekin girl recoils in horror at the Secrets. A very enjoyable scene ensues.

" 'I have seen secrets.'

"Reith was in no mood to commiserate with *troubles so abstract and unreal*...."

"As the girl goes on and on, Reith suspects incipient hysteria. She dares not read the map, etc. Then my favorite part:

'Reith began to grow restive. The girl seemed able to concentrate only on *those ideas arising from her own mind*.'

"Another priceless Vancian episode. The problem of escaping is real. But unrealities intrude.... "