Every Arrabin desperately asserts his individuality, with personal tricks and fads. A futile kind of life, no… — Jack Vance

It is all sheer egocentricity: the myth of self triumphant over destiny!

“I wonder, sir, if you’d be good enough to advise me.”

“Certainly, within the limits of discretion,” said Eubanq. “I should warn you, however, that free advice is usually not worth its cost.”

So much existed: so much to be felt and seen and known! A single life was not enough…