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

“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…

Jantiff gave a hollow laugh. “Who now is the exploiter, monopolist, elitist tycoon and all the rest? What of egalism now?”

Esteban retorted in a debonair, if somewhat edgy, voice: “Egalism is all very well, and I subscribe to it! Still: why deny the obvious? Everyone wants to make the most of their life.”