Paul, there is something very slack about a future that will take a biting satire for a vapid dream. — R. A. Lafferty

The shapes they take are both objective and subjective. One can shape them a little with one's own mind.

Now then, I have given you a short fair hearing as the law requires. I do not solicit the support of your party, though, in all honesty, if it had more than one member I might.