In a way it made no difference, since nothing is permanent except our illusions. - Robert Sheckley

His friends, who had been waiting for the death announcement, came to congratulate him. They were eager to hear the complete details of the Trial by Ordeal; but Barrent had learned now that secret knowledge was the road to power. He gave them only the sketchiest outline.

Words, in the final analysis, are just about as futile as actions, and much less fun.

Thus action serves as anodyne, whereas contemplation is revealed as the most direct form of involvement, and therefore much shunned by men.