"For all of Vasudan history, politics and intrigue have coiled in the hearts of the kememou, the people of the nation.

Terrans often complain that the Vasudans seem allergic to straightforward, honest dealings. But an apsu in the sun cannot hunt. A gem that is seen can be stolen. The art of hidden meaning and secret purpose is the art of good civilization. If all the kememou knew every secret of every other, there would be violence and sorrow. If all the Terrans knew every secret of the cosmos, they would go mad.

The kememou are liars, they will agree. Lying is the art of arranging for everyone to know just as much as they need to know for their happiness, and not one thing more.

If intrigue and treachery must be accomplished in defense of a good lie, then that intrigue and that treachery are wholly justified.

Is that so very wrong?"

Alexander McCarthy
Letters from My Exile