PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSAULT - With the co-operation of various dubious characters, Nina Kelly proceeds through my adolescence and man-hood, dismissing what she understands of my philosophy and investigative techniques and completely ignoring what she doesn't. As has always been her wont, she's in her element when dispensing with any pretence of academic objectivity and resorting to personal abuse. As far as Nina's concerned, when no lucid argument can be summoned, insult will suffice. Few of us can withstand the shock to the system generated by three hundred and ninety pages of unkind observations. For most people self perception is largely determined by the response they elicit from others. Experimenting with volunteers, I've established how effectively the average person can be demoralised by candid observations. One negative comment is sufficient to cause anxiety, five or more total despondency! One of my subjects, someone I considered relatively thick skinned, was so dismayed by a relatively innocuous remark about her personal hygiene that she broke down and subsequently resigned from her position in the Foundation. Naturally, I'm made of sterner stuff. After a lifetime of peering into the darkness I seldom recoil from what looks back at me. In any case, while I'm astonished that Nina hasn't moved on, I've heard it all before.

 

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