> Possessing a secret weapon seems to have a survival advantage. Imagine
> you had a gun in a stone-axe society. Would you try to hide it, so
> nobody will figure out how it works? There are two kinds of advantages
> of a secret weapon: (1) self-defense and (2) being seen as a superhuman.
>
> What's the advantage of being seen as a superhuman? Of course: best
> mates, best food, security, no need to work hard, etc.
>
> How do you guard your secret? (1) Do not use it often, (2) Use it
> discretely, (3) Steer away people who try to learn about your weapon (if
> you can't kill them), (4) Teach others to laugh at people who know your
> secret.
Hmmm, I wonder, does this message you sent me off-list, Tad, fall into #2
or #3:
-------------------------------