"In order that you use that vast storehouse you have, you must fill it. It is like the galaxy's finest filing system—but it is empty. The drawer files haven't even collected dust, and the cross-index cries for its cards to be notated. Understand?"
"Of course. Intelligence is not sufficient. Experience can and will prepare a man for—"
"Be careful," smiled Len Dor Vale. "In gaining experience one gains also knowledge."
"My mind," said Wan Nes Stan sharply, "has the ability to contain ... a capacity for learning far above all. I know that the prime factor is the capacity. Without capacity, one cannot fill it with experience and knowledge. But get the knowledge—proper and well-balanced—and experience is really unnecessary."
"Providing that your knowledge is gained from one having the experience. Then you will get experience vicariously. The practise necessary to use that experience will come similarly. You are most fortunate, Wan Nes Stan. I want to know, can you keep yourself busy for a few days? I must make a short trip to a conference. I must not miss it. Can you—"
"I can, and will. I am going to see if I can make a machine that will transfer knowledge and experience from one mind to another. I shall convert my own gadget, here. I will not wait five centuries before I take my next step."
Len Dor Vale smiled in agreement. "I'd suggest that you take some time for amusement."
"Amusement? Spend my time in play when there are things to be done?"
"We think it best to balance the mind's work with the mind's ability to play. You'll find that our fun and games are just as advanced as are our aims and our day's work. You'll not be doing anything childish, Wan Nes Stan."
"Len Dor Vale, I eschewed a future long years ago. I gave up my right to wife and family. Women have little lure for me since all women per se look upon men as possible fathers for their children. Games have as their fundamental concept the desire to excel in the mind or the body as an exhibition of desirability to the female. I shall continue to work."