> Prof. Tim wrote:
> >Assuming that Shaman are working under the belief that what they are
doing
> >is good and vital for both their clients and their culture, *why would
> >they withhold information?*
>
> Then why do they? Is that not as important a question? That is my
> question, actually. I think they do, from my perspective. What
> information have they given you when you've asked, or any investigator,
> or what source of information have they revealed or offered?
>
> I have always considered the beliefs of the culture irrelevant to this
> issue, in the same way the beliefs of any scientist are irrelevant to his
> discoveries. (In most cases belief hinders the discovery, but that is
> another issue....) If a shaman (or whoever) persists in thinking 'chi'
> has anything to do with anything, there may still be a serendipitous
> presentation of causes for an effect. The shaman will have done some
> work. Will he impart to all and sundry, through general communication,
> the results of this happenstance? Would a scientist?
>
> You tell me. Why would anyone keep beneficial knowledge secret?
Hey! I'm the one askin' the questions here! (kidding)
I'll give you a hint. It's very similar to the reason why Brodie won't
give away his books for free.
Get it?
-Prof. Tim