ABSTRACT
Intuitive sensitivity is the faculty whereby we cope with the 'real' world of dangerous and threatening relationships, and language the faculty which mediates the mythical, 'objective' world which we would all much prefer to believe in. Depending on the heaviness of a person's stake in the mythical world, it is entirely possible for him or her to disclaim any trust in or respect for the knowledge which intuitive sensitivity makes available to disconfirm it, that is, in either the self, or others, or both. The affliction of intuitive sensitivity is experienced most often in the form of shyness — the form, that is, of self-consciousness negatively valued in our culture. It is thus generally felt in our culture that shyness is a negative characteristic, to be discouraged where possible in children, and treated if necessary in adults.
