What might have been awkward revelations were instantly purged of mortification in the sharing. For one thing, both Kipp and Woody were innocent and had been inoculated against the loss of innocence, the former because of his canine nature, the latter because of his developmental disability. Furthermore, both understood that all creatures with high cognitive ability, to one degree or another, were often fools and should embrace their foolishness rather than deny it. That understanding ensured humility. Humility was the foundation for all lasting achievements.