At the root of the shy temperament is a deep fear of social judgment one so severe it can sometimes be crippling. Introverted people don't worry unduly about whether they'll be found wanting they just find too much socializing exhausting and would prefer either to be alone or in the company of a select few people.

But there comes a moment in everybody's life when he must decide whether he'll live among the human beings or not - a fool among fools or a fool alone.

I have no time for those who say there is no way Scotland could go it alone. I know first-hand the contribution Scotland and Scots make to Britain's success - so for me there's no question about whether Scotland could be an independent nation.

If those committed to the quest fail they will be forgiven. When lost they will find another way. The moral imperative of humanism is the endeavor alone whether successful or not provided the effort is honorable and failure memorable.