Even the abstract principles being fought over in this budget round are not the defining issues separating libertarians, conservatives and liberals on the question of whither goest the American welfare state and the military-industrial complex.

FORBES: The GOP: Not The Gipper's Team Any Longer

Interestingly, the prosecutor and magistrate today both raised, in abstract terms, the possibility of the charges against Oscar Pistorius being reduced from murder to culpable homicide - something which could mean a fine or suspended sentence rather than a long jail term.

BBC: Oscar Pistorius: Variations on a theme of grief

One type prides himself in being able to think and speak in a logical, rational, linear, detailed, abstract and conceptual manner.

FORBES: An Experts Dilemma -Media Training