Hi Max!

I feel like a Teletubby, wanting to give big hugs all around. (Ah. Does anybody else know what I'm talking about here? I'll explain later if so. Then again.)

no closer to discerning the ultimate source
Hmmm, well, we are a bit closer. I know that "Man needs Religion like a fish needs a bicycle" is known as Vique's Law. Also, from Irina Dunn's email, we know that she knew of the saying from philosophical writings. And last but not least, bikes have only been in common usage for a fairly short number of years. We don't have to delve into history much.

I'm convinced we'll find out some time.

the young man's brutal, callous and vicious closing sentence in that post
Eeek! How could I be so thoughtless, my dear chap? Actually I believe Ms Dunn's origins are rather more diverse than is implied by Ms Steinem if you check out the biog linked in to JSA's page. And I'm sure JazzO didn't mean it. And, umm... hey, look at that! [points skyward then runs away]