The discussant finds himself in essential agreement with the author's proposed revision of psychoanalytic theory and practice to allow for the importance of the concept of provisions and to lessen the privileged position of abstinence. The discussant's aim is to place the author's innovative concept within the older as well as the newer canons of psychoanalysis by synoptically reviewing some of the constraints that earlier Zeitgeists have imposed on it. Further, the discussant attempts to place the author's theory in the perspective of other, hitherto undiscussed, but nevertheless vital aspects of psychoanalytic practice, e.g., its being like an improvisational passion play in which patient and analyst must “know their roles” (supporting the rule of abstinence) but is also a humanistic enterprise for which the analyst, like a parent, must continually remain aware of the necessity for humanistic provisions, to say nothing of common, decent courtesy.