To solve this expression without directly substituting values, let's analyze the trigonometric terms involved and check for any potential simplifications using identities.

The expression is: $\sec^2\left(\frac{14\pi}{17}\right) - \sec^2\left(\frac{39\pi}{17}\right) + \cot^2\left(\frac{41\pi}{34}\right) - \cot^2\left(\frac{23\pi}{34}\right)$

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Use the Pythagorean Identity for Secant: Recall that: $\sec^2 \theta = 1 + \tan^2 \theta$ This can be helpful if we want to express secant terms in terms of tangent.

2. Apply Cotangent Identities: Similarly, for cotangent, we have: $\cot^2 \theta = \csc^2 \theta - 1$ But this might not simplify the expression directly.

3. Check for Symmetry in Arguments: The angles $\frac{14\pi}{17}$ and $\frac{39\pi}{17}$ might relate to each other in a way that allows simplification. Note that: $\frac{14\pi}{17} + \frac{39\pi}{17} = \frac{53\pi}{17} = 3\pi + \frac{2\pi}{17}$ which suggests these angles may be complementary modulo $\pi$, but without specific simplification, we can't proceed further here.

4. Conclusion: Without further information on symmetries or angle transformations, the expression does not simplify in an obvious manner using standard trigonometric identities alone.

Would you like a deeper exploration into any specific part of this problem, such as transformations or specific identities to simplify individual terms?

Here are some questions to further explore:

1. What angle identities would simplify terms in expressions like this one?
2. How can complementary angles in trigonometric functions help simplify expressions?
3. What are cotangent and secant identities useful in similar problems?
4. Why is symmetry in angles important in simplifying trigonometric expressions?
5. How does modular arithmetic in trigonometric functions impact simplification?

Tip: Trigonometric expressions often simplify through angle addition or reduction formulas; always check if the angles sum up to special angles like $\pi/2$ or $\pi$.