Understanding Sophie’s Choice: It’s about a Return to Nature

Sophie confronted by a Nazi Officer

In the film "Sophie’s Choice", Sophie (played by Meryl Streep) is ordered by a Nazi officer to make the difficult choice as to which of her two children she keeps – one would be gassed to death and one would be sent to a children’s camp. As any parent will testify, it’s an impossible decision … Continue reading Understanding Sophie’s Choice: It’s about a Return to Nature

Death – It’s a Matter of Timing

The grim reaper looks on

There’s a natural order to life, rules which we expect to follow, principles which are generally accepted: Older people should die before younger ones. Healthy people should live longer than those who have lived an unhealthy life. Children should not die before their parents. Unfortunately, these rules do not always apply. There are no guarantees … Continue reading Death – It’s a Matter of Timing

Hanging on a Thin Blue Line – The Difficulty of Policing

Policemen next to a protestor

When there’s a clear distinction between the good guys and the baddies it’s not too difficult to enforce the law. But unfortunately it’s not always like that! You’re a police officer; you’re clad in full riot gear; you’re on the front line facing a large, noisy protest. The situation is confrontational. The order comes through … Continue reading Hanging on a Thin Blue Line – The Difficulty of Policing

Mobility … Our Genetic Path to Development

A camper van on rugged terrain

Development – whether that is industrial, technological, economic or social – has expanded exponentially over the last couple of hundred years. This sudden upsurge contrasts with the slow, steady and incremental progress that had for many generations preceded it. Why has that suddenly happened? What triggered it? What sustains it? How long will it continue … Continue reading Mobility … Our Genetic Path to Development

Old and Left Behind – The Downside of Technological Advancement

An elderly woman struggling with her phone

Over the last few weeks I have spent some time with my elderly parents and one of the most noticeable aspects of their lives that became apparent to me is how distant and estranged they are from modern life. They just don’t understand it. Now I accept that every generation will, at times, incomprehensively shake … Continue reading Old and Left Behind – The Downside of Technological Advancement

Travel Pay for Low Pay – A Novel Idea to Improve the Labour Market

Travelling to work

An environmentally positive change to the employment market that would operationally improve the labour force as well as having a beneficial levelling -up effect on incomes with no governmental cost….. too good to be true? Here’s an idea. All employees on minimum wage (or to a specific amount above this) should be payed “Travel Relief” … Continue reading Travel Pay for Low Pay – A Novel Idea to Improve the Labour Market

Marriage – Is It For Better or For Worse?

A couple getting married

The idea that marriage is purely a formal, public pledge of love, devotion and commitment is to misunderstand the historical and genealogical purpose of this ceremonial bond. We should abandon any romantic notions we might have, and, instead, recognise marriage for what it really is - a managerial, controlling practice. In our early existence, male … Continue reading Marriage – Is It For Better or For Worse?