Yet another cultural hero has fallen. This week the many fans of Tiger Woods (and I’m one of them) awoke to reports that Tiger was in a minor car accident outside of his home. Details were sketchy but it appeared he may have been on medication which could explain how he could hit a fire hydrant and then a tree as he exited his property at approximately two in the morning – it was also reported that at the scene Tiger appeared to be going ‘in and out of consciousness.’

Initially I didn’t think much of it. I mean, hey, at two in the morning I often go in and out of consciousness as well – without any medication! I also remember wondering what the heck he was doing leaving his house at 2am. Continue reading…

It may not be the end of civilization (yet), but it seems we may have turned the corner on the end of civility… and so the latter cannot be a good sign for the former.

Behavioral scientists sometimes speak of different levels of human development and consciousness. For instance, ‘warrior’ consciousness expresses itself in terms of “the world is a jungle; eat or be eaten; express yourself and to hell with everybody else.” You have to admit those are not particularly admirable traits nor do they lead to admirable ways of interacting with others and the world at large. And yet, even though this level of consciousness is one of the lowest levels of all human interaction, suddenly it feels ubiquitous. Continue reading…