Ecology, sociology, history, ancient languages, is there any common thread behind all of this? I like to think yes, there is, and it is for me to dig in and find out what's the purpose, and what I can make of it. I don't have the benefit of a university education, nor are my goals in line with those of a university scholar, things such as research positions or grants. My aim is merely to understand a little bit about the reality I find myself immersed in and maybe a way to live that makes if just a little bit of sense. The whole world has gone mad. It's amusing to watch, but I do not intend to go mad with it. If everybody seems to embrace absurdity and live by it, must I follow as well? Let them play their silly games, I will play mine.