When Google announced their plan to digitize all the books from all the libraries it was—despite few exceptions—hailed as an example of how technology could advance human knowledge. Imagine, many said, all the knowledge in one place. Imagine, searching for something and have the result truly be a thorough search. But then the idea came…

If I had read that a scientist had been given a grant to study the habitats of mole rats, or their reproductive habits, or their longevity, I would have wondered at the wisdom of such a grant. I would have been very likely to criticize the grant giver for having too a narrow vision or…

For years now when people ask how I am, I answer, “grateful.” For years I have received a number of what I call cold shoulder responses. Today was no different. I was at the cleaners and the young woman at the counter asked rather automatically as she readied to take my clothes, “How are you…