This morning I had one of those encounters: fate gives a gentle high five, and the universe slaps me back into the other half of my brain

This morning I had one of those encounters that slaps you back into the other half of your brain. It reminded me that “guardian angels” are not the only ones doing invisible work; sometimes it is the last person you saw before you chose the B‑road—if we are honest, the hedonistic highway. That kind of jolt forces a new dialogue with oneself, and therefore with others.

We were talking about the state of the world and its dwellers. My take was this: people still pass on the herd gene, but the hive mind is gone. Where once the alpha was responsible for the group, the alpha is now responsible only for the reflection in the mirror. Politicians with no common sense and even less conscience go hunting for satisfaction in their narcissism. People group together to chase pleasure and shield themselves from social awkwardness, but when push comes to shove there are no friends in need—only contacts, followers, and ghosts.

What the world needs now are parents willing to prepare their children for the future as the future they are and will be. Without them, there will be none. If we want to avoid handing our world to psychopaths like we have at present—judges who strip away rights and protection, psycho Putin, creepy Gates, and the rest of the family of Adam, the real‑world Addams Family without the charm—we will have to make strong the ones that lack the depravity, or for that matter the considered charisma, to lead and not lead on.

and the rest of the family of Adam, the real‑world Addams Family without the charm

They must be made strong with mindfulness and care in all forms. Children need this to grow confident, mentally healthy, and respectful of themselves and others.

Read, eat, dance, drink, think, love, laugh, and understand the magic and tragic of life and living. Own your actions like an etiquette.

If one understands the practical reasons behind etiquette, one is surprised by its pragmatism reflected in daily life. Be polite. Do not do to others what you would not wish upon yourself. Smile a good day and simply nod at the fool who tries to ruin it. Be honest and humble. Try laziness in the next life—perhaps as a cat.

As always and forever,

Irena Phaedra