'Brand,' is what journalists and industry-people say… we say culture movement. As artists we say culture! Movement! And analysts say brand. I don't know what a brand is, but I know what a freakin' movement is….

For thousands of years of human history—let alone pre-history—there was never this sense, so common to us now, of a future likely to be radically different from the present. There was really a sense that humanity had already reached its peak, and so the question wasn't what comes next that's better, but rather how to prevent decline and loss.

While optimism is essential and beneficial in many aspects of life, it can become a hindrance in the realm of large-scale, costly projects. Misplaced optimism in multi-billion-dollar investments is particularly problematic. It often signals impending financial shortfalls.

The Buddha would calmly invite Mara to have tea, demonstrating the importance of befriending what's difficult. The key is learning how to have tea with Mara and embrace even the most intense energies.

All participants in a society have a responsibility to it's social contract.