Decius wrote:
] I don't know why people would prefer to live in the real
] world if a virtual one was accessible ... People choose
] to be strong even if they don't really have to.

If a virtual world ever starts to seem "easy," I don't think it can be taken seriously in a sustainable way. Regardless of where you start, it is the struggle (and the opportunity) to improve that makes it worthwhile.

]] If you haven't seen "Born Rich", it's worth the hour.
]
] I would very much like to see it.
] Does this video offer a healthy cross section?

In "Born Rich", Johnson tells a story about the people around him. In a geographical sense, you don't get much of a cross section; the film has a distinct New York/New Jersey perspective. At least one person in the film has some connection to LA, mainly because the family fortune is in real estate. But in a personal sense, you see a range of responses to growing up around great wealth. A few of his friends are very well grounded, while others are completely out of touch with reality.

]] How about collecting historical documents?
]
] My living grandfather and two of my cousins have spent years
] doing this. I don't think their pursuit has been meaningless.

If you haven't seen "Born Rich" then my comment is likely to be taken out of context. It sounds like you're talking about genealogy, and I agree with your entirely on that point.

In the film, Jamie's father suggests that he might like to roam the world, buying up centuries-old nautical maps, original copies of famous documents from Old Europe, ancient Sumerian tablets, and the like. Not necessarily to study them, mind you, but simply to own them, as a collection. One is taking on the role of a curator, except that instead of a musuem gallery, it's just your living room.

RE: How to Spread the Word When the Word Is 'Grim'