Is this it?
Is it this?

It is this.
This is it.

Absorption
Obsession
Indulgence
Gratification
Loathing
Pity
Destruction
Fishness

In the early days, when communities were the only way to survive, religion was the opiate of the masses.

As time progressed, and the family rather than the community became ascendant, television became the opiate of the masses.

As the individual became ascendant, the Internet became the opiate of the masses.

And today, as individuals are lost, opiates are becoming the opiate of the masses.

The evidence suggests that humans require opiates — perhaps, together, we should choose a different kind than the one we use now?

Long time ago,
Rock strong, alone.
Water comes.
And crash.
Long time ago,
Rock strong, alone.
Water comes.
And crash.

Now Rock is Sand.
Now Water brushes Sand.
Now Crab nests in Sand.
Now Water caresses Sand.
Now Dog frolics on Sand.
Now Water teases Sand.
Now Child plays with Sand.
Now Water kisses Sand.

And Sand ponders,
Long time ago,
Had, God forbid,
Water never come,
Would Rock strong, alone,
Have had the strength
To go to Water
And crash?

Talking with engineers about artificial intelligence reminds me of when I was fourteen and talking to my friends about sex.

Everyone is interested in it.
Everyone thinks everyone else is doing it.
Everyone claims they are doing it.
And everyone thinks it’s going to be awesome once they do it.

Few people are actually doing it.
Few people know the messiness of it.
Few people understand it.
But those few people know it’s pretty awesome once you do it.