I have written elsewhere that the attribute that most distinguishes human beings from other animals is their consciousness – not only can they think but they are aware of their thinking. This allows the development of what is called the “concept of mind” such that we can imagine others have the same capacity. Biologists and […]

I suspect it is hard for most of us to believe. There is a site in Jerusalem which purports to have high religious significance to both Muslims and Jews. It is variously called Al Aqsa by the Muslim population and The Temple Mount by the Jews. Whatever it is called it has recently been the […]

There is something inherent in human nature that seems to compel most of us to romanticise the past. There are two dilemmas here. To begin with the “good old days” were never as good as we imagined. We seem bound to remember the best and forget the rest! And then secondly the past is not […]

A courtier told Constantine that a mob had broken the head of his statue with stones. The emperor lifted his hands to his head, saying: “It is very surprising, but I don’t feel hurt in the least”. What a wonderful response! In the political correct atmosphere of today he most likely would have taken offense! […]