Life, it seems, is nothing if not a series of initiations, transitions, and incorporations.

Americans have a penchant for the future and tend to disregard the past.

Future orientation is combined with a notion and expectation of progress, and nothing is impossible.

Cities all over the world are getting bigger as more and more people move from rural to urban sites, but that has created enormous problems with respect to environmental pollution and the general quality of life.

In the light of our culture, these are not unreasonable questions and tactics, but if once again, we try to see the lens through which we look, we can see that there is far too great an emphasis placed on the future.

My academic identity is that of a folklorist, and for many years I have taught only folklore courses.

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.