Presently it appears that people are mainly concerned with being well rested. Those capable of uninterrupted sleep are much admired. Unconsciousness is in great demand. This is the day of the milligram. The rigors of learning how to do long division have been a traditional part of childhood, just like learning to smoke. In fact, as far as I am concerned, the two go hand in hand. Any child who cannot do long division by himself does not deserve to smoke.

Maybe it's superficial to exude a sense of confidence in one's clothes. But it's also integral. We have an appearance. Not all of us are beautiful. But we can appear fine looking. So we should. Feeling good about an outfit is the point at which that outfit finally becomes good.

Civilised adults do not take apple juice with dinner.

All God's children are not beautiful. Most of God's children are, in fact, barely presentable.

I just can't smile at people for money.

Spilling your guts is just exactly as charming as it sounds.

All of television's appalling, but this is hardly a new statement.