Just because somebody hears something you say, or reads something that you write, doesn't mean you've reached them. With reading comprehension being what it is in the U. S., you can safely toss that one out the window. If you want to judge by the listening habits of people who buy records, the first thing they do is put it on and talk over it.

Certification from one source or another seems to be the most important thing to people all over the world. A piece of paper from a school that says you're smart, a pat on the head from your parents that says you're good or some reinforcement from your peers that makes you think what you're doing is worthwhile. People are just waiting around to get certified.

It's raw, unbridled superstition for these people to claim that words can harm you.

She use to knock me out until her face broke out.

You don't think I work 14 hours a day right now?! I mean, I still put in the hours, I still do the work.

Okay, it was the Tree of Knowledge. "You eat this apple; you're going to be as smart as God." We can't have that.

Is this something new, having people stomp on you? Is it what I need to do for your pleasure?