If we can abstract pathogenicity and hygiene from our notion of dirt, we are left with the old definition of dirt as matter out of place. This is a very suggestive approach. It implies two conditions: a set of ordered relations and a contrevention of that order. Dirt then, is never a unique, isolated event. Where there is dirt there is a system. Dirt is the by-product of a systematic ordering and classification of matter, in so far as ordering involves rejecting inappropriate elements.

It is only partly true that religion does more harm than good in society. The community makes God into the image it wants, vengeful, or milky sweet, or scrupulously just, and so on.

Any great organization can go through sectarian phases.

I have increasingly, over the years, felt that religion today does our civilization more harm than good.

It's unlikely that the organized religions will get more sectarian... or is it? I am not at all sure.

When we are reflecting on terrorism we can grieve for many things we do and have done.

Enclave life becomes very tense, Even when they do elect a leader, the factions remain, with the threat of splitting off.