Institutions have the pathetic megalomania of the computer whose whole vision of the world is its own program.

Hierarchy is is much reviled in the present day.

If people want to compete for leadership of a religious group, they can compete in piety. A chilling thought. Or funny.

Some scholars have been arguing that a civilizational clash between organized religions is the next step in human history.

The history of the Church of Rome is a constant leakage of members into such breakaway cults, which go on splitting.

Without the letters of condolence, telegrams of congratulations and even occasional postcards, the friendship of a separated friend is not a social reality. It has no existence without the rites of friendship. Social rituals create a reality which would be nothing without them.

The human body is always treated as an image of society.