Introduction

Many of the ways we behave don't seem make a lot of sense.

Hence "Hold on a moment ... lets think a bit more about that".

For example ...

Are we really better off than our ancestors 400 years ago? Yes we have more stuff including shinier hospitals. But better off is not about where we stand on the ladder of technology. Its whether we are content with our lives, or whether we are always worried about tomorrow - stuggling to get more or hoping to escape some disaster. From that point of view I doubt if the human condition has changed in 10 thousand years - and doing our best to consume all the resources of the planet as quickly as possible won't make any difference.

Why does anyone need to have a car costing £50,000 – especially as they consume even more fuel than cars costing a third of the price?

Why do we allow cars with engines more powerful than, say, 35hp If people are really concerned about the environment and road crash deaths and injuries?

Why is it necessary for shares and such to be bought and sold in milliseconds? What interest in or control over a company can you have in such a short time?

Why is it necessary to extract minerals in the Arctic? Why not leave them in case our great great ... grandchildren in 500 years time might have use for them?