From an early age, we are all taught to mind our manners. We must say particular words, even make particular gestures, under particular circumstances. It is very important that we remember to be this particular, lest we commit the dreadful sin of appearing impolite. All this can lead to some awkward anomalies. What do we do, for example, when we want to express fury? 'Please sir or madam, may I inform you that you are an idiot? Thank you.Is it not funny?What if it all goes wrong? And what if it doesn't? What if, indeed, that very fear of disaster, somehow, becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy? For all that we hear so many terrible tales of trouble and trauma, most things go well for most people, most of the time. More often than not plans come to fruition and hopes are fulfilled. Statistically speaking, it is far more likely that your current concern will come to nothing than it will prove to have been a relevant sense of foreboding.

Is this happening because of that? Or is that happening because of this? Scientists, philosophers, even ordinary folk like you and I, frequently wrestle with such questions. We all yearn to know what's really going on. If blessed with such knowledge, we may be able to exert greater power and influence over our environment. And if we really don't have a clue? Well then, how can we hope to make any kind of a constructive decision?People love to argue. Almost the very moment that anyone anywhere makes an emphatic, apparently unequivocal statement, someone else will feel inspired to play devil's advocate. It is through just such a process of claim and challenge that ideas get put to the test and good plans become great strategies. Or at least, that's what happens when doubts are explored intelligently. Nay-saying leads to nothing but negativity. Success, this week, is a matter of making sure that all conversations remain constructive.