Should there be a legal limit on the number of hours people can work each week?

A writing exercise

Regulating working time and not allowing workers to work overtime or, on the contrary, forcing workers to accept the imposition of working more than the agreed ‘hours’ is a hot and controversial issue. Let us look at both sides of this interesting issue.

On the one hand, not letting workers choose whether or not to spend more time at work is, or can be perceived as, a clear imposition. But, why? Because if a worker wants to earn more money (call it necessity or whatever you want to call it) by working overtime, why shouldn't the government or the employer allow him to do so?

In addition, in some types of work, working ‘off the clock’ can lead to the completion of difficult tasks or the achievement of a specific and difficult goal.

On the other hand, working 'around the clock', being 'forced' to spend more and more hours at your work, leads, or could lead, to exhaustion, depression an nd really unhealthy consequences (see the burnout sindrome) for the worker. That undesirable situation can be the consequenceof an aggresive leadership or a negative working paterns (idosincrasies).

In summary, while a legal limit on working time can provide vital protection for workers' health and well-being, it is also essential to take into account the need for flexibility and economic development. A balanced approach, which can incorporate exceptions in specific situations, may be the most effective way to address this complex and diverse issue.

Some vocabulary related to the writing

Overtime: Time worked beyond the regular working hours.
Example: "She often works overtime to meet project deadlines."

Regulation: A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
Example: "The new regulation limits the number of overtime hours employees can work."

Imposition: The action or process of imposing something, especially a law or regulation.
Example: "The imposition of strict working hours has sparked debate among employees."

Necessity: The fact of being required or indispensable.
Example: "For many, working extra hours is a necessity to make ends meet."

Off the clock: Working outside of one's scheduled working hours.
Example: "He often works off the clock to finish his tasks."

Exhaustion: A state of extreme physical or mental fatigue.
Example: "Continuous overtime can lead to exhaustion and burnout."

Burnout: Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.
Example: "She experienced burnout after months of working long hours."

Aggressive leadership: A management style characterized by forceful and demanding behavior.
Example: "Aggressive leadership can pressure employees into working excessive hours."

Work-life balance: The equilibrium between personal life and work life.
Example: "Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being."

Idiosyncrasies: A mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual.
Example: "His idiosyncrasies include working late into the night."

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A writing on English idioms and proverbs, and their correspondence in Spanish

Well, "just in the nick of time", I have "to bite the bullet" and write a short post about English idioms, sayings and their equivalence in Spanish. Though nearly "lost at sea" I will explain, or at least try to, the real meanings in their own language and how to use them. But that, probably, will be in another writing, another post.

But, what's an idiom? What's a saying or proverb? 

An idiom is a phrase with a figurative meaning different from its literal one, like “kick the bucket” meaning to die, while a saying is a short, well-known expression that conveys a general truth or advice, such as “a stitch in time saves nine,” which means addressing a problem early can prevent it from becoming bigger.

Let's see some examples of Spanish sayings or proverbs and their equivalences in English (idioms will come later...):

1.- Más vale tarde que nunca - “Better late than never”
It’s better to do something late than not do it at all.

2.- A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda - “The early bird catches the worm”
Those who start early or put in effort early are more likely to succeed.

3.- No hay mal que por bien no venga - “Every cloud has a silver lining”
Every bad situation has some positive aspect to it.

4.- En boca cerrada no entran moscas - “Silence is golden”
Sometimes it’s better to keep quiet to avoid trouble.

5.- Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando - “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”
It’s better to have a sure thing than to risk it for something better that you might not get.

6.- Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente - “Out of sight, out of mind”
If you’re not aware of something, it won’t affect you emotionally.

7.- El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta - “Jack of all trades, master of none”
Trying to do too many things at once often means not doing any of them well.

8.- Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres - “You are known by the company you keep”
The people you associate with reflect your character.

9.- A caballo regalado no se le mira el diente - “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”
Don’t criticize or question something you received as a gift.

10.- No hay peor ciego que el que no quiere ver - “None so blind as those who will not see”
The most deluded people are those who choose to ignore the truth.

Despite those examples are not "straight from the horse's mouth" (I have used the Web, sorry), I hope they can give you an idea of the richness of both languages.

To be continued (perhaps)...

P.S. I recommend you reading the book "Red Herrings and White Elephants" by Albert Jack

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Advice to my younger self for a happier life; a general approach

 

If I could go back in time (a complete impossibility, sorry to remark)  and give advice to my younger self, I would have something to say to 'him' (me). Life is full of ups and downs, and there are many things I have learned along the way that could have made my journey smoother and happier.

First, you should always believe in yourself. Confidence is key to achieving your goals and dreams. You ought to trust your abilities and not let self-doubt hold you back. Remember, you could achieve 'almost' anything you set your mind to if you work hard and stay determined and are really focussed. Of course,  if it is not and impossible task or goal.

Second, you should cherish your relationships. Friends and family are important, and you ought to spend quality time with them. You shouldn't worry so much about what others think of you. True friends will accept you for who you are, at least, most of the time.

Third, you should take care of your health. Eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep are essential for a happy life. You could avoid many problems by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You didn't have to stress about things that are out of your control. Surely, that is hard, but completely true.

Lastly, you should follow your passions or hobbies. Doing what you love brings joy and fulfillment. You ought to pursue hobbies and interests that make you happy (Music?...). You could find a career that aligns with your passions, and you would feel more satisfied in life. Money is important, but not all...

In conclusion, life is a journey, and you should make the most of it. Believe in yourself, cherish your relationships, take care of your health, and follow your passions and /or hobbies. These pieces of advice could lead you to a happier and more fulfilling life.

Vocabulary ('visiting' the dictionary)

- To hold your back: To “hold your back” is an expression that means to support or protect someone, especially in difficult situations. It implies being there for someone, offering help, and ensuring they are not alone in facing challenges. Here are a few ways to hold someone’s back:

- Support: Offer emotional, physical, or financial assistance when needed.

- Encouragement: Motivate and uplift someone, helping them stay positive and focused.

- Protection: Defend or safeguard someone from harm or negative influences.

- Reliability: Be dependable and trustworthy, so the person knows they can count on you.

Holding someone’s back is about being a reliable and supportive presence in their life.

- To cherish: To cherish means to hold something dear and treat it with great care and affection. When you cherish someone or something, you value it highly and show appreciation for its importance in your life.

Here are a few ways to cherish:

- Appreciation: Take time to recognize and be grateful for the people and things that bring joy and meaning to your life.

- Care: Show love and attention through your actions. This could be spending quality time, offering support, or simply being present.

- Respect: Honor the feelings, thoughts, and needs of others. Treat them with kindness and consideration.

- Preservation: Make efforts to maintain and protect what you cherish, whether it’s a relationship, a possession, or a memory.

Cherishing is about recognizing the value of something and nurturing it with love and respect. 

- To take care: To "take care" means to look after someone or something with attention and concern, ensuring their well-being and safety. It involves being responsible and considerate in your actions. Here are a few aspects of taking care:

- Attention: Pay close attention to the needs and conditions of the person or thing you are caring for.

- Protection: Safeguard them from harm or danger.

- Support: Provide help and assistance when needed.

- Nurturing: Foster growth and development through positive actions and encouragement.

- Maintenance: Keep things in good condition through regular care and upkeep.

Taking care is about being mindful and proactive in ensuring the well-being of others or maintaining the condition of something important.

- To follow something: To follow something means to go after or pursue it, often with the intention of reaching a goal or understanding it better.

Alternatives:

- Pursue: Actively work towards achieving or obtaining something.

- Chase: Go after something with determination.

- Track: Monitor or keep an eye on something over time.

- Adhere to: Stick to or remain loyal to something, such as rules or principles.

- Observe: Watch or study something carefully.

- Comply with: Act in accordance with a rule, request, or command.

- Accompany: Go along with or be in the company of something or someone.

- Seek: Look for or try to find something.

- To make the most of something: The expression "to make the most of something" means to take full advantage of a situation, opportunity, or resource in order to gain the greatest benefit or achieve the best possible outcome. It involves using what you have in the most effective and efficient way to maximize positive results. Some examples:

- Time: If you have a free afternoon, you might make the most of it by doing something productive or enjoyable, like reading a book, exercising, or spending time with loved ones.

- Opportunities: When given a chance to learn a new skill or take on a new project, you should make the most of it by putting in your best effort and gaining as much knowledge and experience as possible.

- Resources: If you have access to certain tools or materials, you can make the most of them by using them creatively and efficiently to achieve your goals.

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The Black markets and economy (a writing exercise)

English with Rachel

The topic for the next class will be ´The black markets and economy´ in Spain and throughout the world. 

Therefore I would like you to write a 200 word essay on this topic, making comparisons between different countries, and any personal experiences that you may have with this topic. 

• Understanding the Black Economy: Definition, Implications, and Strategies - SuperMoney
• What is the black market? — Economy (ecnmy.org)

The writing exercise

The black market and the shadow economy are both parts of the economy that operate outside of the official system.

A black market is a specific type of illegal trade. It involves buying and selling things that are forbidden by law, like drugs, weapons, or endangered animals. These activities are harmful to society and often linked to organized crime.

The shadow economy is a broader term for any economic activity that isn't officially recorded. This can include both legal and illegal actions. On one hand, it might involve people doing small jobs like babysitting or repairing things without paying taxes. On the other hand, it can include serious crimes like human trafficking, selling weapons, drugs or money laundering.

While the shadow economy might sometimes provide a way for people to earn a living, it also has negative consequences. Why? Because it could  reduce the amount of tax money governments collect, which can lead to cuts in public services, such as healthcare and education. Additionally, it can create unfair competition for businesses that operate legally, creating monopolies and oligopolies.

Both, the black market and the shadow economy, are difficult to measure because they are deliberately hidden. Governments and organizations around the world work hard to understand these underground activities and find ways to reduce their impact.

Ultimately, I believe that the shadow economy, at a small level, can help people in stressful economic situations, due to bureaucratic and corrupt styles of government. And I am absolutely certain that most of us have been in that kind of situation.

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Food and social connections, a writing exercise

English with Rachel

Hi,

The topic for the next class is called ´Food and social connections´. and the relationship between eating meals together as a social event such as ´The Valencian paella´.

Therefore, I would like you to write a 200 word essay on this topic, here is some vocabulary to help you:

• How food — yes, food — can be a tool for social change | (ted.com): https://ideas.ted.com/how-food-yes-food-can-be-a-tool-for-social-change/
• Social eating connects communities | University of Oxford: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-03-16-social-eating-connects-communities
• Psychology of Food: Bringing People Together | by Greg Morgan | Medium: https://glwest.medium.com/the-psychology-of-food-bringing-people-together-610b8e24c2f7

The writting exercise:

Cooking paella in a group

Cooking in a group is a really wonderful thing to do, because it is fun and creates bonds with family, friends and your local community. It does not really matter the "cooking result": the process will give you satisfaction, communion with the people involved and a feeling of "belonging", not to mention a strong sense of togetherness and well-being.

We could say that these feelings are all due to the oxytocin that our brain creates during the process of this social cooking gathering, but that is only one scientific explanation, not the only one. By nature, we are social beings and we need others to survive and also to be happy and content, despite our current lifestyles, which unfortunately do not help us much in this respect. It is therefore an intelligent social aim, as I see it.

Therefore, cooking a good paella (I prefer 'Valencian') is a great way to foster those bonds with co-workers, family or friends.T he process of cooking is a lot of fun, although, sometimes stressful. It's a perfect excuse for a good social gathering, with a nutritious and delicious result. 

Eating and drinking (perhaps sometimes too much) a traditional dish like Paella Valenciana will surely connect you with your childhood and remembrances. Above all, being in good company and sharing time and special moments with your loved ones is really a luxury in these times of speed, competitiveness and lack of social bonds. So try it!

More links related to:

- Breaking Bread: the Functions of Social Eating - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40750-017-0061-4

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Why do I like Terry Pratchett so much?

English with Rachel. Another writing about Terry Pratchett

Although I have already spoken about this British writer, specifically English, who died in 2015, Rachel asked me why I am ‘fascinated’ by this craftsman of words. And these are my views, personal, but opinions nonetheless:

• He is a writer who is both serious and funny, and his imagination and cunning are world-renowned, even if that is not what I care most about...
  
  
• Although his invented Discworld is ‘somewhat’ strange, you can see and ‘touch’ the connections to our own world, our own history and society, throughout time and space
  
  
• His plots are wonderfully psychological and social; he describes our behaviour and our interrelationships with a competent understanding of humans and pseudo-human...
  
  
• Laughter and knowledge go hand in hand in his dramaturgies, in his plays
  
  
• Prattchet makes you laugh, think and doubt. But, above all, it offers you a sceptical approach to the facts of our societies over time. However, one can see, discover a glimmer of hope, at least in some of its characters. Not everything and everyone is 'fucking' selfish or a complete disaster: good things and good deeds will always be there, even if not many people are able to recognise them... 

Well, I could say more, but it would only be words, it's much better to read it and discover this writer and the fantastic and ‘almost real’ world he managed to create for our enjoyment, and reflection...

Give Terry Pratchett works a chance, you won't regret it!

Some links you may like:

- Discworld (Wikipedia)
- Home Terry Pratchett
- 50 Entertaining Terry Pratchett Quotes: Wit and Wisdom from a Literary Legend 

Some examples:

“The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.” – Terry Pratchett.

“Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.” – Terry Pratchett

“Real stupidity beats artificial intelligence every time.” – Terry Pratchett

“Stories of imagination tend to upset those without one.” – Terry Pratchett 

“Inside every sane person, there's a madman struggling to get out.” – Terry Pratchett

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Dénia: My favourite magical little 'city' on the Mediterranean coast

English with Rachel: A writing exercise about Dénia

In the heart of the Mediterranean lies Dénia (Alicante), a city where time continues to whisper stories of ancient civilisations. From the Iberians to the Greeks, from the Romans to the Arabs, each era has woven its thread into the rich fabric of Dénia. The town's Moorish castle stands as a guardian of history, while the Ethnological Museum houses the cultural jewels of bygone eras. But there is more, much more...

A climate kissed by the sea

Dénia enjoys the embrace of a Mediterranean climate, where the winters are a soft caress and the summers, a passionate embrace, perhaps too passionate for me... With an annual temperature of around 18°C, the city dances in the rain during the autumn showers. I am a ‘witness’ to this climatic condition...

Fire and sea festivals

When the March breeze brings the smell of gunpowder, Dénia lights up with Las Fallas Festival (like in Valencia), painting the sky with flames of joy. In July, the Bous a la Mar celebrate the goodness of the sea. Since 2015, the town's culinary artistry has earned it the title of UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, home to the 3 Michelin-starred delights of chef Quique Dacosta.

Discovering Dénia

Dénia invites you to stroll along the beach of Les Marines, where the blue line of the sea beckons you. Climb up to the historic castle to enjoy a marvellous view of the town, the mountains and the coast. Stroll through the Montgó Natural Park, a mosaic of flora and fauna. Travel back in time at the Ethnological Museum. Taste the Dénia prawns, a treasure of the sea (although I don't like seafood, sorry...). And immerse yourself in the local spirit of its lively fiestas. And don't forget ‘Las rotas’, a magical, if increasingly crowded, natural space...

The bad news: Dénia is becoming more and more overcrowded with tourists every year. It's a pity, because the flavour of this marvellous small Mediterranean town fades with the passing of time. In any case, it is worth to visit Dénia, and maybe, to live there...

And here you have more pictures of Dénia:

And now, some links about holidays and Dénia:

Holidays: https://esldiscussions.com/h/holidays.html
Dénia, wikipedia: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denia
Living in Dénia, Spain: My Expat Experince + Pros and Cons: https://manymoremaps.com/living-in-denia-spain/

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What is stress? A writing exercise and some tips to avoid it

English with Rachel

Hi,

The topic for the next class will be about ´stress´. So I would like you write a 200 word essay about this topic, how it manifests itself and ways of reducing it.

Here is some vocabulary and a listening to help you:

• ESL Discussions Lesson on Stress - https://esldiscussions.com/s/stress.html
• IELTS Vocabulary for Expressing Stress - IELTS & TOEFL Exam Resources: https://tefliz.com/ielts-vocabulary-for-stress/
• Beating stress: https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/general-english/audio-zone/beating-stress

The writing exercise

Every day we are confronted with a series of feelings and thoughts that lead to an unbalanced state of mind, which consequently leads to what is known as stress. Stress is a mental and physical state that leads to a nervous breakdown and eventually to physical damage (hypertension, organ damage, etc.).

That said, there is a good kind of stress, because it is in fact a natural response to a dangerous situation, a situation in which a living being has to react quickly to cope with an immediate danger and avoid it. But in our societies we tend to react to social situations, work situations, etc., as if it were a matter of survival, of real and immediate danger. This can lead to a stressful state of mind.

And what can we do to avoid stress or stressful situations? If these situations are self-imposed or "invented", made up by our mind, we should try to become observers of the situation we are experiencing at that very moment. This is, in my opinion, a valid starting point to avoid an agitated and escalating state of mind. 

Here are some tips:

- Take things as they come, don't expect too much
- Try to do what you really like; live your life (no matter what others say...)
- Avoid thinking all the time about what people think of you or what you do. Don't judge yourself or others, at least not all the time
- Walk alone or in good company as much as you can; natural places are the best for your walks
- Breath, relax and meditate if you can, just for the pleasure of doing these activities
- Sleep and eat healthy and well. Mind and body go hand in hand...
- Live your life as simply as possible. Do not worry too much
- Try to improve yourself every day, but be easy with yourself and others failures
- Take seriously that your life and others lives are important, and that we are not in this world "forever"
- Enjoy life as much as you can, and try if possible to help others

Some more resources about stress:

• https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress
• https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-health-3145086

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Arquitectural buildings (and a writing exercise)

English with Rachel

For next weeks topic, I want you talk about different architectural buildings. You could pick 2/3 to discuss in class and also write an 150 word essay on this topic.

Here is some vocabulary to help you:

- Architecture Vocabulary List: Top 100 Common Words Used
- 16 edificios para visitar (y enamorarse) de la Comunidad Valenciana

The writing:

Valencia city is rich in wonderful and iconic buildings and monuments, both "ancient" and contemporary. And one of the most well-known architectural complexes is the City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia.

Built on the old bed of the Turia River, this architectural complex is a must-visit for tourists and Valencians. It was designed by the famous architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. Calatrava has some "dark holes" or controversial issues regarding his effectiveness, from a practical point of view.

That said, one cannot deny its beautiful, futuristic, and balanced lines. The CAC, as it is known, is a meeting point, a magnificent place for all visitors to this Mediterranean city.

The CAC, a joint name for several buildings, consists of the following architectural elements: Hemisfèric; Museum of Sciences; Palau de les Arts; Oceanogràfic; Umbracle and Ágora. White and blue are the dominant colours of all these creative and futuristic buildings.

Old and historical buildings in Valencia
Valencia is also rich in historical buildings, jewels of a past time. The most important ones are: The Silk Exchange; The Silk Museum; The Serranos Towers; The Quart Towers; The Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas; The Cathedral of Valencia, The Basilica of Valencia; The Church of the Santos Juanes; The Miguelete; The Museum of Fine Arts (San Pío V); The IVAM; The Beneficencia; The Central Market, The Colón Market; The Round Square; The North Station; The Principal Theatre; The Post Office Building; The Town Hall of Valencia; The Church of San Nicolás; The Church of Santa Catalina; The City of the Fallero Artist; The Clock Building; Valencia Port; The Royal Gardens (known as Viveros); The Monforte Gardens; El Cento del Carmen...

In conclusion: Valencia is a city where the old and the new go 'hand in hand'...

To know more about Valencia's heritage:
- Popular Valencia Tours and Activities
- Walking tours in Valencia
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Arquitecture in Valencia

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My favorite writers: Sir Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett was an English novelist and creator of, among other works, the famous Discworld series. 

Magic and imagination, together with satire, sharp humour and an intelligent understanding of the human mind, are some of the ingredients of his highly successful legacy for us, in my personal opinion.

He started out as a journalist when he left school at the age of 17, and published his first novel in 1971, entitled The Carpet People. He went on to write comic fantasy, satire and science fiction, gaining increasing fame and critical and public acclaim.

His first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. His last Discworld novel was The Shepherd's Crown, published in August 2015, five months after his death.

He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1998 and knighted for services to literature at the 2009 New Year's Day ceremony. Pratcheet died in 2015, after a long illness, I think of Alzheimer's, but he gave us one of the most comic, satirical and intelligent visions of our world and our society, reflected in a fictional world called Discworld. 

I really can't stop reading and re-reading his novels, especially the Discworld series. I think we have lost one of the best English writers of this century. But I wish that he lives on in our minds and in his personal and fantastic Discworld...

Some useful links related to Terry Pratchett:

• Terry Pratchett's web
• His books
• Terry Pratchett: King of Satire-Fantasy
• ‘A butt of my own jokes’: Terry Pratchett on the disease that finally claimed him 

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Writing and vocabulary on Food processing

English with Rachel

Hi,

For the next class we are going to talk about Agriculture in Spain, and what Spain it famous for producing food wise. Please can you write a 150 word essay on this topic, here is some vocabulary to help you:

Food Processing Words - 337 Words Related to Food Processing

The writing:

Food habits and culture in Spain

Spain is (perhaps "was") known for its healthy eating habits and rich gastronomy. The so-called Mediterranean diet is one of the most appreciated worldwide, as experts in the field have so far affirmed. Although the Mediterranean diet is not exclusively Spanish (Italians, Greeks and some other countries of the Mediterranean "belt"), our eating habits are well regarded among nutritionists and health professionals.

But (there is always a "but"...), things are changing and the so-called healthy habits are drifting towards a more global and unhealthy culinary culture; I am referring to the rise of processed food, junk food, so to speak. Globalisation, the food industry's constant "effort" to cut costs, which is in the hands of a few multinational companies (four or five at most), is rapidly changing the old "wise" concept of working for a living and the eating habits of most countries, including our own. 

Unfortunately, nowadays food processing is rapidly gaining ground among the Spanish population, probably due to changing work habits and a failure to consider food as a very important part of our lives.

The solution? I think we should try to maintain our food traditions, taking into account the advantages and discoveries of Food Science. Because, after all, we are what we eat.

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Personal values, a writing exercise

English with Rachel

In the next class we will be talking about personal values, where they come from and they are integrated into our every day life's. 

I would like you to write a 150 word essay on your personal values and attitude to values. Here is some vocabulary and a video to help you:

- Social Value synonyms - 105 Words and Phrases for Social Value

The writing exercise

A personal approach to social values

Today, although social values are present in almost every speech of our political and social leaders, their real meaning, their real outcome, is up in the air in our western societies, perhaps in all societies of the world...

Morality, honesty, truthfulness, trustworthiness, trust and any other abstract concept related to goodness in personal values are really in decline, as I see it. Why? Because the human race is selfish, capable of destroying everything in order to achieve an "ephemeral" goal, aimed at one's own benefit.

Have we changed over time, over the ages, in terms of our moral concept and our approach to justice in this world we share? Sadly, I think not, at least not at the higher levels of our societies, which, in theory, seek to correct our mistakes, errors and failures inherited from our survival instincts.

Anyway, one must try to be optimistic in these strange (always strange...) days and put one's little effort just to reverse our natural inclination to complete selfishness and love for destruction...

I really hope we keep trying to redefine our status, our attitude in this small and unique world in which we are trying to live and let live, at least...

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