Another of the corollaries of the Solzhenitsin quote is the common assumption that the problem is always 'other people'. That also flows from the idea of the sheer reality of the reality of others not being treated as real by oneself.

And dumbing down is partly a consequence of a poor education, and a poor education is required by this damned system, which K.M. said would continue until it reached its limits of development. We're a way off that.

Meanwhile the world is run by bullies, 'cos you have to be a bully to succeed in most public spheres. Thankfully, the net loooks to me like one of the places where nobody can succeed in the power sense. It's the true place for public debate.

I'll have to go and lie down now with a cup of very strong water.