Well, there you go -- the web of dependency is built into some cultures and absorbed like mother's milk. For others it is shock to discover that it is needed and some never know the grace to find those friends. But whether by birth or by friendships built between strangers, the relationship is only there because it is decided on, put in place by the participants -- something I know that seems obviousbut always bears repeating.

As an aside, does anyone know if there were similar post-war booms in population in India or China?

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