When I first broached the subject of things Bigger than Oneself on the Anthro-l email list, the first response I received was a link to a song by Georges Brassens, Mourir pour des idées. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1h2po_mourir-pour-des-idees_music There is one verse in particular that resonates with me in regards to "causes". An english translation:

The Saint John Chrysotoms who preach martyrdom
Usually manage to hang around on earth.
Dying for ideas, let's be clear about it,
That's their reason for living, so they're not going to lose it.

This is a phrase employed by social entities seeking to enlist adherents. It is used by counselors advising people on how to improve their lives. It is used by 'good causes', 'bad causes', religions, military, non-profit organizations, etc, etc, etc. The phrase has been characterized as a "dangerous meme" as it may lead an individual into situations requiring self sacrifice and even death.

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I recently found an article on the deleterious effects of rudeness in the work place. The article was primarily concerned with personnel in surgical theaters. I work in a big box retail outlet and I spend much of my time copying keys. I must say that there is plenty of rudeness to be found around this machine. Associated with the negative effects of this rudeness time and space itself seem to be effected. Five or ten minutes turn into 20 to 30 minutes and chronology of events is altered. "I was here first, no I was... ".

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Here is an issue I was unaware of until a thread appeared on the anthro-l mailing list, coltan mining in the Congo. Coltan is a mineral that is refined into tantalum which in turn is used in the manufacture of capacitors and other hi-tech products. The mining of this mineral has caused rather severe environmental and social issues and plays an important role in the financing of the African civil wars. We all too often assume that our electronic existence is clean because it doesn't appear to emit pollution and too easily forget or ignore what makes it all possible.

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