"Lost at sea": Until rather recently this conclusion to also served the expectations of people who dared to traverse the vast unknown reaches of earth. It is mostly water, the gaping maw.

Sojourner Truth's unanswered letters to her only son Peter come to mind. But also naval wars over colonies from Asia Minor to Australia and the Middle Passage, of course: There are no markers at those graves. Epic literature and song mourn failure and courage. They praise conquest of near certain death.

So I have wondered somewhat idly, What exceptions have come to rule the dread, the imaginations, and lived experiences of so many nameless generations who have waited to no avail for signs of life in the deep?

In truth it may be a pervasive belief that human dominion, finally, knows no bounds. Or pervasive denial: The will of one person such as Andreas Lubitz is insufficient to pervert humanity cowering in all of us. It is never enough. It is unsatisfying and not big.

 

Diversity is the key to economic and political evolution.