There are times when editors should be constrained (or possibly locked away).
From the editorial this week’s New Scientist: ‘We may no longer be qualitatively different, yet what other species has flown to the moon, invented theatre or makes birthday cake?’
Indeed. Leaving aside the poor writing (it seems to imply we were once different, where it actually means there was once a theory we were different – and what has happened to the tenses in the latter part?), is that really the best he, she or it could do to list what makes humans unique?
From henceforth we shall be known as Homo birthdaycakeicus.
Good catch, Brian.
Now, had they written chocolate birthday cake, things would have been so different.
So what would make your list, Brian?
The ambiguity of the quote has infected the title of your blog, Brian. When I read it, I thought it was an imperative, and reflected that while it did seem rather extreme, it was a good idea.
Henry – no, not ambiguity, cognitive dissonance.
Matt – Nature, of course.
That, and sycophancy … :)
What’s the emoticon for blowing a raspberry?
:P
Cake!