We are talking about what it means to be human; and since our topic is extremely complex, I thought it would be good to begin by gleaning some wisdom from an expert.  Consider these words from Calvin (and one from Hobbes and, I guess, also from Bill Watterson); and unlike a comic strip, each quote here stands alone:  Calvin: “You know, Hobbes, some days even my lucky rocket ship underpants don’t help.” Calvin: “Everybody seeks happiness! Not me, though! That’s the difference between me and the rest of the world. Happiness isn’t good enough for me! I demand euphoria!” Calvin: “Life is full of surprises, but never when you need one.” Hobbes: “So the secret to good self-esteem is to lower your expectations to the point where they’re already met?” Calvin: “In my opinion, we don’t devote nearly enough scientific research to finding a cure for jerks.” Calvin: “God put

One of my favorite TV shows of all time (although now, sadly, it is showing signs of age) is “The Prisoner.”  Patrick McGoohan is one of Britain’s top-secret agents who unexpectedly resigns. He slams his fist down on his boss’ desk, storms out of the building and goes home to pack in order to leave the country. As he is packing, he is abducted and taken to “The Village.” The Village looks almost like a resort where everyone seems free enough; but make no mistake, it is a prison, and his keepers want information.  But who are his keepers? And whose side are they on?  No one is willing to say.  Interestingly, there are no names in The Village, only numbers. McGoohan is Number Six. The warden is Number Two. The show always begins with the same dialogue:  Number 6: “Where am I?