When the anthropologist Mary Douglas was asked what she thought was the first sign of human civilisation, she answered without hesitation; the oldest fossil of a healed human femur. Here was evidence that while one of their number lay injured, the other humans offered shelter and protection; a wild animal under these circumstances would quickly succumb to predators. Here is the fundamental distinction upon which all society is based, that society is in some sense superior, or different from, more powerful than the brute forces of nature that would compel an individual with a broken femur to lie down and die. Society is something much greater than the individuals who happen at any moment to inhabit it; a civilised society is one which does not allow its members to die just because they have a broken femur.
Continue reading “The great betrayal”More of the same
A lot has happened since I posted my thoughts about the complexities of the system used to select members to the Scottish Parliament and the possibilities of gaming this in favour of independence at the forthcoming elections.
Continue reading “More of the same”An open goal
The shiteness of being Scottish is nowhere more palpable than in politics.
Continue reading “An open goal”Being a dinosaur
Doing very well
People often tell me I am doing very well.
Continue reading “Doing very well”Sutherland
Here is the last selection I am going make public from my book before it becomes an actual book. An old fashioned tale of cycling in Sutherland. Enjoy.
Continue reading “Sutherland”Never give up
Munros since diagnosis #199 and #200
12:30 – Stob Ban (M140), 3278ft, 999m
14:30 – Mullach nan Coirean (M236), 3081ft, 939m
Continue reading “Never give up”Prologue
Derry Cairngorms
Here is another chapter from my book.
Derry Cairngorms
13th to 16th September 2016
Continue reading “Derry Cairngorms”A significant accomplishment
Sometimes we climb mountains not for the view ….
Munros since diagnosis #195 – #198
11:00 – Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich (M209), 3130ft, 954m
12:15 – Sgurr Mor (M043), 3642ft, 1110m
13:15 – Meall Gorm (M215), 3114ft, 949m
14:15 – An Coileachan (M266), 3028ft, 923m
Continue reading “A significant accomplishment”