Knowing and Making

As a footnote to a sad story in the Evening Standard today: The killing is the first suspected homicide in London since 15 January and ends one of the longest periods of time in the city without a murder. Surprising (on the face of it) but very good news. A reminder that, consistently over long periods of time, society becomes safer and more civilised as it becomes richer and better educated. Progress is the default state in modern life; fear and decay is not.

Actually, before posting the behavioural theory promised in my last post, here is a quick announcement. Last night I saw Saving the World  by British/German theatre company Gob Squad, and it was amazing and beautiful. More people should see it - half the seats were empty. Today is your last chance: there's a matinee at 3 and an evening performance at 7.45 I think. If you have ever been on the South Bank, enjoyed London or thought about life, you must see this show. You can find it at  http://www.spillfestival.com/index.php?plid=19  - see it if you can.