The joy of inquiry, observation, discussion, analysis is often dulled by groups. This is why some of the oldest continuous cultures in the world tend to be greedy, selfish, deceitful, mundane; they have been groups for too long. Conservative individualistic societies, like traditional USA, are weak when faced with ancient groups which behave like cults. They face even graver dangers when these ancient cults graft themselves onto powerful technologies which amplify and strengthen their mundanity while smothering individual joy and creativity. This problem exists at all levels, from the interpersonal to the sociological. Our universities are rife with it. Our medical system just froze into a pilar of salt because of it. ABN