Even if one is interested only in one's own society, which is one's prerogative, one can understand that society much better by comparing it with others.

Even in a society as tightly controlled as Singapore's, the market creates certain forces which perhaps in the long run may lead to democracy.

When certain branches of the economy become obsolete, as in the case of the steel industry, not only do jobs disappear, which is obviously a terrible social hardship, but certain cultures also disappear.

One can't understand the Christian Right and similar movements unless one sees them as reactive - they're reacting to what they call secular humanism.

It's like comparing a longhorn to an alligator.

It's good to trust others but, not to do so is much better.