Lists today are a way of trying to get through the day, because we are losing a sense of time.

People now feel time accelerating. Lists allow them to feel some sense of accomplishment.

The original lists were probably carved in stone and represented longer periods of time. They contained things like 'Get More Clay. Make Better Oven.'

Lists have always implied social order.

To fail is a natural consequence of trying, To succeed takes time and prolonged effort in the face of unfriendly odds. To think it will be any other way, no matter what you do, is to invite yourself to be hurt and to limit your enthusiasm for trying

This is really America in therapy, people trying to get themselves together and be whole.