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It seems the world is getting crazier

A common phrase, almost a cliché, states that “It’s a crazy, crazy, crazy world.” There are days when I think that only three “crazies” are not enough and that we should add at least one more “crazy.” And if we don’t destroy ourselves or our planet, in the years and centuries ahead we many need to add more “crazies” to that old expression.

Let me prove my point with a couple of examples. First example: I recently decided it was time to stop using an old cardboard to store some important documents and replace the box with a new fire-proof safe.

I went to a well-known home improvement store and I quickly found a safe of the size and price I wanted. According to the information provided, the safe could withstand a fire for several hours.

Having everything I wanted and being on sale, I decided to buy the safe, until I noticed a potential problem. The key of the safe was made of plastic. Think about this for a moment. Here I am, trying to buy a safe to protect some of my important documents, and the key of that safe is made of plastic.

So, in the case of a fire, the safe and the documents inside will survive the fire, but the plastic key will not. How I will be able to open the safe after a fire? Should I break it? In that case, what’s the purpose of having such a safe? In addition, how much higher could be the price of a similar safe, but with keys made of metal?

Crazy example number one: a fire-proof safe with a plastic key.

Second example: I recently attended a national conference in Denver. During the conference, as I did so many times before, I used the Wi-Fi service provided by the organizers of the conference for the attendees. Everything went very well until I decided to check my email.

I immediately received a message from my email provider saying somebody was trying to access my account from an unusual place, namely, a hotel in downtown Denver. Therefore, my account was blocked.

Following a link in the message, I explain I was the person using the email and that I needed to access my email because I was reporting about the conference. Then, they asked me to answer some “security questions” so I can prove I was who I say I was.

I received a second message, thanking me for confirming my email has been “compromised” and, therefore, the account will be blocked for 24 hours. I called my email server provider and I tried to explain the situation, but to no avail. I had to wait 24 hours to see my email.

Crazy example number two: if you change your usual behavior, you will be punished for that.

Obviously, these two examples of craziness pale in comparison when you compare them with monstrous examples of craziness, such as destroying our own planet or confusing education with business.

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