Signs
Since All Things Are Possible, maybe the direction of civilization can be mapped thru obscure sources. Like, the little signs folks post in their yards. We see a good variety every day, walking about as we do. True, my Pomeranian Chihuahua doesn't read, yet. But, we still note the contrast of messages our dear neighbors like to display. On a certain spectrum, you can see social attitudes trending from friendly to dangerous, understanding to demanding, and helpful to critically scolding. Do these signs secretly spell out our own destiny? Or, do we think too much, my doggie and I? Yes, she's catching flies while I'm catching clues, but it's still a very good relationship. It also follows that our kindest neighbors have the most approachable signs: like "Think global, act local. Please don't water our plants and flowers." Then, the signage tension ratchets up quickly as we turn a corner and see "Stop. No Pee Zone." And, the more realistic but terse ...