Been reading, “A People’s History of the United States,” by the social activist/historian/political scientist Howard Zinn [arguably one of the most significant contributors to the progress of society -or democracy]. I’ve been rather enchanted with Zinn as of late. As a colleague put it, he was a “happy warrior” — a fighter for the underdog and societally disadvantaged, yet of good temperament and light gaiety.

However, I’ve discovered that the human condition is morbidly frail, and I’m sorry to read of its true history. Here I was thinking Wiesel’s testimony regarding Nazi Germany was appalling. It appears mankind’s vices are inescapably present in the trajectory of history.