‘Power struggle’ is the term we use to describe ‘a situation in which two or more people or groups compete for control in a particular sphere.’ (Oxford Languages) Commonly we associate a ‘power struggle’ with ‘the big-boys’ in influential areas, like politics or economy, while we, the little people, have to suffer the consequences. For example, the current spike in…

The ultra-rich people around the world are as diverse as the much poorer ones. Yet there seems to be one aspect that is quite common among the rich ones: many of them have invested in companies searching to combat death, or illnesses leading to death, or – at least – to prolong human life. That makes sense when you have…

I suppose that some of us remember the furore around the current prime minister’s secret Catholic wedding in Westminster Cathedral half a year ago. Considering that he had already been married twice, reactions to the news ranged from raised eyebrows through astonishment to acrimony. The event left a particularly bitter taste for those who had divorced, started a new family…

Identity is an indispensable part of who we are. But what is identity? How do we define it? Identity is how each individual defines him or herself. When you think about it, such identification is virtually always made by linking to specific and particular things and – secondly – it’s multi-layered. For example, I can describe myself as a fifty-year-old…

Tradition can be a very good thing. It connects us to the past, gives a sense of familiarity and provides helpful routines. Tradition is an indispensable component of identity on each level, from individual through to national or ethnic. Tradition is good as long as it’s meaningful. But traditions can turn into shackles. Deprived of its meaning it has nothing…