No one, neither scientist nor philosopher, has been able to explain satisfactorily such a mystery as artistic inspiration. I await the report from the navigators of the genome. When I hear that they have found a gene that predisposes one toward alcoholism or anger, I am enlightened. But I take issue with anyone who says that the possessor of these genes must become an alcoholic or violent. A gene predisposing one toward cancer is one thing, but a gene predisposing one toward alcoholism or violence is surely less determinant.
Personal character can overcome such predispositions.
Judgment and discipline can keep you off the sauce and, come to think of it, off the White House interns. There is another wayward thought that might have come to us when the Boy President was whooping it up for science the other day. Published with the permission of Creators Syndicate . Click here to tell us what you think. Click here for more Public Nuisances .