Interesting piece, actually. I'm not sure about the need to do acid, but substitute that for your poison of choice. He puts it in a perspective that is at least worthy of consideration.

He does point out, in essence, the critical importance of presenting the appearance of being (and then being in fact) worthy of trust. A great deal of success and failure rests on that: the ability to trust, and to be trustworthy, keeps civilization on the rails.

It gives me pause -- what have I done today to reinforce the network of trust and mutual assistance, vested in family and community, that is the final safety net for just about everyone everywhere?

(And as we comment, please let's not devolve into a mutual congratulation society. There have been hints recently. Lord preserve us.)