Here's something worth watching.  It illustrates why education and intellectual integrity is so important and why it's important to think for yourself.  Never blindly accept the word of an expert without thinking critically about it yourself... and understanding exponential functions can indeed be important.  

Here Dr. Albert Bartlett explains why using your own head is what it's there for.  Watch  this video (all 8 parts).  Superb presentation.  See what you think.

The most important video you will ever see... 8 parts

Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-QA2rkpBSY&p=6A1FD147A45EF50D&index=1&feature=BF

Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb3JI8F9LQQ&p=6A1FD147A45EF50D&index=2&feature=BF

Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFyOw9IgtjY&p=6A1FD147A45EF50D&index=3&feature=BF

Part 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQd-VGYX3-E&p=6A1FD147A45EF50D&index=4&feature=BF

Part 5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHuwgxrTKPo&p=6A1FD147A45EF50D&index=5&feature=BF

Part 6 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3y7UlHdhAU&p=6A1FD147A45EF50D&index=6&feature=BF

Part 7 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyseLQVpJEI&p=6A1FD147A45EF50D&index=7&feature=BF

Part 8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoiiVnQadwE&p=6A1FD147A45EF50D&index=8&feature=BF

 

My comment on Dr. Barlett's presentation.

Oil, Smoke, and Mirrors
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article15264.htm

Presentation by Richard Heinberg
http://transitionculture.org/2008/05/02/richard-heinberg-on-resilient-communities/

Peak Oil:  Alternatives, Renewables, and Impacts
http://www.peakoilassociates.com/POAnalysis.html

Must see video... some perspective... Parenti sometimes called a radical... that's what some people are called who engage in thinking for themselves and having the audacity to tell the truth.  This video from Oct. 9, 2002...

Dr. Michael Parenti: "Terrorism, Globalization and Conspiracy"
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article11635.htm

Superb interview with Michael Hudson by Mike Whitney dealing with tax policy and other economic insights:
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article20208.htm

Another brilliant interview with Michael Hudson - not to be missed
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=696&Itemid=1&ref=patrick.net

 

Additional advice and perspective....

Always remember, you're unique, just like everyone else.

Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

Never test the depth of the water with both feet.