Decades ago, my group of close friends made a pact: if anyone of us is talking shit, talking nonsense, or simply expressing attitude that smells of self decepti

Decades ago, my group of close friends made a pact: if anyone of us is talking shit, talking nonsense, or simply expressing attitude that smells of self deception, do not let it lie and declare it is time for a reality debate. Friends should never let friends descend into self deception, because that slippery slope can kill, as well as sour everything one experiences. Others seeing us in the midst of a reality debate would often form little crowds. If you ever witnessed the "pseudo intellectual club" debates at the Boston Pour House during the late 80's, that was us. That group of close friends is long dispersed into the winds, several still keep in touch, and it is that 'reality debate' activity we continually return, and debate the state of the world.