[Cadaverous Pallor]

All this makes me feel like I need to read more...and reread the stuff that I have read.

Jefferson, Paine, et al. Oh to be in on those times...

Hippie Idealism and Aspirations for Humanity. I'd say "from the late 60's" but you can find this kind of movement in any century, many times over. Specifically I'd have to say the movement of the Boomers, simply because it really is my heritage from my parents.

Bradbury, Asimov, and a billion other Sci-Fi writers from the last hundred years that kept me dreaming. Thinking about possibilities, both positive and negative, is important and inspiring to me. I ain't smart enough to say I'd be in on the discussions of real scientists.

The Discordian Church of the 70's for making me think outside the box, even if it is all bull****, which is the point. The "if it feels good, do it" mantra of that era rings very true with me these days.

Ayn Rand from the mid 20th century for forcing me to think inside the box, to accept the box, to really see the box. Equally as important to remember.