Agree totally...
I'm studying A level philosophy and ethics - not because it's a doss subject or it looks good on a job application, but because I genuinely enjoy the subject. One of the things I like about it is that before you be taken seriously, you have to formulate a sensible, reasoned argument. As I often have quite unusual/debatable views, I've got very good at the logical argument side of things.

Not that this cuts any ice with the parents.

I have a swiss army knife that I use fairly often. The only catch is that the blade isn't that great. So the other day, I mention that I fancied getting (with my own money) a decent knife.

"NO! They're too dangerous!"

So off I go. I find all the stats, all the facts and figures to show that driving is far more dangerous than knives. I point out the carving knives in the kitchen, the sickle in the garage, the fact that I own a miniature blowtorch (don't ask) for god's sake.

"NO! I don't want a knife in this house!"

The worst part is, my mum has a PHD in biochemistry. You'd think she'd be at least a bit logical, but no. This is a woman who thinks you can get drunk on one shot of vodka.
( MatJ LOOK, Mon 5 May 2008, 23:53, Reply)