Well over 50 years ago science fiction grandmaster Alfred Bester invented the earworm in his novel THE DEMOLISHED MAN. The quotation I’ve calligraphed in one such. In a society of telepathy, this odd and resonant ditty was intended to baffle mind-probers who wanted secrets.

Bester’s jingle is well stuck in my head. Often when I am walking it pops up and matches the rhythm of my steps. When I am tired it helps–kind of pulls me along.

Nowadays, though, “tension, apprehension, and dissension have begun” takes on a more ominous, even apocalyptic, imbuement. These are interesting times indeed.