There is a certain awfulness about the modern world that one can used to, but will probably never get used to. Even if we are accustomed to seeing and reading about pictures and stories about storms and cyclones, murders, wars and rumours of wars, corruption, illness and loss, to name but a few, each new iteration still carries a weight that must be borne.

Since news in the 24/7 cycle moves fast and moves on, one is given little chance to reflect upon each piece in relentless sushi train that passes before our eyes. I think this is an unusual time in human affairs, because for centuries information passed slowly (at the pace of the available transport) and often unreliably. In the Middle Ages, a story like yesterday's tragic fire in Hong Kong might never have reached a European city. It may have taken years to move within the boundaries of the Chinese Imperial State. Now it arrives in real time with live coverage.

I have posed the question before - are things worse than ever before, or do are they just reported more and then sent instantly to everywhere in the world. I think its likely that both are true.