India, Sept. 23 -- There is a popular saying, a cat has nine lives. There is no equivalent phrase for humans. However, the way many perform reckless acts on roads leads one to suspect that they consider themselves beyond the laws of mortality. I was brought up to be cautious. My grandmothers would interrupt me with concern if I alluded to even the hint of a calamity. It would bring bad luck.
As I grew older, I started having more trust in my actions for favourable outcomes. This belief had a flaw. It did not factor in the fact that we are social beings. We are also impacted by the acts of others. My wife also made a similar statement. We were out for our walk in our condominium complex when we were interrupted by a shrill whistle directed ...