"...the whole chain of cause and effect in the history of the universe stops dead in its tracks as you ponder the dessert menu."

God, I love that!

The article is interesting because it brings to mind the two schools of thought, Stoicism and Epicureanism. The Stotics believe we start with a "clean slate" at birth and learn from there. The Epecureans believe that we are pre-programed and "mimic" thought and actions from birth. Me, I'd rather ponder the dessert menu with anticipation!