A bit ironic, isn't it, that the generation of the baby boomers--comprising the bulk of America's hippie generation--should also comprise those living through America's Age of Anxiety? The radio program (available on podcast) To the Best of Our Knowledge reported recently that America, (no surprise here) according to the World Health Organization, leads the world in adults complaining of high levels of anxiety. Somewhat surprising to me: China and Nigeria are very low on the list.

Analysts say that that there seems to be a big correlation between communities that expect individuals to "go it alone" and shoulder the responsibility for everything they do and high levels of anxiety. On the other hand, communities that emphasize the success and health of the community itself and not any one individual tend to have fewer people reporting high levels of anxiety.