It's Australian to do such things because, however uncivilised they may seem, it's human to do them.

But the rule seems to be that the bigger and more life-changing the decision, the less it will seem like a decision at all.

The question is, will we continue to fight what may be a rearguard action to defend universal literacy as a central goal of our education system, or are we bold enough to see what's actually happening to our culture?

A strangely reflective, even melancholy day. Is that because, unlike our cousins in the northern hemisphere, Easter is not associated with the energy and vitality of spring but with the more subdued spirit of autumn?

Is it possible that literacy standards are falling because young Australians are growing up in a culture in which they can be entertained and informed, and in which they can communicate effectively, without having to master any but the most rudimentary literacy skills?

However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.