We are not like tulips or tigers, pre-destined to grow into a consistent and identical form of life. We are sentient beings, who should form our own distinct persona, influence, and legacy. To simply follow the paths of others, to act without questioning, to show no interest in understanding life's meaning or our relationship to nature--this is to be a herd animal. We seem to seek commonality, from fashion to recreation, from friends to careers. What we should be seeking is uniqueness, a different cadence, a new route. It's easy to follow, it's tougher to lead, but it's toughest to be yourself in a world trying to make you generic. Resist, at all cost.

Alan Weiss is a friend, colleague and an international business consultant. ■

The most expensive disease in America is devouring federal and state health care budgets, and depleting the life savings of millions of people with Alzheimer's and their families. But the greatest cost of this disease and other forms of dementia is not financial, but personal. This cruel ailment steals our memories, steals our independence and finally steals our dignity by eroding the ability to manage the basic tasks of daily life.