Corruption and short-termism are pushing us along the path of sorrows. Via Dolorosa.
All my hopes and desires and fondest aspirations have finally been reduced to their true dimensions, my old son. ... Look at that blue smoke, Ali. See the way it coils and drifts. Just like every human hope. ... I used to think that all I wanted was the good opinion of honourable men and the ungrudging love of beautiful women. Now I know for sure that all I really want is a cigarette. Just one more cigarette, Ali.
[Dennis Potter, ‘The Singing Detective’]