dissolving distinctions

An interview with Tom Stoppard in today's Independent claims he rarely gives interviews. Hard to think of a playwright who's given more.

(A quick google offers examples here, here, here, here, here, here and here).

In this latest one, 'the reluctant interviewee' makes a grand and useful generalisation:

'The whole philosophy of modern times is to dissolve distinctions between individuals and deal with them as large collections of people. It's essentially self-interested on the part of authority.'

The idea that it's in a politician's own self-interest to deal with larger and larger collections of people received another boost today.

Five years into the disastrous Iraq war, and Tony Blair sets himself a new world challenge.

Oh, no: it's climate change.<sup>1

1</sup> Update: Andrew Rawnsley: 'How many jobs does an ex-PM need?'