Development Evolution

Re “Focusing on Oneself in the ‘Epoch of Ego,’ ” Opinion, Jan. 2: Though in part I agree with Neal Gabler’s assessment and characterization of our age (i.e., the 20th century), that individualism and the ego are the prevailing modes of our time, philosophically and behavior-wise, I think it’s important to see this as a stage in human development. When we name or identify a time, we can lose some important realizations that are pertinent and subtly intrinsic within the evolution of that time.

I see the so-called Epoch of Ego as equivalent to the stage of personal development around the age of 20 or so. I think our planet and its people are slowly evolving in consciousness toward a maturation that rises beyond mere egoism toward a larger recognition of individuation (rather than individualism), which includes concern for others, for the physical planet, all of which is subordinated to personal gain and interest in an Epoch of Ego.

Don’t we owe ourselves a more generous appellation that includes the coming-of-age we are approaching in our global village?

PEGGY LEVINE

Santa Monica

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I would dub this the “Age of Overpopulation.” By the end of the next century, we will either have to level the Rockies to build high-rise apartments, or else succumb in great numbers to some drug-resistant bacteria. Oh yes, there is one other possibility. If people will remain permanently at their computers, their cell phones and their big-screen TVs (and we have almost achieved this goal), there will be less need for additional space to move around.

JEAN SAPIN

Sherman Oaks