Boeing’s new “Dreamliner” is equipped with windows that require no shades since the windows are designed to vary the light that can pass through, altering the mood and atmosphere as needed. The New Scientist now reports that a thin coating of nanocrystals can be electronically activated to control the heat that may pass through windows of office buildings, saving thousands of dollars in heating and air conditioning costs. If only human beings could develop a “skin” that will filter out unwarranted criticism and let through only those things that will benefit their moral growth. An acquaintance of mine once quipped that he was not gaining weight, he was merely growing a thicker skin. Thin or thick, the ability to filter comments remains a challenge.
