I believe a tipping point is a credible phenomenon. Indeed, there are things we may do to aid the process, that is to say, become a "tipper". 1. Refrain from despair - even though we are about to nudge against extinction.* Do whatever you need to do - cry, pray, take SSRI's, whatever, but get well enough to be a "tipper". 2. Become an activist and dispell self-defeating behaviours. This involves great change. But take it from me, change can happen. Four years ago I was a chain-smoking, cynical, lazy, binge drinking, nihilist. Today, I am a reverential, kind, non-smoking, environmentally conscious man on a spiritual path. I still like the odd glass of cabernet now and again, and, to this end, I admit it: I am very, very human. Still, I am now heading in an okay-ish direction.