On average, Australians watch more than three hours of television a day, compared with 12 minutes a day spent by the average couple talking to each other. Hugh Mackay australianaveragecompare Change image and share on social
A strangely reflective, even melancholy day. Is that because, unlike our cousins in the northern hemisphere, Easter is not associated with the energy and vitality of spring but with the more subdued spirit of autumn? Hugh Mackay autumncousinday share on social
But the rule seems to be that the bigger and more life-changing the decision, the less it will seem like a decision at all. Hugh Mackay bigchangedecision Change image and share on social
No one welcomes chaos, but why crave stability and predictability? Hugh Mackay chaoscravepredictability Change image and share on social
I suspect the secret of personal attraction is locked up in our unique imperfections, flaws and frailties. Hugh Mackay attractionflawfrailty Change image and share on social
Parents should be encouraged to read to their children, and teachers should be equipped with all available techniques for teaching literacy, so the varying needs and capacities of individual kids can be taken into account. Hugh Mackay accountcapacitychild share on social
Is it possible that literacy standards are falling because young Australians are growing up in a culture in which they can be entertained and informed, and in which they can communicate effectively, without having to master any but the most rudimentary literacy skills? Hugh Mackay australiancommunicateculture share on social
I'm in total sympathy with Dick Smith's sentiments; I only wish there were grounds for saying we Australians would never tolerate such appalling treatment of refugees being carried out in our name. Hugh Mackay appallaustraliancarry Change image and share on social
It seems inevitable that the magic of the written word will fade. Hugh Mackay fadeinevitablemagic Change image and share on social
Universal literacy was a 20th-century goal. Before then, reading and writing were skills largely confined to a small, highly educated class of professional people. Hugh Mackay 20thcenturyclass Change image and share on social