Separation and divorce come up in conversation every now and then. On such occasions, I often venture forth with solemn thoughts on the future of marriage. Or the lack thereof, to be more precise. And I struggle not to mention merry places such as Amsterdam and San Francisco, where our way of life is being forged these days. According to the newspapers, which can sometimes be trusted, ninety percent of householders in Amsterdam are single people. San Francisco lags by mere twenty percent. Such statistics can only spread across the globe as it becomes richer. And especially among women, to be sure. Equality breeds separation. And separation breeds childlessness, if I may be permitted such an awkward turn of phrase. To wit, separation and divorce are here to stay. As well as to flourish. Marriage is but a passing folly, which nowadays often ends with a big bash in place of a traditional wedding. Equal but separate is the battle cry of generations to come. At least in the rich world, where women are in the lead already.