My beloved likes candles. The thicker, the better. But we have been struggling with them over the years. The thicker they get, the more unevenly they burn. The main problem is with the wick, which bends to one side. Soon enough, one side of the candle bursts open, and the wax starts leaking out. A good deal of fiddling is thus required to ensure that wicks remain straight. Sometimes this is almost fun, but much more often it is just work. Tedious, as ever. And so we have discovered that thin candles of old are the best. The antique brass candleholders we have at home still accept the new candles. Amazingly, the standard candle thickness has not changed for at least a century and maybe much longer. Our problem suddenly gone, we are rejoicing. Thick candles are for those who do not understand the technology of old. Or the illusion of progress.