Information has come to be perceived, on the whole, as something ordinary and seems to be slowly losing its value. In this article, this is explored in four areas. It is no longer possible to have an overview with respect to the information at one's disposal. Furthermore, there is a relatively great supply of information, provided by a greater number of contributors than before. Some recent developments in education are also relevant in evaluating the situation. The impact of technical developments, in particular the Internet, on present society, is important from several points of view. This is given attention accordingly.

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Athlete Caster Semenya's successes have, in conjunction with her appearance, led to an inquiry. She appeared to have high levels of testosterone; it was decided that she had to reduce them if she wanted to race against other women. I argue that the recognition of the difference between Caster Semenya and her competitors should not result in this outcome: similar differences exist (in all sports), which are accepted as such. It would be inconsistent to focus on this advantage if one disregards others, while the alternative to realize an outcome in which all differences are removed would yield absurd results.

Abstract‘Sacred’ may be defined in various ways, depending on one’s worldview. In a pluralistic society, a single perspective from which to decide what is sacred seems absent. Yet certain elements are taken to be sacred such that they transcend individual worldviews. Their inviolability entails blasphemy laws, where ‘blasphemy’ extends beyond what is traditionally considered religious, since ‘religion’ itself is not clearly demarcated either. The interests of the sacred may be protected by blasphemy laws, but the downside of such laws is that the freedom of expression is compromised. A balanced view is necessary to accommodate these conflicting interests.

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