Human beings are a fickle species. We're always looking for the next new and exciting thing to do, eat, see, work at, or whatever.

We never have been satisfied with leaving things as they are. I'm sure you'll agree to that, but have you ever thought about why that is?

Is it a lust for experimentation, a thirst for knowledge, or an unending curiosity in exploring the world around us?

Well, while those explanations certainly are more romantic, I'm afraid that's not really it.

Nope, it's all because of HYPE!

That's right, HYPE makes the world go 'round!

Think about it. Was the infamous voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World a pleasure cruise? Of course not! There were endless days on the open water, there was talk of mutiny, there was uncertainty, and even death! (I think, anyway. I actually haven't studied history for a while, but that's beside the point).

It was a hard trip, just as were all the trips taken by the great explorers. Yet, how do you think Columbus went about hiring his crew -- with the truth?

"Now Hiring: Suffer dehydration on the open seas. Endure endless days in the burning sun, uncertainty, pain, and potential death. Get paid only if we make it home before our employer dies or forgets about us."

I don't think so. I'm sure it was more like this:

"Now Hiring: Sail the uncharted seas! Explore new routes! Be the first to find new riches! Glory is yours for the taking! Sign up to sail with Columbus today!"

I mean come on, really. How much would have happened in this world if there wasn't some good thrilling HYPE being told to get people excited?

Would any of us ever buy anything new without HYPE? Would we have as many products in our possession as we do today? Would we brave new worlds, try new things, or expand our visions?

Or would we just stick to that which we already know?

HYPE is world changing, and it ALL relates to

Need an example? Fine, let's pick on Pepsi. How many of you actually like the taste of Pepsi and why?

Is it because of it's high nutritional value? (Ha, ha, ha! What is the Recommended Daily Allowance for caffeine anyway?)

Is it because of it's thirst quenching nature? (it actually depletes water from your body, you know.)

Or is it because of the incessant marketing HYPE we've all been exposed to for our entire lives?

If you were to take a baby that had never seen Pepsi before, and had never seen others drinking it, talking about it, or anything, do you think the kid would give up milk, water, and juice and drink Pepsi?

I doubt it! Really, I don't think it would happen. Pepsi is a market driven, socially acquired taste.

Oh, and by the way, do you know why Pepsi always looks so thirst quenching and good in the pictures on the vending machines?

Because of the WATER droplets on the outside of the can! It's not the Pepsi that looks appealing, it's the WATER! Same for when they pour it over ICE!

Anyway, do you see what I'm getting at here? Life is all about HYPE, and you must HYPE in order to survive. We all depend on HYPE of some form for our livelihoods. Literally, everyday is an ongoing struggle between us all to HYPE or be HYPED.

We ALL want life to be grand and exciting, and we ALL play on each other's natures in order to make our own way in the world.

You know what, though, that's ok because the truth is we enjoy HYPE. It adds to the excitement of being alive, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Besides, if it wasn't for HYPE driving us humans on, we would have never progressed. Nope, we'd all still be dressed in fig leaves, living in caves, and running around herding sheep.

Which, I don't know about you, but I hate sheep (and Pepsi!).