Will history repeat itself?

摘要

History repeats itself, or so we are told. Will differences of opinion always lead to war? Could the attack on Mumbai have been resolved by discussion? With the collapse of the economy, should we be buying stocks or selling them? And what about closer to home-will differences of opinion strengthen or weaken the field of sexual medicine? At many of the sexual medicine society meetings, The Journal of Sexual Medicine sponsors a debate meant to foster interest and discussion in a particular topic, and not necessarily to determine a definitive right or -wrong. These topics may or may not be published in the Controversies in Sexual Medicine section of your journal, where further discussions are highlighted on various topics within sexual medicine [1-4]. Fortunately, despite differences of opinion, we do not choose to get violent. But we do show our passionate side when we debate and discuss these topics. Just ask me if I think sexual medicine should be its own discipline [5] and see how quicldy and vehemently I jump onto my soapbox. While my hands may wave through the air as I speak, they remain figuratively by my side. I am at heart a pacifist and am working toward my goals through writing (just read my editorials), teaching (note the courses now offered in male and female sexual health), and talking.