“He who would be well taken care of must take care of himself.”

– William Graham Sumner, American academic and sociologist

“In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head and breathe normally. Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first and then assist the other person.”

I had heard the spiel dozens of times – in fact, every time I had flown anywhere. Over time, I became intrigued by the statement: secure your mask on first. I pondered the si...

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