This is the best album ever made. I know there are a lot of naysayers out there that hate Tool just becuase so many people like it. It's okay if you don't "get" Tool. You don't have to hate it just because you don't understand it. I personally have learned a lot from Tool, and from the philosophy they reference. I don't think Maynard really means to be taken so seriously as a lot of people try to. He's got a good sense of humor, and many of his songs that offend so many people are tongue-in-cheek and simply done because it's offensive. The whole concept that Tool is trying to get across is to think for yourself, and question authority. It's not to follow them like sheep, or worship them, or worship anything for that matter. So many people waste so much energy trying to do what they are told, or what they think they should do to gain status or posessions and it's sad. Everything we are tought by institutions is meant to keep us in line, and baaa-ing like sheeple throughout our seemingly meaningless lives. You don't have to like Tool, you don't have to do anything, but we all need to think for ourselves, and we need to question the very concept of what we think authority is. We could be a lot happier if lived life for the purpose of enjoying it, and helping others enjoy it, instead of for the purpose of stuffing our pockets with dirty paper for the benefit of those who print the paper. I want more for my kids than to have them lead a life in a cage. I'll be damned if they're going to grow up with the same, bassackwards outlook on life as everyone around them. This'll give them something to listen to as they break the mold, and live a truly free and happy life.