The truth is often terrifying which I think is one of the motifs of Larry and Andrew's cinema. The cost of knowledge is an important theme. In the second and third films they explore the consequences of Neo's choice to know the truth. It's a beautiful beautiful story.

Here's the teaching point if you're teaching kids about intelligence and policy: Intelligence does not absolve policymakers of responsibility to ask tough questions and it doesn't absolve them of having curiosity about the consequences of their actions.

Not all intelligence can be artificial now so if we make a mistake the consequences are no longer simply located within an institution or a national culture.

I hope I'm wrong but I am afraid that Iraq is going to turn out to be the greatest disaster in American foreign policy - worse than Vietnam not in the number who died but in terms of its unintended consequences and its reverberation throughout the region.

One of the consequences of the Iranian revolution has been an explosion of history. A country once known only from British consular reports and intrepid travelogues is now awash with historical documents letters diaries grainy video weblogs and secret police files of questionable authenticity.

Mr. Speaker our Nation must no longer be complacent about underage drinking and its alarming consequences. We must bring this national public health crisis out of the shadow and into the bright light of a national priority.

Myths about the dire effects of genetically modified foods on health and the environment abound but they have not held up to scientific scrutiny. And although many concerns have been expressed about the potential for unexpected consequences the unexpected effects that have been observed so far have been benign.

The accumulation of numbers always augments in some measure moral corruptions and the consequences to health of the various vices incident thereto are well known.

Unfortunately corruption is widespread in government agencies and public enterprises. Our political system promotes nepotism and wasting money. This has undermined our legal system and confidence in the functioning of the state. One of the consequences is that many citizens don't pay their taxes.

I strive never to forget the real world consequences of my decisions on individuals businesses and government.