The death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman is tragic, but no more tragic that the death by overdose of any addict living on the streets. Somewhere we have developed the perverse notion that a life has more worth if it entertains us or provides a service for us. That’s barbaric nonsense and the same attitude that fed people to the lions for entertainment’s sake during the Roman empire. All life has value, and if you find yourself upset about Mr. Hoffman’s untimely demise but not that of the junkie who died under a bridge last night then you are part of the problem that leads people to overdose in the first place.