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Positive Psychology and Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Positive Psychology and Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Positive psychology developed about 25 years ago, building on the work of the humanist psychologists of the mid-twentieth century – including one of my personal favorite thinkers, Abraham Maslow. Positive psychology deals primarily with happiness and fulfillment. It is "the scientific study of what makes life most worth living... as concerned with making the lives of normal people fulfilling as with healing pathology. " (Christopher Peterson, Psychology Today, May 16, 2008)
Maslow's most famous contribution to psychology is given in his classic work, The Farther Reaches of Human Nature. He posits that we have a hierarchy of needs. As each level becomes satisfied, we move up to the next level of needs. The first, lowest level in this hierarchy is Physiological. We need air to breathe, food to eat, water to drink. The next level is Safety. Here we look to achieve security in our lives – personal, financial, health/well-being, having a safety net that protects us against the effects of accident and illness. The third level of needs is for love and belonging – for friendship, family, intimacy. Then comes esteem – specifically, the need for self-esteem and self-respect. These first four levels were deemed “deficiency needs” by Maslow. I think the point being that if we are deficient in fulfilling these needs, we will have difficulty in achieving the top of his values pyramid – that of self-actualization, the “being needs”. Self-actualization occurs when we realize our true selves, fulfilling the potential that is in each of us. Self-actualizing people frequently report “peak experiences” - temporary occasions of a high degree of self-actualization – moments of harmony, ecstasy, and deep meaning.
Victor Frankl, whose classic “Man's Search for Meaning” I read in high school, added another level to Maslow's pyramid – that of self-transcendence. Frankl once said “What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him.” Maslow himself added this new apex to the pyramid in his later years, although he had not finished his work on it when he died in 1970. Here is Maslow's revised hierarchy of needs. (Robby Berman, The Big Think, Feb 13, 2017)
RJC 1/22/2018
Flow - Two Takes
Flow - Two Takes
Picture is from Julie Peters' post
The Tao Te Ching, an ancient text that is on just about everybody's list of books to read, is the seminal text of Taoist philosophy. A key (perhaps the key) concept of the Tao is to flow with nature or circumstances - usually popularized as the cliched "go with the flow." The idea is not to resist your situation but to move with it. If we can do as the Tao says, then we will be able to perform whatever things effortlessly — a state of non-doing or wuwei.
Here's a passage from Tao Te Ching that gives a sense of what this looks like in practice:
Therefore the sage
acts without doing anything
and teaches without saying anything.
Things arise and he lets them come;
things disappear and he lets them go.
He has but doesn't possess,
acts but doesn't expect.
When his work is done, he forgets it.
That is why it lasts forever.
Wei wuwei (doing-not-doing) is not to be confused with passivity. Blogger Julie Peters quotes from Stephen Mitchell's introduction to his translation of the Tao Te Ching: A good athlete can enter a state of body-awareness in which the right stroke or the right movement happens by itself, effortlessly, without any interference of the conscious will. This is a paradigm for non-action: the purest and most effective form of action. The game plays the game; the poem writes the poem; we can't tell the dancer from the dance.
This is a good lead into the similar modern concept of flow in positive psychology. As mentioned above, positive psychology has built on the work of Maslow, Frankl and others. One of the founders of positive psychology, Mihayli Csikszentmihalyi, developed the more recent concept of “flow”. He recognized and named the psychological concept of flow, a highly focused mental state. If we are deeply involved in trying to reach a goal, or an activity that is challenging but well suited to our skills, we experience a joyful state called “flow.” One may find still greater happiness experiencing “flow” in working towards long-term, meaningful goals such as the self-transcendent goal described by Frankl. When we are in a state of flow, we can be so totally engaged with our activity that we lose track of time. Athletes (and we would-be athletes) can experience this when engaged in a sport or other physical activity. Flow and the resulting happiness can even occur in the work place. By overcoming obstacles to accomplish a challenging goal, we can reach a level of happiness tied to the achievement.
RJC 1/22/2018
Mark Greif "On the Concept of Experience"
Mark Greif "On the Concept of Experience"
People attain more lasting happiness from experiences than from possessions. But even experiences are limited and we can become jaded. In his essay "On the Concept of Experience", Mark Greif proposes two approaches to make the most of "experience": what he calls aestheticism and perfectionism. The writers Gustave Flaubert (Madame Bovary) and Henry David Thoreau are given as the respective examples.
People attain more lasting happiness from experiences than from possessions. But even experiences are limited and we can become jaded. In his essay "On the Concept of Experience", Mark Greif proposes two approaches to make the most of "experience": what he calls aestheticism and perfectionism. The writers Gustave Flaubert (Madame Bovary) and Henry David Thoreau are given as the respective examples.
Greif's definition of aestheticism, based on Flaubert, is "to view every object as you would a work of art." Look closely at everything you encounter - experience each thing to its fullest, allowing it to stimulate desire, wonder, awe. Quoting Flaubert: "For anything to become interesting you simply have to look at it for a long time."
Greif's definition of aestheticism, based on Flaubert, is "to view every object as you would a work of art." Look closely at everything you encounter - experience each thing to its fullest, allowing it to stimulate desire, wonder, awe. Quoting Flaubert: "For anything to become interesting you simply have to look at it for a long time."
"Perfectionism...charges the self with weighing and choosing every aspect of its way of living." In Thoreau's words, "live deliberately." Rather than looking at every thing and every one as a work of art, perfectionism looks at the world and people as examples, "which state simply the way of life they incarnate." Experience how they speak to you and, if "you are called to change your life by any example, and your self responds - you must change your life. And once you change, change again."
"Perfectionism...charges the self with weighing and choosing every aspect of its way of living." In Thoreau's words, "live deliberately." Rather than looking at every thing and every one as a work of art, perfectionism looks at the world and people as examples, "which state simply the way of life they incarnate." Experience how they speak to you and, if "you are called to change your life by any example, and your self responds - you must change your life. And once you change, change again."
---Posted 2/8/18
“How To Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer”
“How To Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer”
Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) was the inventor of the modern essay. Derived from the French "essayer" - to try - essays, at their best, take on subjects in an experimental, non-dogmatic manner. We learn what we can as we write and think about the particular subject. In the words of another French writer (Flaubert): “The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.”
Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) was the inventor of the modern essay. Derived from the French "essayer" - to try - essays, at their best, take on subjects in an experimental, non-dogmatic manner. We learn what we can as we write and think about the particular subject. In the words of another French writer (Flaubert): “The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.”
Sarah Bakewell is the author of a 2010 biography of Montaigne. Bakewell's book is an excellent introduction to Montaigne's monumental work (three books and 107 chapters written over a period of 22 years). I've used its title for the title of this post.
Sarah Bakewell is the author of a 2010 biography of Montaigne. Bakewell's book is an excellent introduction to Montaigne's monumental work (three books and 107 chapters written over a period of 22 years). I've used its title for the title of this post.
Towards the end of her book, Bakewell writes: "When you look at a puppy held over a bucket of water, or even a cat in the mood for play, you are looking at a creature who looks backs at you. No abstract principles are involved; there are only two individuals, face to face, hoping for the best from one another." Almost worthy of Montaigne.
Towards the end of her book, Bakewell writes: "When you look at a puppy held over a bucket of water, or even a cat in the mood for play, you are looking at a creature who looks backs at you. No abstract principles are involved; there are only two individuals, face to face, hoping for the best from one another." Almost worthy of Montaigne.
Montaigne wrote: "The value of life lies not in the length of days, but in the use we make of them." Analyzing Montaigne's writings and life, Sarah Bakewell has written a wonderful book that examines how we might best make use of those days. Below are the chapter titles of "How To Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer"
Montaigne wrote: "The value of life lies not in the length of days, but in the use we make of them." Analyzing Montaigne's writings and life, Sarah Bakewell has written a wonderful book that examines how we might best make use of those days. Below are the chapter titles of "How To Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer"
-RJC, 2/20/18
1. Don't worry about death.
1. Don't worry about death.
2. Pay attention.
2. Pay attention.
3. Be born.
3. Be born.
4. Read a lot, forget most of what you read, and be slow-witted
4. Read a lot, forget most of what you read, and be slow-witted
5. Survive love and loss.
5. Survive love and loss.
6. Use little tricks [Stoics, Epicureans]
6. Use little tricks [Stoics, Epicureans]
7. Question everything [Skeptics]
7. Question everything [Skeptics]
8. Keep a private room behind the shop.
8. Keep a private room behind the shop.
9. Be convivial: live with others.
9. Be convivial: live with others.
10. Wake from the sleep of habit
10. Wake from the sleep of habit
11. Live temperately
11. Live temperately
12. Guard your humanity
12. Guard your humanity
13. Do something no one has done before
13. Do something no one has done before
14. See the world
14. See the world
15. Do a good job, but not too good a job
15. Do a good job, but not too good a job
16. Philosophize only by accident
16. Philosophize only by accident
17. Reflect on everything; regret nothing
17. Reflect on everything; regret nothing
18. Give up control
18. Give up control
19. Be ordinary and imperfect
19. Be ordinary and imperfect
20. Let life be its own answer
20. Let life be its own answer
Cover of Montaigne's Essais, c. 1588
Oliver Sacks and E.O. Wilson on Creativity
Oliver Sacks and E.O. Wilson on Creativity
POSTED 3/21/2018
Neuroscientist Oliver Sacks and biologist E.O. Wilson take on the question of creativity in their most recently published books - Sacks in an essay in his posthumously published "The River of Consciousness"; Wilson in "The Origins of Creativity".
Neuroscientist Oliver Sacks and biologist E.O. Wilson take on the question of creativity in their most recently published books - Sacks in an essay in his posthumously published "The River of Consciousness"; Wilson in "The Origins of Creativity".
Creativity. “the innate quest for originality”, is considered a unique and distinguishing characteristic of human nature. In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, it falls under the "self-actualization" category - right at the top of his needs pyramid (see below). Creativity is intimately related to the higher order consciousness of modern humans. Indeed, some take ancient art, particularly figurative art such as drawings of animals, as a marker for the development of the modern human mind. "Find early paintings, particularly figurative representations like animals, and you’ve found evidence for the modern human mind." (Smithsonian Magazine, January 2016) Cave paintings found in Eurasia date back 30,000 to 40,000 years ago and are the oldest known examples of this figurative art.
E.O. Wilson pushes the origin of creativity further back even than that. By examining fields as diverse as paleontology, evolutionary biology, and neuroscience, Wilson argues that human creativity began over 100,000 years ago in the Paleolithic Age.
A Smithsonian Magazine article notes that "Archaeologists in South Africa have found that the pigment ocher was used in caves 164,000 years ago. They have also unearthed deliberately pierced shells with marks suggesting they were strung like jewelry, as well as chunks of ocher, one engraved with a zigzag design—hinting that the capacity for art was present long before humans left Africa. Still, the evidence is frustratingly indirect."
Wilson writes, “The driving force [for creativity] is humanity's distinctive love of novelty....[and we] judge creativity by the magnitude of the emotional response it evokes.”
Wilson points to co-evolution of culture and genes as the source. He posits that understanding science will help increase creativity in the humanities – especially learnings from five soft sciences - paleontology, anthropology, psychology, evolutionary biology, and neurobiology. On the interaction of mankind and nature, he says, “Even as our species destroys the natural world at an accelerating rate, nature remains a source of deep love and fear. As we hasten to blanket Earth with a humanized environment, we should – we must – pause to consider how and why our relation to nature exists. That degree of self-understanding...can be achieved only by a blending of science and the humanities.”
It was just such a blending of "science and the humanities" that informed the work of Leonardo da Vinci, as described by Walter Isaacson in his biography of the Renaissance creative genius.
Oliver Sack's essay “The Creative Self” appears in his posthumously published The River of Consciousness. After noting that creativity depends on imitation (in the spirit of “we stand on the shoulders of giants”), Sacks writes, “Creativity involves not only years of conscious preparation and training but unconscious preparation as well...What is at issue is not the fact of “borrowing” or “imitating,” of being “derivative,” being “influenced,” but what one does with what is borrowed or imitated or derived; how deeply one assimilates it, takes it into oneself, compounds it with one’s own experiences and thoughts and feelings, places it in relation to oneself, and expresses it in a new way, one’s own.” The three stages of this march to creative inspiration from imitation or borrowing are time, “forgetting”, and inspiration. -RJC, 3/21/2018
Chauvet Cave, France contains more than 1000 pictures of predators like mammoths and lions. Dated to 28,000-30,000 B.C. (DRAC Rhone-Alpes, Ministere de la Culture/AP Images)
Paul Cézanne, Mont Sainte-Victoire (1904-1906)
Jackson Pollock, Full Fathom 5 (1947)
I-and-Thou: The Philosophy of Martin Buber
I-and-Thou: The Philosophy of Martin Buber
POSTED 4/11/2018
"I and Thou" is a landmark in 20th century intellectual history as well as one of the most important books of Western theology. In it, philosopher and theologian Martin Buber (1878-1965) explores "how to master the orientation of heart, mind, and spirit essential for the art of sincere and honorable relationship." First published in 1923, "I and Thou" unites German existentialism with the Judaeo-Christian tradition, "powerfully updating faith for modern times. [The book] has helped to mold approaches to reconciling God with the workings of the modern world and the consciousness of its inhabitants." "I and Thou" forms the foundation of Buber’s influential philosophy of dialogue, and the distinction Buber makes between treating people as subjects and treating them as objects is a test of whether an action is morally right or wrong.
"I and Thou" is a landmark in 20th century intellectual history as well as one of the most important books of Western theology. In it, philosopher and theologian Martin Buber (1878-1965) explores "how to master the orientation of heart, mind, and spirit essential for the art of sincere and honorable relationship." First published in 1923, "I and Thou" unites German existentialism with the Judaeo-Christian tradition, "powerfully updating faith for modern times. [The book] has helped to mold approaches to reconciling God with the workings of the modern world and the consciousness of its inhabitants." "I and Thou" forms the foundation of Buber’s influential philosophy of dialogue, and the distinction Buber makes between treating people as subjects and treating them as objects is a test of whether an action is morally right or wrong.
Buber makes a radical distinction between two basic attitudes of which men are capable, described as I-Thou and I-It. The I-Thou relationship is one between two subjects, a relation of reciprocity and mutuality. The I-It relationship is one between a subject and an object, involving the subject's use or control of the object. Human beings enter into an I-Thou relationship with their innermost and whole beings. The deep [I-Thou] forms of rapport contrast with those that spring from the Industrial Revolution: the common, but basically unethical, treatment of others as objects for our use - I-It relationships.
Buber makes a radical distinction between two basic attitudes of which men are capable, described as I-Thou and I-It. The I-Thou relationship is one between two subjects, a relation of reciprocity and mutuality. The I-It relationship is one between a subject and an object, involving the subject's use or control of the object. Human beings enter into an I-Thou relationship with their innermost and whole beings. The deep [I-Thou] forms of rapport contrast with those that spring from the Industrial Revolution: the common, but basically unethical, treatment of others as objects for our use - I-It relationships.
"To address another as Thou, Buber suggests,requires a certain self-surrender that springs from inhabiting one’s own presence while at the same time stepping outside one’s self. Only then does the other cease to be a means to one’s own ends and becomes real." (Maria Popova)
"To address another as Thou, Buber suggests,requires a certain self-surrender that springs from inhabiting one’s own presence while at the same time stepping outside one’s self. Only then does the other cease to be a means to one’s own ends and becomes real." (Maria Popova)
RJC, 4/11/2018
Quotes from Martin Buber's "I and Thou"
Quotes from Martin Buber's "I and Thou"
“All real living is meeting.”
“All real living is meeting.”
“No purpose intervenes between I and Thou, no greed and no anticipation; and longing itself is changed as it plunges from the dream into appearance. Every means is an obstacle. Only where all means have disintegrated encounters occur.”
“No purpose intervenes between I and Thou, no greed and no anticipation; and longing itself is changed as it plunges from the dream into appearance. Every means is an obstacle. Only where all means have disintegrated encounters occur.”
“The basic word I-Thou can only be spoken with one’s whole being. The basic word I-It can never be spoken with one’s whole being.”
“The basic word I-Thou can only be spoken with one’s whole being. The basic word I-It can never be spoken with one’s whole being.”
"Love is responsibility of an I for a Thou."
"Love is responsibility of an I for a Thou."
"If I face a human being as my Thou, and say the primary word I–Thou to him, he is not a thing among things, and does not consist of things."
"If I face a human being as my Thou, and say the primary word I–Thou to him, he is not a thing among things, and does not consist of things."
Is there a conflict between science and spirituality?
Is there a conflict between science and spirituality?
POSTED 5/6/2018
An interesting discussion from the Big Think website. Spirituality plays a different ballgame than science, so the language used in either of them doesn't often match up to the other side. New York Times bestselling author and spiritual teacher Rob Bell posits that the two need each other to help describe this modern world.
An interesting discussion from the Big Think website. Spirituality plays a different ballgame than science, so the language used in either of them doesn't often match up to the other side. New York Times bestselling author and spiritual teacher Rob Bell posits that the two need each other to help describe this modern world.
Maria Popova: Ten Learnings
Maria Popova: Ten Learnings
POSTED 5/13/2018
Maria Popova's website (the unattractively but memorably named Brain Pickings) is approaching its 12th anniversary. The 33-year-old, Bulgarian-born, Brooklyn resident writes that her blog has been "an unfolding record of [her] intellectual, creative, and spiritual development." I've quoted her on this website, and you can find several of her posts in my Flipboard magazine, Left Bank.
Maria Popova's website (the unattractively but memorably named Brain Pickings) is approaching its 12th anniversary. The 33-year-old, Bulgarian-born, Brooklyn resident writes that her blog has been "an unfolding record of [her] intellectual, creative, and spiritual development." I've quoted her on this website, and you can find several of her posts in my Flipboard magazine, Left Bank.
On the tenth anniversary of her site, she posted "10 Learnings from 10 Years of Brain Pickings", a listing and explanation of the core beliefs that inform her approach to the blog.
On the tenth anniversary of her site, she posted "10 Learnings from 10 Years of Brain Pickings", a listing and explanation of the core beliefs that inform her approach to the blog.
1. Allow yourself the uncomfortable luxury of changing your mind.
1. Allow yourself the uncomfortable luxury of changing your mind.
2. Do nothing for prestige or status or money or approval alone.
2. Do nothing for prestige or status or money or approval alone.
3. Be generous.
3. Be generous.
4. Build pockets of stillness into your life. Most important, sleep.
4. Build pockets of stillness into your life. Most important, sleep.
5. When people try to tell you who you are, don’t believe them.
5. When people try to tell you who you are, don’t believe them.
6. Presence is far more intricate and rewarding an art than productivity.
6. Presence is far more intricate and rewarding an art than productivity.
7. “Expect anything worthwhile to take a long time.”
7. “Expect anything worthwhile to take a long time.”
8. Seek out what magnifies your spirit.
8. Seek out what magnifies your spirit.
9. Don’t be afraid to be an idealist.
9. Don’t be afraid to be an idealist.
10. Don’t just resist cynicism — fight it actively.
10. Don’t just resist cynicism — fight it actively.
Popova concludes her post with a presentation of "ten of the things [she] most loved reading and writing about in this first decade of Brain Pickings" and includes links to these 10 favorite posts - it's a great introduction to her work.
Popova concludes her post with a presentation of "ten of the things [she] most loved reading and writing about in this first decade of Brain Pickings" and includes links to these 10 favorite posts - it's a great introduction to her work.
RJC, 5/13/2018
A Pale Blue Dot
A Pale Blue Dot
POSTED 5/18/2018
A re-oriented version of the famous image of "the pale blue dot" photographed in 1990 by Voyager 1 from beyond the orbit of Neptune, some 3.7 billion miles away.
The Voyager 1 spacecraft had completed its primary mission and was leaving the Solar System. At the request of astronomer Carl Sagan, NASA mission control signaled the spacecraft to turn its camera around and take a photograph of Earth across a great expanse of space. Just as the Apollo "Spaceship Earth" and "Earthrise" images are reminders of the beauty and fragility of our planet, Voyager's iconic photograph is a powerful reminder of the uniqueness of life, of our ties to all of humanity's past and present, and of Earth's place in the universe.
The Voyager 1 spacecraft had completed its primary mission and was leaving the Solar System. At the request of astronomer Carl Sagan, NASA mission control signaled the spacecraft to turn its camera around and take a photograph of Earth across a great expanse of space. Just as the Apollo "Spaceship Earth" and "Earthrise" images are reminders of the beauty and fragility of our planet, Voyager's iconic photograph is a powerful reminder of the uniqueness of life, of our ties to all of humanity's past and present, and of Earth's place in the universe.
Below is Carl Sagan's reading of his paean to that "pale blue dot."
Below is Carl Sagan's reading of his paean to that "pale blue dot."
Two years before he died, in his book Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space, Sagan wrote a beautiful paean to our planet. It begins: "Look again at that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every 'superstar', every 'supreme leader', every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there-on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam."
Friluftsliv: how an ancient Nordic philosophy can
Friluftsliv: how an ancient Nordic philosophy can
reconnect us with nature, improve our lives and help us raise children
reconnect us with nature, improve our lives and help us raise children
POSTED 5/31/2018
Nearly every article I've seen on "friluftsliv" begins stating that the term is untranslatable and then goes on to say it literally means "free air life." Close enough. Friluftsliv is a deeply-rooted Scandinavian philosophy and practice of life, first conceptualized about 150 years ago, that manifests itself in a deep, subconscious, almost spiritual, connection to nature - particularly, to the landscape. It is a "feeling of coming home to nature", in tune with our long evolutionary journey, most of which was spent outdoors.
Nearly every article I've seen on "friluftsliv" begins stating that the term is untranslatable and then goes on to say it literally means "free air life." Close enough. Friluftsliv is a deeply-rooted Scandinavian philosophy and practice of life, first conceptualized about 150 years ago, that manifests itself in a deep, subconscious, almost spiritual, connection to nature - particularly, to the landscape. It is a "feeling of coming home to nature", in tune with our long evolutionary journey, most of which was spent outdoors.
This landscape absorbs me so completely, entering through all of my senses and directly touching my limbic* system. This gives me a sensation of a total integration with this land; a strong feeling of being at home in a place I have never visited before. Sensing myself as part of the landscape I experience the processes and evolution of this place unfolding itself inside my consciousness. I get a strong feeling of knowing the ways of things around me.
There are examples from other cultures that celebrate these same feelings. Poets and artists of the Romantic era (peaked c. 1800-1850) often portrayed nature in a way that evoked its awe-inspiring grandeur and mystery. And the American wilderness and conservation movement sprung from these sentiments. The Japanese celebrate nature and they have two beautiful (also "untranslatable") words indicative of their appreciation: "komorebi" (refers to the sunlight shining through the leaves of trees, creating a sort of dance between the light and the leaves) and "shinrinyoku" (walking through the forest and soaking in all the green light).
There are examples from other cultures that celebrate these same feelings. Poets and artists of the Romantic era (peaked c. 1800-1850) often portrayed nature in a way that evoked its awe-inspiring grandeur and mystery. And the American wilderness and conservation movement sprung from these sentiments. The Japanese celebrate nature and they have two beautiful (also "untranslatable") words indicative of their appreciation: "komorebi" (refers to the sunlight shining through the leaves of trees, creating a sort of dance between the light and the leaves) and "shinrinyoku" (walking through the forest and soaking in all the green light).
While the Scandinavian wildernesses may be particularly conducive to these feelings, we can experience the benefits closer to home. Camping, backpacking, and hiking qualify as friluftsliv, but so too do a trip to the beach and a walk in the woods.
While the Scandinavian wildernesses may be particularly conducive to these feelings, we can experience the benefits closer to home. Camping, backpacking, and hiking qualify as friluftsliv, but so too do a trip to the beach and a walk in the woods.
Besides the psychological and health benefits of "free air life", psychologist Tim Lomas says it has made its mark on parenting practices in Scandinavian countries:
Besides the psychological and health benefits of "free air life", psychologist Tim Lomas says it has made its mark on parenting practices in Scandinavian countries:
... basically, kids are encouraged to spend time outdoors – whatever the weather. Hence the saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”. Indeed, this provides the title for a recent parenting book (link is external), featuring the subtitle "A Scandinavian Mom’s Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient and Confident Kids (from Friluftsliv to Hygge)". This approach is reflected in the fact that children regularly spend up to 20% of the school day outside, even in the snow.
With this philosophy, there are myriad reasons why children are encouraged to spend time outside – from the health considerations of discouraging a sedentary lifestyle2, to the self-reliance that can come from outdoor play, to a general appreciation of the restorative power of nature. These considerations do not only matter to Nordic parents, needless to say. For instance, a recent initiative by Jonathan Haidt, called the Let Grow (link is external) foundation, laments the decline of outdoor play in America, and encourages people to allow children more of this kind of freedom – from whatever baseline they are starting from.
As Dr. Lomas concludes, wherever you are, perhaps there is something to be said for embracing a little more friluftsliv.
As Dr. Lomas concludes, wherever you are, perhaps there is something to be said for embracing a little more friluftsliv.
*The limbic system supports a variety of functions including emotion, behavior, motivation, long-term memory, and olfaction. Emotional life is largely housed in the limbic system, and it has a great deal to do with the formation of memories. (Wikipedia)
Above - a short documentary on friluftsliv
Below - image is from blog.oxforddictionaries.com
J.M.W. Turner, "Goldau" (c. 1841)
Caspar David Friedrich, "Monk by the Sea" (1808-1810)
Beyond the Golden Rule
Beyond the Golden Rule
POSTED 6/9/2018
Elsewhere on this site, a sidebar in the post on the Greek Awakening, I wrote that the era centering on 500 B.C. was a remarkable time in many places around the world. Besides the Greek philosopher Socrates, spiritual teachers in other parts of Eurasia (India - Buddha, China - Confucius, Persia - Zoroaster) were formulating their versions of the Golden Rule ("treat others as you want to be treated"). Whatever the reason for the timing (had humankind reached a stage of social evolution that made this precept clear to the best minds of the era?), these great thinkers were universally agreed on the necessity of following the Golden Rule to lead a good or enlightened life.
Elsewhere on this site, a sidebar in the post on the Greek Awakening, I wrote that the era centering on 500 B.C. was a remarkable time in many places around the world. Besides the Greek philosopher Socrates, spiritual teachers in other parts of Eurasia (India - Buddha, China - Confucius, Persia - Zoroaster) were formulating their versions of the Golden Rule ("treat others as you want to be treated"). Whatever the reason for the timing (had humankind reached a stage of social evolution that made this precept clear to the best minds of the era?), these great thinkers were universally agreed on the necessity of following the Golden Rule to lead a good or enlightened life.
A recent "Upworthy" article featured a commencement address by actor Rainn Wilson at New Trier High School in the affluent Chicago suburb of Winnetka. After Wilson, a New Trier graduate himself, noted and joked about how fortunate - how privileged - they all were, he explained why the standard mantra of "be a good person" is inadequate to conquer the challenges facing humanity. "What privilege means is that we have an opportunity ... not to be entitled, not to be superior, but to acknowledge our privilege and do whatever we can to help those who don’t have it...The world is hurting from disunity and injustice, and we need to do more," Wilson said. "It is our privilege to be change agents in this world, to be of maximum love in this world, of maximum service, to make every school on this planet as great as the incredible New Trier High School."
A recent "Upworthy" article featured a commencement address by actor Rainn Wilson at New Trier High School in the affluent Chicago suburb of Winnetka. After Wilson, a New Trier graduate himself, noted and joked about how fortunate - how privileged - they all were, he explained why the standard mantra of "be a good person" is inadequate to conquer the challenges facing humanity. "What privilege means is that we have an opportunity ... not to be entitled, not to be superior, but to acknowledge our privilege and do whatever we can to help those who don’t have it...The world is hurting from disunity and injustice, and we need to do more," Wilson said. "It is our privilege to be change agents in this world, to be of maximum love in this world, of maximum service, to make every school on this planet as great as the incredible New Trier High School."
In other words, let's take it a step further than the Golden Rule.
In other words, let's take it a step further than the Golden Rule.
Wilson concluded his thoughts on privilege with a quote from 'Abdu'l-Bahá (1844-1921), the son of the founder of the Bahá'í Faith:
Wilson concluded his thoughts on privilege with a quote from 'Abdu'l-Bahá (1844-1921), the son of the founder of the Bahá'í Faith:
"Be ye loving fathers to the orphan, and a refuge to the helpless, and a treasury for the poor, and a cure for the ailing. Be ye the helpers of every victim of oppression, the patrons of the disadvantaged. Think ye at all times of rendering some service to every member of the human race. Do some good to every person whose path you cross, and be of some benefit to him ... for love is light, no matter in what abode it dwelleth; and hate is darkness, no matter where it may make its nest."
"Be ye loving fathers to the orphan, and a refuge to the helpless, and a treasury for the poor, and a cure for the ailing. Be ye the helpers of every victim of oppression, the patrons of the disadvantaged. Think ye at all times of rendering some service to every member of the human race. Do some good to every person whose path you cross, and be of some benefit to him ... for love is light, no matter in what abode it dwelleth; and hate is darkness, no matter where it may make its nest."
This is good advice for anyone, not just the highly privileged. Its sentiment is remarkably like what we see in the texts of the Abrahamic religions from the admonishments of the Hebrew prophets to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and Judgement of Nations ("whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me") to the third pillar of Islam, usually translated as alms-giving, "a social contract between those who have and those who do not."
This is good advice for anyone, not just the highly privileged. Its sentiment is remarkably like what we see in the texts of the Abrahamic religions from the admonishments of the Hebrew prophets to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and Judgement of Nations ("whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me") to the third pillar of Islam, usually translated as alms-giving, "a social contract between those who have and those who do not."
I've always been amazed at how the right have been able to position themselves as the "moral majority" or the "religious right" considering their political stance on most issues having to do with the least advantaged and most vulnerable in American society. Jim Wallis is an evangelical preacher, social activist, public theologian, the founder and president of Sojourners ("Faith in Action for Social Justice") and the editor of Sojourners magazine. He's also one of my favorite writers.
I've always been amazed at how the right have been able to position themselves as the "moral majority" or the "religious right" considering their political stance on most issues having to do with the least advantaged and most vulnerable in American society. Jim Wallis is an evangelical preacher, social activist, public theologian, the founder and president of Sojourners ("Faith in Action for Social Justice") and the editor of Sojourners magazine. He's also one of my favorite writers.
In his book, On God's Side, Wallis discusses the "Judgment of Nations" in Matthew 25, probably one of the most challenging texts of the New Testament. It may be the only place where Jesus makes a point of saying who better be watching their backs at the Last Judgment. "Jesus, unlike our religious institutions, continually speaks out against judging others. But the only time Jesus is judgmental himself is on the subject of the poor." The condemned, the goats, are shocked by what Jesus will say to them at the Last Judgment. "When did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or without clothes, or a stranger, or sick, or in prison?" He will answer them, "Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me."
In his book, On God's Side, Wallis discusses the "Judgment of Nations" in Matthew 25, probably one of the most challenging texts of the New Testament. It may be the only place where Jesus makes a point of saying who better be watching their backs at the Last Judgment. "Jesus, unlike our religious institutions, continually speaks out against judging others. But the only time Jesus is judgmental himself is on the subject of the poor." The condemned, the goats, are shocked by what Jesus will say to them at the Last Judgment. "When did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or without clothes, or a stranger, or sick, or in prison?" He will answer them, "Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me."
Wallis makes two particular points. The first is that "nations", as well as individuals, are being judged. This is about collective as well as individual decisions about who or what is most important. The second is that "Christ's judgment here is not about having the wrong doctrine or theology; it's not about sexual misdeeds, or any other personal sin or failure. The everlasting judgment here is based on how we have treated the poorest and most vulnerable in our midst and in the world...[The] good or ill we have done to them [is]...the moral equivalent of how we have treated him."
Wallis makes two particular points. The first is that "nations", as well as individuals, are being judged. This is about collective as well as individual decisions about who or what is most important. The second is that "Christ's judgment here is not about having the wrong doctrine or theology; it's not about sexual misdeeds, or any other personal sin or failure. The everlasting judgment here is based on how we have treated the poorest and most vulnerable in our midst and in the world...[The] good or ill we have done to them [is]...the moral equivalent of how we have treated him."
Wallis also discusses the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan. He writes: "The basic ethic from the Good Samaritan parable - that there are no boundaries for our definition of 'neighbor' - needs to be the moral guide and compass for us now in an increasingly globalized world." He further develops the theme with a discussion of Martin Luther King's "beloved community," the spiritual and philosophical vision that inspired and drove Dr. King's efforts for civil rights. The beloved community is one which "welcomes all tribes." Quoting Dr. King: "All I'm saying is simply this; that all life is interrelated, that somehow we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly."
Wallis also discusses the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan. He writes: "The basic ethic from the Good Samaritan parable - that there are no boundaries for our definition of 'neighbor' - needs to be the moral guide and compass for us now in an increasingly globalized world." He further develops the theme with a discussion of Martin Luther King's "beloved community," the spiritual and philosophical vision that inspired and drove Dr. King's efforts for civil rights. The beloved community is one which "welcomes all tribes." Quoting Dr. King: "All I'm saying is simply this; that all life is interrelated, that somehow we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly."
-RJC, June 9, 2018
What Makes Us Human?
What Makes Us Human?
POSTED 6/22/2018
This title of a PBS documentary sounded promising. It opens with a discussion of the Neanderthals. DNA research has led to the discovery that most modern humans have a few Neanderthal genes (1%-4%) in their makeup. After a brief discussion of the advantages of homo sapiens over Neanderthals. the documentary explores "the traits we once thought were uniquely ours—language, tool-making, even laughter" —to uncover their evolutionary roots. Along the way, we discover that our ancestor "homo erectus" may have had the capacity for language 1,800,000 years ago, that learning to make more complicated stone tools may have caused evolutionary changes in the brain that paved the way for language, and that a baby's laughter is "less about humor and more about the serious business of survival." One researcher found what she believes is evidence of the evolution of laughter in primates.
This title of a PBS documentary sounded promising. It opens with a discussion of the Neanderthals. DNA research has led to the discovery that most modern humans have a few Neanderthal genes (1%-4%) in their makeup. After a brief discussion of the advantages of homo sapiens over Neanderthals. the documentary explores "the traits we once thought were uniquely ours—language, tool-making, even laughter" —to uncover their evolutionary roots. Along the way, we discover that our ancestor "homo erectus" may have had the capacity for language 1,800,000 years ago, that learning to make more complicated stone tools may have caused evolutionary changes in the brain that paved the way for language, and that a baby's laughter is "less about humor and more about the serious business of survival." One researcher found what she believes is evidence of the evolution of laughter in primates.
The "What Makes Us Human?" episode proposes that homo sapiens - we modern humans - share many characteristics with our evolutionary ancestors and with today's primates. So we must look further to answer the question of what makes us uniquely human.
The "What Makes Us Human?" episode proposes that homo sapiens - we modern humans - share many characteristics with our evolutionary ancestors and with today's primates. So we must look further to answer the question of what makes us uniquely human.
How about consciousness? The general definition of consciousness is "the state or quality of awareness, or, of being aware of an external object or something within oneself." But is this unique to human beings? Or is it present to some degree in other living creatures?
How about consciousness? The general definition of consciousness is "the state or quality of awareness, or, of being aware of an external object or something within oneself." But is this unique to human beings? Or is it present to some degree in other living creatures?
"Theories of consciousness come from religion, from philosophy, from cognitive science, but not so much from evolutionary biology. Maybe that’s why so few theories have been able to tackle basic questions such as: What is the adaptive value of consciousness? When did it evolve and what animals have it?" (The Atlantic)
"Theories of consciousness come from religion, from philosophy, from cognitive science, but not so much from evolutionary biology. Maybe that’s why so few theories have been able to tackle basic questions such as: What is the adaptive value of consciousness? When did it evolve and what animals have it?" (The Atlantic)
Neuroscientist Michael Graziano of Princeton University writes in The Atlantic magazine that his Attention Schema Theory (AST)* may be able to answer those questions. "The theory suggests that consciousness arises as a solution to one of the most fundamental problems facing any nervous system: Too much information constantly flows in to be fully processed. The brain evolved increasingly sophisticated mechanisms for deeply processing a few select signals at the expense of others, and in the AST, consciousness is the ultimate result of that evolutionary sequence. If the theory is right—and that has yet to be determined—then consciousness evolved gradually over the past half billion years and is present in a range of vertebrate species." (The Atlantic)
Neuroscientist Michael Graziano of Princeton University writes in The Atlantic magazine that his Attention Schema Theory (AST)* may be able to answer those questions. "The theory suggests that consciousness arises as a solution to one of the most fundamental problems facing any nervous system: Too much information constantly flows in to be fully processed. The brain evolved increasingly sophisticated mechanisms for deeply processing a few select signals at the expense of others, and in the AST, consciousness is the ultimate result of that evolutionary sequence. If the theory is right—and that has yet to be determined—then consciousness evolved gradually over the past half billion years and is present in a range of vertebrate species." (The Atlantic)
Some have extended high intelligence and consciousness even further - for example, to invertebrates. Recently Peter Godfrey-Smith's "Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness" did just this. Examining the behavior of cephalopods, Godfrey-Smith "tells a bold new story of how subjective experience crept into being―how nature became aware of itself."
Some have extended high intelligence and consciousness even further - for example, to invertebrates. Recently Peter Godfrey-Smith's "Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness" did just this. Examining the behavior of cephalopods, Godfrey-Smith "tells a bold new story of how subjective experience crept into being―how nature became aware of itself."
Decades earlier, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a philosopher, scientist, and priest, saw some level of consciousness present throughout the universe. "With regard to the existence of rudimentary mind-like qualities prior to the emergence of reflective consciousness, [evolutionary biologist Sir Julian Huxley] writes the following about Teilhard’s contributions.… 'evolutionary fact and logic demand that minds should have evolved gradually as well as bodies and that accordingly mindlike … properties must be present throughout the universe. Thus, in any case, we must infer the presence of potential mind… by backward extrapolation from the human phase to the biological, and from the biological to the inorganic. … The brain alone is not responsible for mind, even though it is a necessary organ for its manifestation.' "
Decades earlier, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a philosopher, scientist, and priest, saw some level of consciousness present throughout the universe. "With regard to the existence of rudimentary mind-like qualities prior to the emergence of reflective consciousness, [evolutionary biologist Sir Julian Huxley] writes the following about Teilhard’s contributions.… 'evolutionary fact and logic demand that minds should have evolved gradually as well as bodies and that accordingly mindlike … properties must be present throughout the universe. Thus, in any case, we must infer the presence of potential mind… by backward extrapolation from the human phase to the biological, and from the biological to the inorganic. … The brain alone is not responsible for mind, even though it is a necessary organ for its manifestation.' "
If consciousness in its broader sense is not unique to homo sapiens, then what is?
If consciousness in its broader sense is not unique to homo sapiens, then what is?
In an article on ancient cave paintings, Smithsonian Magazine considers a "higher order consciousness" to be the answer. "What sets modern humans apart from other hominids is 'our ability to think and plan for the future, and to remember and learn from the past.' This higher order consciousness gave homo sapiens a competitive advantage...[and] opened the door to...a host of intellectual and emotional connections that infused our lives with meaning beyond the basic impulse to survive. And because it enabled symbolic thinking—our ability to let one thing stand for another—it allowed people to make visual representations of things that they could remember and imagine." The author considers that "ancient art is a marker for this cognitive shift [to higher order consciousness]." **
In an article on ancient cave paintings, Smithsonian Magazine considers a "higher order consciousness" to be the answer. "What sets modern humans apart from other hominids is 'our ability to think and plan for the future, and to remember and learn from the past.' This higher order consciousness gave homo sapiens a competitive advantage...[and] opened the door to...a host of intellectual and emotional connections that infused our lives with meaning beyond the basic impulse to survive. And because it enabled symbolic thinking—our ability to let one thing stand for another—it allowed people to make visual representations of things that they could remember and imagine." The author considers that "ancient art is a marker for this cognitive shift [to higher order consciousness]." **
Still......
Still......
What triggered this final jump? I have a feeling that philosophers, neuroscientists, psychologists, theologians, evolutionary biologists, and many others will be debating this for a long time to come.
What triggered this final jump? I have a feeling that philosophers, neuroscientists, psychologists, theologians, evolutionary biologists, and many others will be debating this for a long time to come.
And then there's the strange link between quantum mechanics and consciousness...
And then there's the strange link between quantum mechanics and consciousness...
*The attention schema theory (AST) of consciousness is an evolutionary and neuropsychological scientific and materialist theory of consciousness. One goal of AST is to allow people to eventually construct artificial, conscious machines. AST seeks to explain how an information-processing machine could act the way people do, insisting it has consciousness, describing consciousness in the ways that we do, and attributing similar properties to others.
**Creativity is considered a distinguishing feature of humanity and is intimately related to higher order consciousness. See post below "Oliver Sacks and E.O. Wilson on Creativity", posted 3/21/2018
Why Does the World Exist?
Why Does the World Exist?
POSTED 7/17/2018
Jim Holt's "Why Does the World Exist?", published in 2012, explores what William James called the “darkest question in all philosophy” - to wit, “Why is there something rather than nothing?” Holt explores philosophical, theological, and scientific attempts to answer the question.
Jim Holt's "Why Does the World Exist?", published in 2012, explores what William James called the “darkest question in all philosophy” - to wit, “Why is there something rather than nothing?” Holt explores philosophical, theological, and scientific attempts to answer the question.
That this universe exists at all is indeed a particularly awesome and wondrous fact. Consider that, if any one of numerous fundamental physical constants were off by the smallest fraction, the universe as we know it would not exist. For example, if the strong nuclear force were not exactly what it is, elements would not be able to form. Or, if protons were not exactly 1836 times the size of an electron, elements would not be able to combine into molecules. Other examples are the ratio of the electromagnetic force to the gravitational force (this keeps stars from immediately collapsing) and the excited energy level of the carbon atom (without this exact level of 7.65 million electron-volts, insufficient carbon would be formed in stars to form the basis for life). And there are many, many more.
That this universe exists at all is indeed a particularly awesome and wondrous fact. Consider that, if any one of numerous fundamental physical constants were off by the smallest fraction, the universe as we know it would not exist. For example, if the strong nuclear force were not exactly what it is, elements would not be able to form. Or, if protons were not exactly 1836 times the size of an electron, elements would not be able to combine into molecules. Other examples are the ratio of the electromagnetic force to the gravitational force (this keeps stars from immediately collapsing) and the excited energy level of the carbon atom (without this exact level of 7.65 million electron-volts, insufficient carbon would be formed in stars to form the basis for life). And there are many, many more.
And one of the more extraordinary things about the universe is that it has produced beings who can observe it — namely, us. Its laws and constants are so precise that, if they were even slightly modified, no human would be here to see it. Many cosmologists and philosophers have wondered if we should read anything into all this preciseness: Are the finely-tuned physical laws that surround us mere coincidence, or does it imply that we are somehow meant to be here?
And one of the more extraordinary things about the universe is that it has produced beings who can observe it — namely, us. Its laws and constants are so precise that, if they were even slightly modified, no human would be here to see it. Many cosmologists and philosophers have wondered if we should read anything into all this preciseness: Are the finely-tuned physical laws that surround us mere coincidence, or does it imply that we are somehow meant to be here?
Image right appears in iO9 article, "How does the Anthropic Principle change the meaning of the universe?"
Some who have considered these facts subscribe to one version or another of the "anthropic principle". The term was coined by astrophysicist Brandon Carter at a 1973 symposium in Krakow that marked the 500th anniversary of Copernicus' birth. Copernicus was the Renaissance astronomer who first formulated a cosmology wherein the earth was not at the center of the universe but rather revolved around the Sun. Carter created the phrase in reaction to a recent extension and generalization of Copernican Principle - i.e., not only is the Earth not at the center of the universe but humans are not even privileged observers of the universe. Carter, examining the remarkable coincidences similar to those noted above, disagreed. As he stated: “Although our situation is not necessarily central, it is inevitably privileged to some extent.”
Some who have considered these facts subscribe to one version or another of the "anthropic principle". The term was coined by astrophysicist Brandon Carter at a 1973 symposium in Krakow that marked the 500th anniversary of Copernicus' birth. Copernicus was the Renaissance astronomer who first formulated a cosmology wherein the earth was not at the center of the universe but rather revolved around the Sun. Carter created the phrase in reaction to a recent extension and generalization of Copernican Principle - i.e., not only is the Earth not at the center of the universe but humans are not even privileged observers of the universe. Carter, examining the remarkable coincidences similar to those noted above, disagreed. As he stated: “Although our situation is not necessarily central, it is inevitably privileged to some extent.”
The anthropic principle comes in several flavors. The most basic distinction is between the “Weak” and “Strong” anthropic principles. Beyond these two versions, there are the more speculative “Participatory” and “Final” Anthropic Principles.
The anthropic principle comes in several flavors. The most basic distinction is between the “Weak” and “Strong” anthropic principles. Beyond these two versions, there are the more speculative “Participatory” and “Final” Anthropic Principles.
Let's start with the Weak Anthropic Principle and work our way up. The Weak Anthropic Principle (WAP) basically states that all the possible values for the physical and cosmological constants are not equally probable. Some are more probable than others. Specifically the values of these constants are restricted to what is compatible with the observable facts: namely, that there are sites where carbon-based life can evolve and that the Universe has existed long enough for carbon-based life to have done so. One of the least controversial examples of the Anthropic Principle is the habitable zone (aka, the Goldilocks Zone) which is the range of orbits around a star within which a planetary surface can support liquid water, a necessary ingredient for life as we know it, given sufficient atmospheric pressure.
Let's start with the Weak Anthropic Principle and work our way up. The Weak Anthropic Principle (WAP) basically states that all the possible values for the physical and cosmological constants are not equally probable. Some are more probable than others. Specifically the values of these constants are restricted to what is compatible with the observable facts: namely, that there are sites where carbon-based life can evolve and that the Universe has existed long enough for carbon-based life to have done so. One of the least controversial examples of the Anthropic Principle is the habitable zone (aka, the Goldilocks Zone) which is the range of orbits around a star within which a planetary surface can support liquid water, a necessary ingredient for life as we know it, given sufficient atmospheric pressure.
Image right: Planetary Habitable Zone © 2010 HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM
Now let's up the ante a bit and consider the Strong Anthropic Principle (SAP). Simply stated: the Universe must have those properties which allow life to develop at some stage in its history.
Now let's up the ante a bit and consider the Strong Anthropic Principle (SAP). Simply stated: the Universe must have those properties which allow life to develop at some stage in its history.
One interpretation of the SAP is that the Universe requires observers and is designed with the goal of generating and sustaining these observers. Humanity (or some other intelligent, information-gathering life form) is thus necessary to the Universe's existence. This is sometimes referred to as the Participatory Anthropic Principle. It is derived from the concepts of quantum mechanics - i.e., it takes an intelligent observer to collapse the Universe's probability waves into relatively concrete reality.
One interpretation of the SAP is that the Universe requires observers and is designed with the goal of generating and sustaining these observers. Humanity (or some other intelligent, information-gathering life form) is thus necessary to the Universe's existence. This is sometimes referred to as the Participatory Anthropic Principle. It is derived from the concepts of quantum mechanics - i.e., it takes an intelligent observer to collapse the Universe's probability waves into relatively concrete reality.
Last and most speculative is the Final Anthropic Principle. In this version, intelligent information-processing must come into existence in the Universe, and, once it comes into existence, it will never die out.
Last and most speculative is the Final Anthropic Principle. In this version, intelligent information-processing must come into existence in the Universe, and, once it comes into existence, it will never die out.
The Anthropic Principle has its scientific supporters and detractors, as does each of its various interpretations. Theologians favor the Anthropic Principle because it appears to give a glimpse of a Creative God. I'm not sure what philosophers think of it or if it answers Jim Holt's question to his satisfaction but it sure gives us something to think about. The Universe is wondrous and contingent. The Anthropic Principle is one attempt to explain it.
The Anthropic Principle has its scientific supporters and detractors, as does each of its various interpretations. Theologians favor the Anthropic Principle because it appears to give a glimpse of a Creative God. I'm not sure what philosophers think of it or if it answers Jim Holt's question to his satisfaction but it sure gives us something to think about. The Universe is wondrous and contingent. The Anthropic Principle is one attempt to explain it.
Toltec Wisdom: The Four Agreements
Toltec Wisdom: The Four Agreements
POSTED AUGUST 6, 2018
Carlos Castaneda first brought attention to the Toltec path to wisdom in the late 1960's and '70's. Starting with "The Teachings of Don Juan" in 1968, Castaneda wrote a series of books that describe his training in shamanism, particularly with a group descended from the Toltecs. The books were written while Castaneda was working on theses as an anthropology student at UCLA. They relate his experiences and learnings under the tutelage of a Yaqui "Man of Knowledge", a shaman, named don Juan Matus*.
Carlos Castaneda first brought attention to the Toltec path to wisdom in the late 1960's and '70's. Starting with "The Teachings of Don Juan" in 1968, Castaneda wrote a series of books that describe his training in shamanism, particularly with a group descended from the Toltecs. The books were written while Castaneda was working on theses as an anthropology student at UCLA. They relate his experiences and learnings under the tutelage of a Yaqui "Man of Knowledge", a shaman, named don Juan Matus*.
After a near-fatal car accident, Don Miguel Ruiz** apprenticed himself to a Toltec shaman. He took the Toltec teachings a step further in his "practical guides to Toltec wisdom" - the books "The Four Agreements" (1997), "The Mastery of Love" (1999) and "The Fifth Agreement" (2010).*** Ruiz employs the word Toltec to signify a long tradition of indigenous beliefs in Mexico, such as the idea that a Nagual (shaman) guides an individual to personal freedom. In these books, he explores the human mind from an indigenous as well as scientific perspective, combining traditional wisdom with modern insights. In his introduction to "The Four Agreements", Ruiz provides this description of Toltec knowledge: "While it does embrace spirit, it is most accurately described as a way of life, distinguished by the ready accessibility of happiness and love."
After a near-fatal car accident, Don Miguel Ruiz** apprenticed himself to a Toltec shaman. He took the Toltec teachings a step further in his "practical guides to Toltec wisdom" - the books "The Four Agreements" (1997), "The Mastery of Love" (1999) and "The Fifth Agreement" (2010).*** Ruiz employs the word Toltec to signify a long tradition of indigenous beliefs in Mexico, such as the idea that a Nagual (shaman) guides an individual to personal freedom. In these books, he explores the human mind from an indigenous as well as scientific perspective, combining traditional wisdom with modern insights. In his introduction to "The Four Agreements", Ruiz provides this description of Toltec knowledge: "While it does embrace spirit, it is most accurately described as a way of life, distinguished by the ready accessibility of happiness and love."
THE FOUR AGREEMENTS
THE FOUR AGREEMENTS
"Be impeccable with your word."
"Be impeccable with your word."
"Don't take anything personally."
"Don't take anything personally."
"Don't make assumptions."
"Don't make assumptions."
"Always do your best."
"Always do your best."
These make so much sense, don't they? I've found many occasions to follow their guidance over the years, and, in every instance, they have made the situation better.
These make so much sense, don't they? I've found many occasions to follow their guidance over the years, and, in every instance, they have made the situation better.
The first is the most important. For some it is, perhaps, the most difficult. "Impeccable" means "without sin", blameless. Ruiz continues: "Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself [to run yourself down] or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love...Being impeccable is not going against yourself. When you are impeccable, you take responsibility for your actions, but you do not judge or blame yourself.” In other words, don't wallow in guilt or shame. And see Agreement #4.
The first is the most important. For some it is, perhaps, the most difficult. "Impeccable" means "without sin", blameless. Ruiz continues: "Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself [to run yourself down] or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love...Being impeccable is not going against yourself. When you are impeccable, you take responsibility for your actions, but you do not judge or blame yourself.” In other words, don't wallow in guilt or shame. And see Agreement #4.
"Don't take anything personally" is another of the agreements that is hard to follow at first. But with time and repeated practice, it can become second nature. Ruiz writes: "Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering..." Since ancient times to the modern day, philosophers have been saying this - do not be too taken with the opinion of others. Do not be hurt by things they say and do - these are projections of their own reality, not yours. Deepak Chopra has a mantra that expresses the same thought: "I’m totally independent of the good or bad opinion of others."
"Don't take anything personally" is another of the agreements that is hard to follow at first. But with time and repeated practice, it can become second nature. Ruiz writes: "Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering..." Since ancient times to the modern day, philosophers have been saying this - do not be too taken with the opinion of others. Do not be hurt by things they say and do - these are projections of their own reality, not yours. Deepak Chopra has a mantra that expresses the same thought: "I’m totally independent of the good or bad opinion of others."
The Third Agreement "Don't make any assumptions" means "Ask questions." Do not think that you know what the other person is thinking. And don't think that the other person knows what you are thinking. Clarify by questioning and by stating exactly what you want and mean. Ruiz writes: "Don't make assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life."
The Third Agreement "Don't make any assumptions" means "Ask questions." Do not think that you know what the other person is thinking. And don't think that the other person knows what you are thinking. Clarify by questioning and by stating exactly what you want and mean. Ruiz writes: "Don't make assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life."
The Fourth Agreement, "Always do your best", is about "the action of the first three" and applicable, really, to everything we do. Ruiz continues: “Under any circumstance, always do your best, no more and no less. But keep in mind that your best is never going to be the same from one moment to the next. Everything is alive and changing all the time, so your best will sometimes be high quality, and other times it will not be as good.”
The Fourth Agreement, "Always do your best", is about "the action of the first three" and applicable, really, to everything we do. Ruiz continues: “Under any circumstance, always do your best, no more and no less. But keep in mind that your best is never going to be the same from one moment to the next. Everything is alive and changing all the time, so your best will sometimes be high quality, and other times it will not be as good.”
*There is some debate over whether the stories were based on Castaneda's actual experiences with Don Juan or whether Castaneda used the narrative as as vehicle to develop his theses.
**Pseudonym of Miguel Ángel Ruiz Macías, a Mexican author of Toltec spiritualist and neoshamanistic texts.
***The complete book titles give an indication of the main theme. They are: "The Four Agreements - A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom"; "The Mastery of Love - A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship"; and "The Fifth Agreement - A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery". The Fifth Agreement is "Be skeptical, but learn to listen." "The Fifth Agreement" was co-authored with his son.
There are several good summaries of The Four Agreements on the web. Among them:
Toltec Online has a short article "Who Are the Toltecs? A Brief History" which also discusses the work of Castaneda and Ruiz.
Pope Francis, 21st Century Christianity and Changing the World
Pope Francis, 21st Century Christianity and Changing the World
POSTED AUGUST 20, 2018
The first pope from the Americas, Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose "Francis" as his papal name when he was selected by the College of Cardinals in 2013. Although a Jesuit, he chose the name not in reference to his order's co-founder, St. Francis Xavier, but to St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor. It was a strong signal as to the emphasis he would give as the spiritual leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics.
The first pope from the Americas, Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose "Francis" as his papal name when he was selected by the College of Cardinals in 2013. Although a Jesuit, he chose the name not in reference to his order's co-founder, St. Francis Xavier, but to St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor. It was a strong signal as to the emphasis he would give as the spiritual leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics.
His teachings and statements provide a good counter to the anti-immigrant rhetoric, to climate change nay-saying, and to the worst aspects of capitalism.
His teachings and statements provide a good counter to the anti-immigrant rhetoric, to climate change nay-saying, and to the worst aspects of capitalism.
On capitalism, inequality, and the Church's mission to the poor
On capitalism, inequality, and the Church's mission to the poor
"The goal of economics and politics is to serve humanity, beginning with the poorest and most vulnerable wherever they may be, even in their mothers' wombs. Every economic and political theory or action must set about providing each inhabitant of the planet with the minimum wherewithal to live in dignity and freedom, with the possibility of supporting a family, educating children, praising God and developing one's own human potential." - from an open letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron on the eve of the 2013 G-8 Summit
"The goal of economics and politics is to serve humanity, beginning with the poorest and most vulnerable wherever they may be, even in their mothers' wombs. Every economic and political theory or action must set about providing each inhabitant of the planet with the minimum wherewithal to live in dignity and freedom, with the possibility of supporting a family, educating children, praising God and developing one's own human potential." - from an open letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron on the eve of the 2013 G-8 Summit
"[The Church's] goal is not to proselytize but to listen to needs, desires and disappointments, despair, hope. We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace.” - from an interview with Italian journalist Eugenio Scalfari
"[The Church's] goal is not to proselytize but to listen to needs, desires and disappointments, despair, hope. We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace.” - from an interview with Italian journalist Eugenio Scalfari
In November 2013, eight months after becoming pope, Francis published his first apostolic exhortation. The 224-page “Evangelii Gaudium” (The Joy of the Gospel) speaks at length about the evils of unfettered capitalism and the church’s need to minister to the poor. Here are two excerpts:
In November 2013, eight months after becoming pope, Francis published his first apostolic exhortation. The 224-page “Evangelii Gaudium” (The Joy of the Gospel) speaks at length about the evils of unfettered capitalism and the church’s need to minister to the poor. Here are two excerpts:
"Just as the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say “thou shalt not” to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills. How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points?"
"Just as the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say “thou shalt not” to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills. How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points?"
"Some people continue to defend trickle-down theories which assume that economic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world. This opinion, which has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naïve trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system. Meanwhile, the excluded are still waiting."
"Some people continue to defend trickle-down theories which assume that economic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world. This opinion, which has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naïve trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system. Meanwhile, the excluded are still waiting."
On migrants and refugees
On migrants and refugees
Francis' defense of migrants and refugees has been a key theme of his 5-year-old pontificate. Here are some of his more recent statements :
Francis' defense of migrants and refugees has been a key theme of his 5-year-old pontificate. Here are some of his more recent statements :
“There is no Christian joy when doors are closed; there is no Christian joy when others are made to feel unwanted, when there is no room for them in our midst...the cry of the poor is a kind of a prayer; it opens our hearts and teaches us to be attentive.” (January 18, 2018)
“There is no Christian joy when doors are closed; there is no Christian joy when others are made to feel unwanted, when there is no room for them in our midst...the cry of the poor is a kind of a prayer; it opens our hearts and teaches us to be attentive.” (January 18, 2018)
"We encounter Jesus in those who are poor, rejected, or refugees. Do not let fear get in the way of welcoming our neighbour in need." (June 20, 2018)
"We encounter Jesus in those who are poor, rejected, or refugees. Do not let fear get in the way of welcoming our neighbour in need." (June 20, 2018)
"A person's dignity does not depend on them being a citizen, a migrant, or a refugee. Saving the life of someone fleeing war and poverty is an act of humanity." (June 20, 2018)
"A person's dignity does not depend on them being a citizen, a migrant, or a refugee. Saving the life of someone fleeing war and poverty is an act of humanity." (June 20, 2018)
On the environment
On the environment
Pope Francis released his encyclical on the environment in June 2015. Perhaps the most important new focus of the encyclical is the relationship between global poverty, catastrophic inequality, and consumerism that leads to environmental destruction. Here are a few excerpts:
Pope Francis released his encyclical on the environment in June 2015. Perhaps the most important new focus of the encyclical is the relationship between global poverty, catastrophic inequality, and consumerism that leads to environmental destruction. Here are a few excerpts:
"The earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor."
"The earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor."
"The pace of consumption, waste and environmental change has so stretched the planet’s capacity that our contemporary lifestyle, unsustainable as it is, can only precipitate catastrophes, such as those which even now periodically occur in different areas of the world."
"The pace of consumption, waste and environmental change has so stretched the planet’s capacity that our contemporary lifestyle, unsustainable as it is, can only precipitate catastrophes, such as those which even now periodically occur in different areas of the world."
"Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience."
"Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience."
"We are not faced with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the underprivileged, and at the same time protecting nature."
"We are not faced with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the underprivileged, and at the same time protecting nature."
"Reducing greenhouse gases requires honesty, courage and responsibility, above all on the part of those countries which are more powerful and pollute the most."
"Reducing greenhouse gases requires honesty, courage and responsibility, above all on the part of those countries which are more powerful and pollute the most."
On the death penalty
On the death penalty
Pope Francis announced a change to the Catholic catechism on August 2, 2018, stating that the death penalty is inadmissible in all circumstances:
Pope Francis announced a change to the Catholic catechism on August 2, 2018, stating that the death penalty is inadmissible in all circumstances:
"Today... there is an increasing awareness that the dignity of the person is not lost even after the commission of very serious crimes. In addition, a new understanding has emerged of the significance of penal sanctions imposed by the state. Lastly, more effective systems of detention have been developed, which ensure the due protection of citizens but, at the same time, do not definitively deprive the guilty of the possibility of redemption. Consequently, the Church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person”, and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide."
"Today... there is an increasing awareness that the dignity of the person is not lost even after the commission of very serious crimes. In addition, a new understanding has emerged of the significance of penal sanctions imposed by the state. Lastly, more effective systems of detention have been developed, which ensure the due protection of citizens but, at the same time, do not definitively deprive the guilty of the possibility of redemption. Consequently, the Church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person”, and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide."
What Makes a Genius?
What Makes a Genius?
POSTED AUGUST 28, 2018
"Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see." - Arthur Schopenhauer
"Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see." - Arthur Schopenhauer
Genius has an element of subjectivity about it and the dictionary definition ("exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability") bears this out. Not everyone with these qualities is considered a genius. Society decides upon whom it will confer the title of genius. On some - such as Einstein and Leonardo - there is universal agreement. On others - for example, Stephen Hawking and Pablo Picasso - there is some debate.
Genius has an element of subjectivity about it and the dictionary definition ("exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability") bears this out. Not everyone with these qualities is considered a genius. Society decides upon whom it will confer the title of genius. On some - such as Einstein and Leonardo - there is universal agreement. On others - for example, Stephen Hawking and Pablo Picasso - there is some debate.
From the times of ancient Greece, philosophers have wondered about the origins of genius - that ability of some individuals to change the way humanity sees the world. Intelligence is a necessary component, but there are many highly intelligent people who are not considered geniuses.
From the times of ancient Greece, philosophers have wondered about the origins of genius - that ability of some individuals to change the way humanity sees the world. Intelligence is a necessary component, but there are many highly intelligent people who are not considered geniuses.
Creativity, "the ability to apply imagination to almost any situation," is an essential element and likely the most important one - particularly when combined with intelligence. Researchers today are gaining insights into the creative process - for example, the role of the unconscious mind* and the trait of highly creative persons to make connections between seemingly disparate concepts**, the importance of natural gifts and a nurturing environment.
Creativity, "the ability to apply imagination to almost any situation," is an essential element and likely the most important one - particularly when combined with intelligence. Researchers today are gaining insights into the creative process - for example, the role of the unconscious mind* and the trait of highly creative persons to make connections between seemingly disparate concepts**, the importance of natural gifts and a nurturing environment.
Walter Isaakson has explored the concept of genius in his biographies of Einstein, Leonardo, Benjamin Franklin and Steve Jobs. Besides creativity, Isaakson considers curiosity, the ability to question received wisdom, and an appreciation of the interrelationship between the arts, the sciences, and the humanities essential for reaching "genius level." Even with these gifts of nature and nurture, motivation and perseverance appear necessary to produce a genius.
Walter Isaakson has explored the concept of genius in his biographies of Einstein, Leonardo, Benjamin Franklin and Steve Jobs. Besides creativity, Isaakson considers curiosity, the ability to question received wisdom, and an appreciation of the interrelationship between the arts, the sciences, and the humanities essential for reaching "genius level." Even with these gifts of nature and nurture, motivation and perseverance appear necessary to produce a genius.
Geniuses are rare, but we can learn much from them about living fulfilling and creative lives. I'll close with a list from a chapter of Isaakson's biography of Leonardo da Vinci, "Learning from Leonardo."
Geniuses are rare, but we can learn much from them about living fulfilling and creative lives. I'll close with a list from a chapter of Isaakson's biography of Leonardo da Vinci, "Learning from Leonardo."
Be curious, relentlessly curious...
Be curious, relentlessly curious...
Seek knowledge for its own sake...
Seek knowledge for its own sake...
Retain a childlike sense of wonder...
Retain a childlike sense of wonder...
Observe...
Observe...
Start with the details...
Start with the details...
See things unseen...
See things unseen...
Go down rabbit holes [drill down for the pure joy of geeking out]...
Go down rabbit holes [drill down for the pure joy of geeking out]...
Respect facts...
Respect facts...
Procrastinate [gather all the possible facts and then allow the collection to simmer]...
Procrastinate [gather all the possible facts and then allow the collection to simmer]...
Think visually...Avoid silos [he knew art was a science and science an art]...
Think visually...Avoid silos [he knew art was a science and science an art]...
Let your reach exceed your grasp...
Let your reach exceed your grasp...
Indulge fantasy [he blurred the distinction between reality and fantasy]...
Indulge fantasy [he blurred the distinction between reality and fantasy]...
Create for yourself, not just for patrons...
Create for yourself, not just for patrons...
Collaborate...
Collaborate...
Make lists...
Make lists...
Take notes, on paper...
Take notes, on paper...
Be open to mystery..."
Be open to mystery..."
*Scott Barry Kaufman's work at the Imagination Institute in Philadelphia have revealed that "the aha moment, the flash of clarity that arises at unexpected times—in a dream, in the shower, on a walk—often emerges after a period of contemplation. Information comes in consciously, but the problem is processed unconsciously, the resulting solution leaping out when the mind least expects it."
**[Very] preliminary results from Andrew Newberg's study at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals indicate that "richer communication between areas of the brain may help make those intuitive leaps possible...[and that] there’s more communication going on between the left and the right hemispheres, which one might expect in people who are highly creative.”
Einstein would pull out his violin to play Mozart when he was stymied in pursuit of theories (he said it helped him reconnect with the harmonies of the cosmos), (Time)
The tree that sparked Newton to develop his laws of gravity still stands near his childhood home.
Photo is from NatGeo article.
The Five Hour Rule - the value and beauty of constant learning
The Five Hour Rule - the value and beauty of constant learning
POSTED SEPTEMBER 10, 2018
The five-hour rule is usually mentioned in the context of workplace success: "dedicate one hour each workday to deliberate learning." Some note that the five-hour rule was inspired and perhaps invented by Benjamin Franklin. Throughout Franklin’s adult life, he consistently invested an hour a day in ‘deliberate’ learning. Some even call this "Franklin’s" five hour rule: one hour a day on every weekday. Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey and other top business leaders reputedly use the rule. Writer Michael Simmons calls it "The No. 1 Lifelong Habit of Warren Buffett" and points out its special importance to "knowledge workers".
The five-hour rule is usually mentioned in the context of workplace success: "dedicate one hour each workday to deliberate learning." Some note that the five-hour rule was inspired and perhaps invented by Benjamin Franklin. Throughout Franklin’s adult life, he consistently invested an hour a day in ‘deliberate’ learning. Some even call this "Franklin’s" five hour rule: one hour a day on every weekday. Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey and other top business leaders reputedly use the rule. Writer Michael Simmons calls it "The No. 1 Lifelong Habit of Warren Buffett" and points out its special importance to "knowledge workers".
One description of the method summarizes it like this:
One description of the method summarizes it like this:
1. Read
1. Read
"Early to bed, early to rise" Franklin woke up early to read and write. Bill Gates reads 50 books per year. Mark Zuckerberg reads at least one book every two weeks. Elon Musk grew up reading two books a day, according to his brother. Oprah Winfrey credits books with much of her success: “Books were my pass to personal freedom.” We learn much from reading and also from other people and experiences.
2. Reflect
2. Reflect
The five-hour rule also takes the form of reflection and thinking time. Benjamin Franklin asked himself morning and evening "reflection questions" . Warren Buffett spends 80 percent of his time reading and thinking, and has done so for his entire career. Thinkers create blocks of free time "to go above the noise and gain perspective." Reflection helps us synthesize what we learn into "rare and valuable combinations."
3. Experiment
3. Experiment
Experimenting is about seeing how those "rare and valuable combinations" actually perform in the real world. Throughout his life, Ben Franklin set aside time for experimentation, "masterminding with like-minded individuals, and tracking his virtues. Google famously allowed employees to experiment with new projects during 20 percent of their work time. Facebook encourages experimentation through Hack-a-Months."
The five hour rule of deliberate learning is also beneficial outside the workplace. Learning new things or a new skill is recognized as a way to keep mentally sharp as we age. But at any age, learning something new can result in new brain cell growth. According to Dr. Ipsit Vahia at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital: “New brain cell growth can happen even late into adulthood. The process of learning and acquiring new information and experiences...can stimulate that process.”
The five hour rule of deliberate learning is also beneficial outside the workplace. Learning new things or a new skill is recognized as a way to keep mentally sharp as we age. But at any age, learning something new can result in new brain cell growth. According to Dr. Ipsit Vahia at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital: “New brain cell growth can happen even late into adulthood. The process of learning and acquiring new information and experiences...can stimulate that process.”
Reading is one of the best ways to learn, and its benefits are many. A Lifehack article [link below left] advises us to read every day and enumerates ten benefits of reading including knowledge, mental stimulation and memory improvement but also stress reduction and tranquility.
Reading is one of the best ways to learn, and its benefits are many. A Lifehack article [link below left] advises us to read every day and enumerates ten benefits of reading including knowledge, mental stimulation and memory improvement but also stress reduction and tranquility.
And it's not only "non-fiction" reading that helps improve our minds and lives. As the Psychology Today article [link below right] notes, reading compelling stories - ones that pull us into their reality - improves people’s capacity to understand and mentally react to other individuals and social situations. "But why does reading fiction fine-tune our social awareness? That’s not entirely clear. One possible reason is that when we devote our mental energy to stepping into an imaginary person’s inner world, we’re essentially honing our ability to do the very same thing with actual people. Indeed, scientific evidence suggests that the same regions of the brain are at work when we’re thinking about other people and their points of view, regardless of whether those individuals happen to be real or fictional."
And it's not only "non-fiction" reading that helps improve our minds and lives. As the Psychology Today article [link below right] notes, reading compelling stories - ones that pull us into their reality - improves people’s capacity to understand and mentally react to other individuals and social situations. "But why does reading fiction fine-tune our social awareness? That’s not entirely clear. One possible reason is that when we devote our mental energy to stepping into an imaginary person’s inner world, we’re essentially honing our ability to do the very same thing with actual people. Indeed, scientific evidence suggests that the same regions of the brain are at work when we’re thinking about other people and their points of view, regardless of whether those individuals happen to be real or fictional."
Poets and Teachers on Oneness
Poets and Teachers on Oneness
POSTED SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
For centuries, thinkers and teachers have pointed to humankind's essential unity and to the underlying oneness of the universe. In the 20th century, the establishment of the United Nations, the formation of the European Union, modern ecumenism, the ecology movement, discoveries in physics, and images from the space program all moved us in the right direction. Still, the concept of the Other and a sense of separateness dominate our world today, resulting in much of the discord we see around us.
For centuries, thinkers and teachers have pointed to humankind's essential unity and to the underlying oneness of the universe. In the 20th century, the establishment of the United Nations, the formation of the European Union, modern ecumenism, the ecology movement, discoveries in physics, and images from the space program all moved us in the right direction. Still, the concept of the Other and a sense of separateness dominate our world today, resulting in much of the discord we see around us.
Below is a selection of thoughts and images on oneness and unity.
Below is a selection of thoughts and images on oneness and unity.
(after Stephen Hawking)
Do you sometimes want to wake up to the singularity
we once were?
so compact nobody
needed a bed, or food or money —
nobody hiding in the school bathroom
or home alone
pulling open the drawer
where the pills are kept.
For every atom belonging to me as good
Belongs to you. Remember?
There was no Nature. No
them. No tests
to determine if the elephant
grieves her calf or if
the coral reef feels pain. Trashed
oceans don’t speak English or Farsi or French;
would that we could wake up to what we were
— when we were ocean and before that
to when sky was earth, and animal was energy, and rock was
liquid and stars were space and space was not
at all — nothing
before we came to believe humans were so important
before this awful loneliness.
Can molecules recall it?
what once was? before anything happened?
No I, no We, no one. No was
No verb no noun
only a tiny tiny dot brimming with
is is is is is
All everything home
Our spirituality is a oneness and an interconnectedness with all that lives and breathes, even with all that does not live or breathe.—Mudrooroo, Aboriginal writer
Our spirituality is a oneness and an interconnectedness with all that lives and breathes, even with all that does not live or breathe.—Mudrooroo, Aboriginal writer
“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” -Thich Nhat Hanh
“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” -Thich Nhat Hanh
"We are not going to be able to operate our Spaceship Earth successfully nor for much longer unless we see it as a whole spaceship and our fate as common. It has to be everybody or nobody." - R. Buckminster Fuller
"We are not going to be able to operate our Spaceship Earth successfully nor for much longer unless we see it as a whole spaceship and our fate as common. It has to be everybody or nobody." - R. Buckminster Fuller
Ode to Joy (first stanza)
Joy, beautiful spark of Divinity,
Daughter from Elysium,
We enter, drunk with fire,
Heavenly One, thy sanctuary!
Your magic binds again
What convention strictly divides;
All people become brothers,
Where your gentle wing abides.
-Friedrich Schiller
Written in 1785, "Ode to Joy" is best known for its use by Beethoven in the final movement of his Ninth Symphony. Beethoven's tune was adopted as the Anthem of Europe by the Council of Europe in 1972 and subsequently by the European Union.
"Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal." - John F. Kennedy
"Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal." - John F. Kennedy
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe" - John Muir
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe" - John Muir
“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff.” ― Carl Sagan, Cosmos
“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff.” ― Carl Sagan, Cosmos
The Children of Adam*
All of the sons of Adam are part of one single body
They are of the same essence.
When time afflicts us with pain in one part of that body,
All the other parts feel it too.
If you fail to feel the pain of others,
You do not deserve the name of Man.
- Sa'adi Shirazi, 14c. Persian poet
This poem decorates the gate of the United Nations building entrance. Bani Adam, the Children of Adam, is an aphorism calling for the breaking of all barriers and was quoted by president Obama in a meeting with Iranian leaders.
*This translation is from Carlo Rovelli's The Order of Time
May they all be one, just as, Father, you are in me and I am in you, so that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me. - Jesus of Nazareth
May they all be one, just as, Father, you are in me and I am in you, so that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me. - Jesus of Nazareth
“Peace comes within the souls of men when they realize their oneness with the Universe, when they realize it is really everywhere, it is within each one of us.” - Black Elk
“Peace comes within the souls of men when they realize their oneness with the Universe, when they realize it is really everywhere, it is within each one of us.” - Black Elk
“If we live in our oneness-heart, we will feel the essence of all religions which is the love of God. Forgiveness, compassion, tolerance, brotherhood and the feeling of oneness are the signs of a true religion.” – Sri Chinmoy
“If we live in our oneness-heart, we will feel the essence of all religions which is the love of God. Forgiveness, compassion, tolerance, brotherhood and the feeling of oneness are the signs of a true religion.” – Sri Chinmoy
"Quantum physics thus reveals a basic oneness of the universe." - Erwin Schrodinger
"Quantum physics thus reveals a basic oneness of the universe." - Erwin Schrodinger
“All have their worth and each contributes to the worth of the others.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion
“All have their worth and each contributes to the worth of the others.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion
Touching the Sublime - Beethoven's "Benedictus"
Touching the Sublime - Beethoven's "Benedictus"
POSTED OCTOBER 15, 2018
Music can lead us to a profound appreciation of the sublime -that feeling of awe and grandeur that excites emotions and thoughts that take us outside ourselves. Beethoven's "Benedictus" is one such passage. It is part of his "Missa Solemnis", which was first performed in 1824 and considered as one of his greatest works.
Music can lead us to a profound appreciation of the sublime -that feeling of awe and grandeur that excites emotions and thoughts that take us outside ourselves. Beethoven's "Benedictus" is one such passage. It is part of his "Missa Solemnis", which was first performed in 1824 and considered as one of his greatest works.
Ikigai - "why you get up in the morning"
Ikigai - "why you get up in the morning"
POSTED OCTOBER 23, 2018
Big Think had an intriguing post last week: "7 brilliant Japanese words we need in English." In the list are words that describe " getting outdoors to de-stress, relax, and promote well-being", "the feeling one gets after leaving a barbershop looking worse than you did going in", and "pretending not to be home when somebody rings your doorbell." One of my favorites is Ikigai:
Big Think had an intriguing post last week: "7 brilliant Japanese words we need in English." In the list are words that describe " getting outdoors to de-stress, relax, and promote well-being", "the feeling one gets after leaving a barbershop looking worse than you did going in", and "pretending not to be home when somebody rings your doorbell." One of my favorites is Ikigai:
"Literally translating to "life value," Ikigai is best understood as the reason somebody gets up in the morning—somebody's reason for living. It's a combination of what you are good at, what you get paid to do, what you love to do, and what the world needs. We often find our ikigai during flow states*, which occur when a given task is just challenging and absorbing enough that we forget time has passed, that "in the zone" sensation. But it's more nuanced than something that is simply absorbing or a passion; it's a fulfilling kind of work that benefits oneself and others.
In Japanese culture, Ikigai breaks down into four different areas:
In Japanese culture, Ikigai breaks down into four different areas:
- What you love
- What you love
- What you are good at
- What you are good at
- What you can be paid for
- What you can be paid for
- What the world needs
- What the world needs
The highest life satisfaction, meaning and happiness occurs at the intersection of these four areas as shown in the diagram below. "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life"** by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles was published in 2017. The sloww website has a summary of the book, including the 10 rules of ikigai. If I may be allowed to interpret "don't retire" as "don't sit around and do nothing after you retire," it sounds like a great list to me.
The highest life satisfaction, meaning and happiness occurs at the intersection of these four areas as shown in the diagram below. "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life"** by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles was published in 2017. The sloww website has a summary of the book, including the 10 rules of ikigai. If I may be allowed to interpret "don't retire" as "don't sit around and do nothing after you retire," it sounds like a great list to me.
*See Jan 22, 2018 post below "Flow - Two Takes"
**The advert at Amazon: "Bring meaning and joy to all your days with this internationally bestselling guide to the Japanese concept of ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy)—the happiness of always being busy—as revealed by the daily habits of the world’s longest-living people."
Nine great thinkers "way ahead of their time"
Nine great thinkers "way ahead of their time"
POSTED NOVEMBER 2, 2018
Scotty Hendricks at Big Think published a post recently that listed "9 people who were way ahead of their time." These great thinkers, he says, "remind us that taking an unpopular, bold stance might not be madness." I've a summary of Hendricks' article below. Hendricks' list is a mix of scientists, philosophers, women's rights advocates, and progressive political thinkers (including one best known for a classic medieval poem).
Scotty Hendricks at Big Think published a post recently that listed "9 people who were way ahead of their time." These great thinkers, he says, "remind us that taking an unpopular, bold stance might not be madness." I've a summary of Hendricks' article below. Hendricks' list is a mix of scientists, philosophers, women's rights advocates, and progressive political thinkers (including one best known for a classic medieval poem).
Forward-thinking is related to creativity and, in the case of progressive political ideas, to a sense of equality, compassion and community. In his 1996 book "Creativity: The Work and Lives of 91 Eminent People", positive psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi suggested that "of all human activities, creativity comes closest to providing the fulfillment we all hope to get in our lives."
Forward-thinking is related to creativity and, in the case of progressive political ideas, to a sense of equality, compassion and community. In his 1996 book "Creativity: The Work and Lives of 91 Eminent People", positive psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi suggested that "of all human activities, creativity comes closest to providing the fulfillment we all hope to get in our lives."
Psychology Today and Entrepreneur have listed traits of the creative personality.
Psychology Today and Entrepreneur have listed traits of the creative personality.
Psychology Today's list is from an article by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who suggests that the creative personality is one that exhibits many contradictory traits. "Creative individuals are remarkable for their ability to adapt to almost any situation and to make do with whatever is at hand to reach their goals."
Psychology Today's list is from an article by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who suggests that the creative personality is one that exhibits many contradictory traits. "Creative individuals are remarkable for their ability to adapt to almost any situation and to make do with whatever is at hand to reach their goals."
Entrepreneur's "10 Traits of Highly Creative Achievers" argues that we can cultivate the necessary traits by being more flexible in our thinking. "Creative people...tend to struggle through times of being ridiculed and misunderstood until they make such a major difference in the world that others can only admire them and want to be a part of it. [We can cultivate these traits]if we can open our minds to think more flexibility and with more plasticity.
Entrepreneur's "10 Traits of Highly Creative Achievers" argues that we can cultivate the necessary traits by being more flexible in our thinking. "Creative people...tend to struggle through times of being ridiculed and misunderstood until they make such a major difference in the world that others can only admire them and want to be a part of it. [We can cultivate these traits]if we can open our minds to think more flexibility and with more plasticity.
1. Creative people have a great deal of physical energy, but they're also often quiet and at rest.
2. Creative people tend to be smart yet naive at the same time.
3. Creative people combine playfulness and discipline, or responsibility and irresponsibility.
4. Creative people alternate between imagination and fantasy, and a rooted sense of reality.
5. Creative people tend to be both extroverted and introverted.
6. Creative people are humble and proud at the same time, well aware that they stand, in Newton's words, "on the shoulders of giants" and the role that luck played in their own achievements. At the same time, they know they have accomplished a great deal.
7. Creative people, to an extent, escape rigid gender role stereotyping.
8. Creative people are both rebellious and conservative
9. Most creative people are very passionate about their work, yet they can be extremely objective about it as well.
10. Creative people's openness and sensitivity often exposes them to suffering and pain, yet also to a great deal of enjoyment.
1. Restless. Highly creative achievers are naturally restless.
2. Bold risk takers. Highly creative achievers are bold risk takers. They are brave and willing to risk it all just to see what happens.
3. Out-of-the box thinkers. Creative achievers are creators not observers.
4. Lead with their heart. Highly creative achievers tend to be anti-establishment.
5. Curious. Creative achievers are compelled to act on what they are curious about.
6. Disregard rules. Creative achievers live with the belief that if they follow the crowd they will get lost in it.
7. Work independently. Creative achievers are deeply connected with their authentic nature and ambitions, which leads to their independence, growth, happiness and wholeness.
8. Fickle. They are non-conformists and impulsive
9. Eccentric. They are unique, emotionally intense and passionate which allows them to fully immerse themselves in their work.
10. Dreamers. Daydreaming allows highly creative achievers to escape what is current and allows them to imagine what is future-forward.
Finally here's Hendricks' list of great progressive thinkers.
Finally here's Hendricks' list of great progressive thinkers.
Dante Alighieri (1265-1321)
Dante Alighieri (1265-1321)
The author of the Divine Comedy, poet Dante Alighieri had "more than his share of ideas that were well ahead of the 14th century." Several of these were political - separation of Church and State (US Constitution, 1787) and a global government (not there yet - the European Union is a good start though).
Hero of Alexandria (c. 10 - 70 AD)
Hero of Alexandria (c. 10 - 70 AD)
"An inventor who nearly touched off the industrial revolution two thousand years early, Hero invented the windmill, the vending machine, and the automatic door. He is best known for his description of an aeolipile, an early steam engine." In a more advanced form, the steam engine was an integral part of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century.
Victoria Woodhull (1838-1927)
Victoria Woodhull (1838-1927)
"The first woman to run for the office of President of the United States, Victoria Woodhull's platform would seem radical even today*." A leader of the women's suffrage movement, Woodhull ran on the Equal Rights Party ticket in 1872. One hundred forty four years later, Hillary Clinton would become the first woman presidential candidate of a major party.
Christine de Pizan (1364-1430)
Christine de Pizan (1364-1430)
"Left without an income source after the death of her husband and father, she embarked on a writing career at a time when nearly all other female writers wrote under pseudonyms. She wrote love poems, biographies, and prose works. Most noteworthy is The Book of the City of Ladies....In the book, she argues by allegory that men and women were both equally capable of goodness, a radical notion at the time. She also claimed that women should be educated and wrote an accompanying manual for it." (Catherine Brewer becomes the first woman to earn a bachelor's degree in the US in 1840, graduating from Wesleyan College in Macon, Ga.)
Ada Lovelace (1815-1852)
Ada Lovelace (1815-1852)
In addition to being the first person to write computer code, Lovelace was the first person "to realize how much computers could do. Computer historian Doron Swade argues that she was the earliest person to understand that the numbers a computer was crunching could represent anything, not just quantities. This jump, which nobody else at the time made, predicted our current use of computers as more than mere calculators."
Rene Descartes (1596-1650)
Rene Descartes (1596-1650)
On top of a successful career "inventing modern philosophy, fusing algebra and geometry, and laying the foundations for the invention of calculus", French philosopher and scientist Rene Descartes invented the first contact lens capable of correcting vision. Unfortunately, it was too large and the first practical contact lenses would not be invented for another 250 years.
Marcus Aurelius (121-180 A.D.)
Marcus Aurelius (121-180 A.D.)
The last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome, Marcus Aurelius was a stoic philosopher whose "excellent rule was progressive on many fronts. His dedication to free speech was particularly noteworthy. He wrote in Meditations of the nobility of "the idea of a polity in which there is the same law for all, a polity administered with regard to equal rights and equal freedom of speech, and the idea of a kingly government which respects most of all the freedom of the governed." He was one of the few people to allow such liberties before the modern era. His statement is held as one of the ancient origins of liberal political philosophy.
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832)
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832)
The founder of utilitarian philosophy, Bentham was an avid reformer, and his philosophy has inspired many people who have worked for social justice in the centuries since his death. "During his lifetime he argued for animal rights, women's rights, and law reform. A paper arguing against the criminalization of homosexual acts was published after his death, making him the first person in England to write an essay in support of gay rights." I love this Bentham quote: "Create all the happiness you are able to create; remove all the misery you are able to remove."
Chanakya (371-283 BC)
Chanakya (371-283 BC)
Chanakya was an Indian statesman, philosopher, and economist in the 4th century BCE. His treatise Arthashastra encourages a king to rule justly and empower the people he rules. Several points in the book would be considered progressive today. He argues for giving welfare to those who could not work, giving out land to the peasants if the landed elite weren't using it, a mixed economy, conservation, and giving animals which had worked their entire lives a comfortable retirement.
*Besides equal rights for men and women (Illinois ratified the Equal Rights Amendment in May, the 37th of the 38 states required for it to become part of the Constitution), Victoria Woodhull advocated for
labor rights (the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 made it illegal for any employer to deny union rights to an employee)
progressive taxation (the Sixteenth Amendment, adopted in 1913, permitted Congress to levy progressive income taxes)
an international system of preventing war by arbitration of disputes
total employment through public works projects
the end of the death penalty (30 states still have a death penalty, 20 states have abolished it).
Want to be happy? Be grateful.
Want to be happy? Be grateful.
POSTED NOVEMBER 4, 2018
May be the best TED talk I've ever viewed.
May be the best TED talk I've ever viewed.
"The one thing all humans have in common is that each of us wants to be happy, says Brother David Steindl-Rast, a monk and interfaith scholar. And happiness, he suggests, is born from gratitude. An inspiring lesson in slowing down, looking where you're going, and above all, being grateful." (TED)
"The one thing all humans have in common is that each of us wants to be happy, says Brother David Steindl-Rast, a monk and interfaith scholar. And happiness, he suggests, is born from gratitude. An inspiring lesson in slowing down, looking where you're going, and above all, being grateful." (TED)
"[Gratefulness] can change our world in immensely important ways. Because if you are grateful, you are not fearful and if you are not fearful, you are not violent. If you are grateful, you act out of a sense of enough and not of a sense of scarcity, and you are willing to share. If you are grateful, you are enjoying the differences between people, and you are respectful to everybody, and that changes this power pyramid under which we live." -Brother David Steindl-Rast
The Wheel of Emotions
The Wheel of Emotions
POSTED NOV 27, 2018
Understanding our own emotions and recognizing the emotions of others are important factors in developing our emotional intelligence* [see sidebar for Justin Bariso's list of signs of high emotional intelligence]. Given the complexity of human emotions, their sheer number**, and their inter-relationships, sometimes these steps are not as easy as they might at first seem.
Understanding our own emotions and recognizing the emotions of others are important factors in developing our emotional intelligence* [see sidebar for Justin Bariso's list of signs of high emotional intelligence]. Given the complexity of human emotions, their sheer number**, and their inter-relationships, sometimes these steps are not as easy as they might at first seem.
How can one navigate the emotions, their different intensities, and compositions? One answer is the emotion wheel developed by American psychologist Dr. Robert Plutchik. He proposed that there are eight primary emotions that serve as the foundation for all others: joy, sadness, acceptance, disgust, fear, anger, surprise and anticipation. This means that, while it’s impossible to fully understand all of the thousands of distinguishable emotions, "learning how to accurately identify how each of the primary emotions is expressed within you can be empowering."
How can one navigate the emotions, their different intensities, and compositions? One answer is the emotion wheel developed by American psychologist Dr. Robert Plutchik. He proposed that there are eight primary emotions that serve as the foundation for all others: joy, sadness, acceptance, disgust, fear, anger, surprise and anticipation. This means that, while it’s impossible to fully understand all of the thousands of distinguishable emotions, "learning how to accurately identify how each of the primary emotions is expressed within you can be empowering."
Below is the wheel of emotions diagram developed by Dr. Plutchik. The sixseconds website ("The Emotional Intelligence Network") provides an interpretation guide [below right].
Below is the wheel of emotions diagram developed by Dr. Plutchik. The sixseconds website ("The Emotional Intelligence Network") provides an interpretation guide [below right].
1. You think about feelings.
2. You pause.
3. You strive to control your thoughts.
4. You benefit from criticism.
5. You show authenticity.
6. You demonstrate empathy.
7. You praise others.
8. You give helpful feedback.
9. You apologize.
10. You forgive and forget.
11. You keep your commitments.
12. You help others.
13. You protect yourself from emotional sabotage.
-Justin Bariso, author of EQ Applied
"Primary: The eight sectors are designed to indicate that there are eight primary emotion dimensions. They are anger, anticipation, joy, trust, fear, surprise, sadness and disgust.
Intensity: The cone’s vertical dimension represents intensity – emotions intensify as they move from the outside to the center of the wheel. For example, a feeling of boredom can intensify to loathing if left unchecked. This is an important rule about emotions to be aware of in relationships: If left unchecked, emotions can intensify. Herein lies the wisdom of enhancing your emotional vocabulary: it’s the bedrock of effectively navigating emotions.
Relations: Each circle sector has an opposite emotion. The opposite of sadness is joy, and the opposite of trust is disgust.
The emotions with no color represent an emotion that is a mix of the 2 primary emotions. For example, anticipation and joy combine to be optimism. Joy and trust combine to be love. Emotions are often complex, and being able to recognize when a feeling is actually a combination of two or more distinct feelings is a helpful skill."
How to Use the Wheel of Emotions
How to Use the Wheel of Emotions
The wheel of emotions is especially useful for moments of intense feelings when the mind is unable to remain objective as it operates from its older compartments that deal with the fight or flight response. Plutchik identified survival behaviors that drive our actions - each activated by one or more of the primary emotions.
The wheel of emotions is especially useful for moments of intense feelings when the mind is unable to remain objective as it operates from its older compartments that deal with the fight or flight response. Plutchik identified survival behaviors that drive our actions - each activated by one or more of the primary emotions.
Each of the eight primary emotions has its evolutionary purpose. The most obvious is the anger-fear connection with fight-flight. The anticipation-surprise pair plays its role in two important steps in mankind's evolution - the abilities to plan a future action and to focus on new situations, respectively. The other two pairs are relational and experiential. Thus joy "reminds us of what's important"; sadness can "connect us with those we love"; trust helps us "connect with people who can help"; disgust informs us so that we can "reject what is unhealthy."
Each of the eight primary emotions has its evolutionary purpose. The most obvious is the anger-fear connection with fight-flight. The anticipation-surprise pair plays its role in two important steps in mankind's evolution - the abilities to plan a future action and to focus on new situations, respectively. The other two pairs are relational and experiential. Thus joy "reminds us of what's important"; sadness can "connect us with those we love"; trust helps us "connect with people who can help"; disgust informs us so that we can "reject what is unhealthy."
The Positive Psychology Program website has some practical advice on how to use the Wheel of Emotions:
The Positive Psychology Program website has some practical advice on how to use the Wheel of Emotions:
"The beauty of this tool is in its ability to simplify very complex concepts. Understanding is usually the first step to solving a dilemma. But, when the question concerns our emotions, a process that occurs on the subconscious level, identifying and verbalizing things is much harder. This is why the tool is so useful. It enables the user to visualize their emotions, and thus understand which combinations of emotions created this outcome. Once we objectify and understand the emotions, we can get a grip on them, and channel our focus in the direction of emotions we actually want to feel."
Other applications
Other applications
Some other takeaways
Some other takeaways
Melissa Donaldson at sixseconds describes how she was inspired to write her article on the wheel by a conversation between the Dalai Lama, Paul Ekman (international expert in reading clues embedded in the face, body and voice), Professor Marco Iacoboni (who pioneered the research on mirror neurons) and Professor Patrick McGorry (world-renowned expert in the prevention and treatment of youth mental illness). Her 3 key takeaways from that dialogue:
Melissa Donaldson at sixseconds describes how she was inspired to write her article on the wheel by a conversation between the Dalai Lama, Paul Ekman (international expert in reading clues embedded in the face, body and voice), Professor Marco Iacoboni (who pioneered the research on mirror neurons) and Professor Patrick McGorry (world-renowned expert in the prevention and treatment of youth mental illness). Her 3 key takeaways from that dialogue:
Most of the emotion that disturbs our mind has incorrect perception as its basis – there is a gap between appearance and reality.
The antidote to wrong perception is compassion – to have genuine care and concern for the other person because it is from this place that we close the gap between what we think we see and what is really happening.
We are wired for empathy
Finally, here is a TED video [below] that explains why understanding what we feel is so important.
Finally, here is a TED video [below] that explains why understanding what we feel is so important.
"Human development involves going through phases of self-awareness....As Dr. Watkins explains, most individuals stay stuck in the consciousness state of a nine-year-old, due to the set of rules that the educational system, the society, and the corporate world impose. So it’s not until a crisis enters our lives or another intense event, that we start asking more questions about the role we play in the world, and start paying attention to the emotions, and the messages they send to self and others. When people are ready to face their emotions (whether negative or positive), the uncertainty and inability to verbalize them can make the developmental process more difficult. Therefore, when in distress or facing uncertainty, utilizing these emotional tools can be extremely helpful." - Hokuma, Positive Psychology Program
"Human development involves going through phases of self-awareness....As Dr. Watkins explains, most individuals stay stuck in the consciousness state of a nine-year-old, due to the set of rules that the educational system, the society, and the corporate world impose. So it’s not until a crisis enters our lives or another intense event, that we start asking more questions about the role we play in the world, and start paying attention to the emotions, and the messages they send to self and others. When people are ready to face their emotions (whether negative or positive), the uncertainty and inability to verbalize them can make the developmental process more difficult. Therefore, when in distress or facing uncertainty, utilizing these emotional tools can be extremely helpful." - Hokuma, Positive Psychology Program
*Emotional intelligence is "the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically."
**According to one source, 34,000 distinguishable emotions have been identified.
Ten Philosophy Books
Ten Philosophy Books
POSTED DECEMBER 11, 2018
After thousands of years, and an infinite amount of novel experiences, there are today many schools of philosophical thought. Big Think lists 10 philosophy books [link below left] that "take on the questions of existence in a unique and varied manner....There is an endless stream of philosophies to explore....To spurn philosophy is a tragedy, and to not open your mind to other realities and ideas a travesty." As Socrates once said: "The unexamined life is not worth living"
After thousands of years, and an infinite amount of novel experiences, there are today many schools of philosophical thought. Big Think lists 10 philosophy books [link below left] that "take on the questions of existence in a unique and varied manner....There is an endless stream of philosophies to explore....To spurn philosophy is a tragedy, and to not open your mind to other realities and ideas a travesty." As Socrates once said: "The unexamined life is not worth living"
These 10 philosophy books will give you a diverse and wide-ranging understanding of metaphysical principles, as well as new ways to look at your own life and mind.
These 10 philosophy books will give you a diverse and wide-ranging understanding of metaphysical principles, as well as new ways to look at your own life and mind.
Link to Big Think article
Link to Big Think article
Right: 3 of the 10 philosophy books featured in the article.
Right: 3 of the 10 philosophy books featured in the article.
"Written right after the Peloponnesian War, The Republic is one of the first forays of a Western philosopher applying philosophy to politics... Plato puts forth a compelling argument for what we need in a true ruler — the philosopher king."
"If there was ever such a man who met the philosopher-king ideal, it would be Marcus Aurelius. Meditations is a one of a kind book - the private thoughts of one of the world's most eminent and wisest men to ever have ruled. "
The Wisdom of Insecurity is more important than ever in today's fast-paced world, where the future is the constant worry and the connection with the present moment has been severed. Watts's main concept is one of mindfulness, rooted in the Eastern notions of being present in whatever one is doing at the time.
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