Longevity and Mythology

 

This essay has to do with a few of man’s.ideas pertaining to health ..Man for centuries  has denied, rationalized, created myths, fantasies and illusions regarding knowledge about his being. Articles from The New York Times are main references .

The article  "The Pursuit Of Longevity Lives Forever, but We Don't “ was published January 19, 2025.  Roughly 4,000 years ago there was a Mesopotamian king named Gilgamesh.  As the story goes, he set out to find a life of everlasting youth  in a certain plant . Then,, a Chinese magician named Xu Fu convinced the Emperor that there was an elixir granting  eternal life  across the Yellow Sea. The Emperor supposedly gave this man 3,000 virgins and an Army for his quest.  End of story  as the magician was never seen again. Everyone knows about Alexander the Great and his dominating quest . Apparently ,he also had the desire to live forever. He died in his 30’s. The  irrational pursuit of immortality is  an  example of man’s craziness and stupidity .

What about Ponce de Leon?  Did he find the fountain of youth?  Apparently he did. Just look at the number of older individuals living in Florida today. That population number just swells during the winter months.  Even my younger sister Bev moved to Florida.

Maybe  Isaac Newton was on to something when he believed that his alchemical research would create a drink that  granted immortality.. Then, during the Age of Enlightenment, the word longevity emerged in the English dictionary.. Its current relevance is apparent and a  few notable characters follow: 1.  Luigi Cornaro wrote the first longevity diet book and subjected himself to sparse daily portions, including a lot of eggs, milk, broth and vegetables and lived into his 80s.  He also practiced caloric restriction and abstinence.  2.  A Chicago urologist began replacing people's testicles, including his own with those of younger men.  He died at age 65.  3. Dr. Eugene Steinach’s vasectomy  procedure was the cure for aging.  

In the 19th and 20th centuries ,anti-aging gurus, newspaper writers and charlatans  promoted lifestyle changes, such as avoiding excessive sleep, forgoing water, marrying and even living in Nantucket . Other suggestions were not reading sexy  novels that poisoned  the  mind.  Even insurance companies preferred to insure one Jew rather than two Christians.  Soda fountain clerks told customers drinking sour milk would cause them to live to be 200 years old; cosmetic companies sold electrotherapy devices already established and useless ; and testimonials from Americans to reporters  said that they drank a daily bottle of old and good wine, took medication, ate candy ,hunted whales and  smoked at least one cigar a day. Dr. Cyrus  Edson,  told people that men of genius  lived remarkably long lines.  He died in his mid-40s.  Alexander Bogomolets developed a serum made from horse blood and cadaver marrow that he believed would allow one to live to 150 years of age.  Alexis Carrel claimed  to have kept alive the tissue of a chicken heart for years.  

Longevity increased in large part to the establishment of public water filtration , chloration, discovery of antibiotics like penicillin and the arrival of vaccines for deadly diseases like: polio.  Now , researchers from Harvard and Oxford recently  thought the market value in  expectancy research  with breakthroughs  would be worth $367 trillion.

It's clear that immortality is fictional and can be found in novels, movies, and so forth. On the other hand, aging is not as evidenced by the fact that it's developmental as well as normal and pathologic.  With that being said, there are numerous theories of aging.The main ones include: 1 Wear and Tear.  2.  Neuroendocrine 3.  Genetic Control 4.  Free Radical .Other theories proposed throughout the years  include water accumulation; cell division, limited number of cell divisions,, Hayflick Limit,, Death, Hormone, Thymic-Stimulating , Mitochondrial, Errors, and Repair, Redundant DNA, Cross-Linkage, Autoimmune ,Calorie Restriction ,Gene Mutation , Rate of Living,  Order to Disorder,  and Telomerase per  Klatz and Goldman “Stopping The Clock.”

There's a plethora of information regarding aging in our wealthy country.  Yet ,the oldest living do not nor have never resided in the United States.  Yes, Loma Linda, a "Blue Zone"  community  has people reaching 100.  The following four articles titled "A Tricky Diagnosis and the Lure of Women's Health Scams.  January 12, 2025; “How Extreme Religious Liberty Undermines Public Health” September 18, 2022; “Best Measure of Health?  Body Roundness Index Find Support over BMI “September 8, 2024; and “The Joyless Quest For Peak Happiness “ August 11, 2024  are just a few articles affecting  aging . And, I'm omitting all the toxic exploitive Trump policies associated with anxiety, fear and increased cortisol levels..

Briefly, the first article had to do with the difficulty with accurately diagnosing female conditions .  An example of this was based on the polycystic ovary syndrome.  This disease has resulted in both over and under diagnoses.  That being said, there are a number of scams for treatment, especially on social media that were financially motivated by uncredentialed health types.

The second article had to do with recent rulings by the courts that favored the beliefs of a small group of conservatives. These rulings favor corporations and limit various treatments, especially drugs related to infectious diseases like Covid-19 and HIV .  It's the court promoting corporate profit over public health.  Generally, the insurance companies, because of the Affordable Care Act, had increased the amount of coverage and the courts seem to be on the path of changing that because of religious craziness based on some primitive idea.  It's not surprising that the motive of profit rises.  Back in the day when I was practicing psychology.  I had a contract to provide psych  services with a limited number of Rx visits allowed. When I exceeded those limitations, they told me they found another provider that they could pay less..

The next article suggests that perhaps the BMI index -body mass index should be replaced by the BRI - body roundness index.  As far as the BMI index goes, every time Linda and I have visited a Dr. ,they asked  for our height , we were weighed  so BMI index scores were recorded.  I can't recall any doctor or nurse ever commenting on our BMI index.  Perhaps the BMI index fails to capture the health  or illness of many.? Okay,  the BMI is only one measure of health.  Yes, there are many measures regarding health. Is the BRI a better index than BMI ? 

The last article was about measuring and being preoccupied with happiness. Recently, researchers created a critical positivity ratio which is a precise numerical value derived through complex mathematical functions to describe the ideal relationship between positive and negative emotions.  As a matter fact, this mathematical  ratio has been used in a number of apps pertaining to happiness.  Also, the article went on to suggest that one can become preoccupied with their apps and that in fact can and does create negative outcomes with certain individuals depending upon their  anxiousness or depression .

I have not read  any current research that suggests using one of these emotional apps relates to longevity.  Assessments for longevity are very detailed, covering a wide range of topics, experiences of each individual.  In any event, apps are a tremendous source of income with questionable outcomes. Years ago, Paul Ekman stated "emotions are a process, a particular kind of autonomic appraisal influenced by our evolutionary and personal past, in which we sense that something important to our welfare is occurring, and a set of psychological changes in emotional behaviors began to deal with that situation."  He identified seven emotions that included anger, contempt, enjoyment, fear, sadness and surprise.  I would add that emotions change rapidly and that they are difficult to identify and label based on private practice and personal  experiences with others.Notice that five of Ekman's emotions are negative and Jefferson’s pursuit of” happiness “was nowhere to be found. I admit that Jefferson ,the brilliant wealthy land owner and owner of other humans had a pretty good life.

Albert Ellis’ theory was based on the fact that emotions affect thinking and thinking affects emotions which often results in irrational thinking and  behavior . With that being said, emotions are significant but do not tell the whole story as far as longevity goes.  Yes, Jefferson told us to pursue happiness , but he didn't say it would lead to longevity.

For the purpose of this essay, let's assume for a moment that  apps differentiate pleasure and non pleasure . Aristotle referred to a hedonistic concept  suggesting  that the attainment of pleasure is good because it's the absence of pain; it's the ultimate goal of life.  Plato suggested that pleasure can be true or false, and that good men have true pleasures but bad men have false pleasures.  In other words, pleasure is subjective .

Pleasure, success, and satisfaction can be considered good depending upon the perception of the holder.  Those Hamas terrorists ,who are still alive, likely considered their attack on the Israelis as pleasurable, satisfying  and good.  Also, eating a hot fudge sundae might be pleasurable and satisfying at that moment . even if one is  obese and has diabetes . Obviously the long  term perception of pleasure, satisfaction and happiness can often be detrimental and self-defeating.  Further, a sadomasochistic type seeks and strives  for  pleasure and satisfaction with their sadistic, cruel and dominating behavior.  However, who wants to be in a relationship with that type of individual ?  In essence, the pursuit of pleasure, satisfaction and happiness can be and is often self-defeating  and harmful to  well-being.

Pain and unhappiness also occur in the unconscious.  To illustrate, often  a person, who is unaware ,who doesn't have success as he desires because of impaired health or from inner defects is unable to understand  or make the connection that these unconscious forces  contribute to his unhappiness .He believes he's happy.  Recently, I chatted with  a friend  In his  60s .Steve told me that he was delighted, happy because he recently sold a number of items. He can not afford to live independently. He also mentioned his high blood pressure. He was almost disqualified when  in his 40’s ran Western States .He claimed that high blood pressure for him was normal and was never  a big deal.  He also told me of his recent heart byway operation and again told me that high  blood pressure was just high blood pressure.  He didn't acknowledge any relationship between his high blood pressure, and his heart condition . Simply put, individuals have an illusion of happiness which is self-contradictory.  Happiness and unhappiness are not only states of the mind as they are expressions of the entire organism and  personality.

Spinoza, Spencer ,Marx   Freud ,Rand and others wrote about the necessity of being productive  ; It's of value because it contributes to the  emotional development of the individual and these actions benefit other individuals . In”It Has Nothing to Do with Age,” I prescribed 7 prescriptions that relate to mental and physical health, resulting in lengthening one's life span.. Happiness is subjective and conjugated with  living a productive and healthy life .  

Happiness and unhappiness are more than just thoughts within the personality ..The belief in happiness can be related to a  lack of productivity, emptiness of life, incapacity to love or be loved found in the unconscious.  Often, individuals rationalize the illusion of being happy.  Happiness is conjunctive.  with an  increase in vitality of feeling, thinking  and productiveness . Unhappiness is conjunctive with the decrease of these previously mentioned capacities and functions of personality.. The workings in our body and its reactions are clear expressions  of the unconscious workings in one's reality .  In other words, the body is less capable of being deceived.  Facial expressions ,listlessness, being tired  and headaches are a few examples. In essence, subjective feelings of happiness are illusory and unrelated to genuine  happiness. They are  simply pseudo and illustrate man’s ignorance. In closing, Aristotle stated, "all I know is that I know nothing."

Character Orientation

 The initial weeks of this  presidency has resulted in a sadistic amount,every day or so , of a  staged performance of  executive actions and irrational crazy talk with superficial, incoherent and vague explanations irrespective of  intended or unintended consequences.  In any event, these initial exploitive controlling and harmful actions are consistent with  Trump's history and can be an expected norm.  This disquisition describes two  of his character orientations  .   

Character is formed by experience, especially the  varied and multiple occurrences that happen in  early life ,as in the first 5 years.These experiences are often  retained in the  unconscious. As a result , a person's motivational  behavior is complex with many aspects resulting in the person being unaware of why they do what they do. For instance, the motivational dynamics of Donald’s pursuit of the White House might be related to  the following  1.  Desire for power as the US presidents are considered to be the most powerful person on the face of the earth.  To escape  incarceration for all his felonies.  To create a cabinet of loyalists   To put forth employing the 2025 playbook  that has executive orders discriminating against others 2.  Possession or the ability to control his environment and generate quid pro quo monetary advantages 3.  Status , to be universally recognized by so many followers over the world. 4.  Ability to reward his supporters.  5.  For public service. 6 His historical legacy. 7. Punish his enemies .8.To unconsciously compensate for feelings of helplessness, inadequacy and humiliation.

Essentially,a person's character orientations are changeable, connotative and dynamic. Further and importantly, the way a person acts ,feels, believes,and thinks is largely determined by one's character.  Also, since character traits are underlying behavior , they can be inferred by one’s behavioral actions as he relates to his world .

 In man’s quest for survival, he either acquires and/ or assimilates. He  can acquire things  either  by producing or securing things from others, as in taking. He also interacts with others when asserting  as in procuring sexual satisfaction, for play, acquiring material possessions  or assimilating as in acquiring  knowledge,and learning . In other words,character is  distinctive ,descriptive  as it explains the behavior dynamics of that person 

Character dynamics can be seen as a tendency for being productive  or nonproductive . The individual can love, hate, compete, cooperate,  build social systems on equality or authority. Marketing  is a description for a non-productive character orientation. The emphasis of a marketing character orientation is for the exchange value.This means that Trump is a commodity and his value is related to how well  he can use or sell his personality for exchange in the marketplace . His material success is based on the personal acceptance by those that need his services or a  belonging.  It's how well he sells himself, how much he is in demand.  Few examples  of how Trump sold himself follow: 1.  Trump had  a history of being a guest on the Howard Stern radio show.  According to Stern, Trump was a terrific guest as he was outgoing, impulsive and an extrovert during numerous interviews.  2.  Trump had a  history of contacting newspapers in New York, especially the New York Times.  He impersonated and planted stories about his varied exploits, especially economic ones.  3.  He  easily sweet talked and manipulated banks by falsifying the value of his properties for loans .  4.  He ran  a fraudulent Foundation and a fraudulent University . He has made millions selling merchandise like Bibles, coins, watches, sneakers, etc.  5.  Trump and co-authors wrote a number of best-selling books including hardcover ,paperback and audio.  Tony Schwartz in  Trump: The Art of the Deal exposed Trump as being narcissistic, inadequate, a fool and not very intelligent in the sphere of writing.  However, the book glorified his business acumen, irrespective of the fact that he had gone  bankrupt six times.  6 Trump had a popular TV Show, The Apprentice. Producers, after the 20 year nondisclosure agreement reached its expiration,  apologized for promoting Trump "I helped create a monster."  We created a false narrative by making him seem more successful than he was.  He also added that he loved the attention and that we created  a positive picture of him that wasn't true.  7. He's always tweeting on social media irrespective of the time of day.  

Trump’s a master at selling himself, as his motivation is not about happiness but about making himself attractive.  His self-esteem depends on his success.  It's not surprising that  his defeat in 2020 was a severe threat to his security and a sense of his much thought after popularity. He has to be admired ,liked  and/or loved .It’s who he is.  His anxiety and insecurity is  masked by his bravado.  The 2020 loss was so devastating that he had no difficulty in breaking the law, lying constantly, plotting,  contacting government officials in various states  to falsify election results and employing a series or team of lawyers assisting him even though his White House  attorneys told him otherwise.

His identity is based on "I am as you desire me"  which means that his identity is based on what others think of him. He has to be liked. He exaggerated the size of his 2016 inauguration claiming it was larger than Obama's ; he sucks up to dictators for their approval  and demands loyalty by all or they are fired.   That's why he promotes his prestige  status , intelligence, success  etc to others .  it’s really a genuine substitute for his real or genuine feelings. Unfortunately others are experienced as commodities . He has no real in depth  relationships. He's a commodity, not a real genuine person,  He's marketed himself to women as well.  The superficiality of his current marriage is obvious.  According to the capitalist marketing myth, he's  a real success. Accumulating money, property, wives and children  do not  define success as a humanistic ,moral and ethical  human being .

Another non productive character orientation in Trump's makeup is the exploitative.  This character orientation is based on the feeling that the source of all good is outside  and that whatever one wants to get must be sought.  He’s unable to  produce anything himself.  This character style is based on the individual not expecting to receive things from others as gifts but to take them away from others by force. This non productive orientation extends to all spheres of activity within this character orientation.  Everyone who is an object of exploitation is judged according to their usefulness.  Trump finds himself suspicious, cynical and jealous. He's most satisfied with things that he can take away from others.

Furthermore,  with submission ,dependence and  control , he must be feared ,admired and/or loved.  Secondly, his domination is characterized both sadistically and masochistically in various degrees .Greed is characterized by his frantic activity in stereotyped ways and . It's counterproductive to reason and objectivity. Lastly, power equals domination as individuals are there to serve him ..

A few illustrations of this exploitative  character orientation 1. In the 1970s. Trump and his father, Fred discriminated against Blacks from moving into their apartment building  2.  Trump exploited the banks by falsifying information for receiving loans as well as for not  paying accurately his federal and state taxes.  3.  Trump went bankrupt six times and exploited others by not paying  for their services.  4.  Trump ran a fraudulent foundation and University..5.Orchestrated attempts to overthrow the 2020 election.

Within the past month., DT signed over 200 executive actions.  We have witnessed this unprecedented display of sadistic  cruel and exploitative behavior. Joe Biden,civil service employees, FBI, Inspector General's, criminal justice ,and so many others have experienced the negative deplorable consequences of his attempt at withholding  congressional approved funds,  in part , for upcoming  tax cuts for the wealthy  Further,  Government agencies , email termination notices ,not allowing employees to enter their offices. Individuals going hungry, medical treatments being halted and so forth are taking place .

 He  added EM along with the Republican sheep in  Congress to assist in pursuing his attack on the rule of law, the government, the Constitution ,,immigrants   in lock and step with the 2025 playbook. This attack has put so many fellow Americans in danger with major  threats to their  safety and security.  The full consequences of his actions are yet to be determined.  On the other hand, we have witnessed challenges in court and massive demonstrations. Do not forget about the tariffs and taking over Greenland, Canada ,Panama Canal, and Gaza .

DT, on TV ,reminds me of that familiar  voice of John Wayne . The Duke’s personification on  the big screen was rugged, straight talking, no nonsense ,everyone  “loved “ him  and someone you'd want to have a drink with but you didn't want to cross him. John Wayne was larger than life . However, off the screen, he had physical complications and was an alcoholic.None of that mattered since he was  admired as a true American hero.

Watching or listening to the “ news “is like experiencing an American "Holocaust."  Likeh Hitler with his lies, half-truths  restoring his country with revenge started  his assault.  He scapegoated  his enemy’s , gathered support from his complicit followers and began his cruel destruction and assault.  Many stood by and denied the reality of what was taking place. Hopefully , this nightmare ,this really bad dream will end  with decency and a different reality . 

Reference

Fromm,Erich.  Man For Himself.

Discrimination

 

There are a number of  determinants attributed  for the motivation of man's behavior.  Knowledge, reason, rationality,irrationality, instincts, will, free will, hedonism,  unconsciousness , drive, needs, fear, hate, happiness, are examples of concepts used to describe man's conduct.  Attitude is defined as a subtle way of thinking or feeling about someone or something typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.  This disquisition pertains to anti semitic attitudes and beliefs ..

Back in 2014, Bo's Warriors  Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football was published by Triumph Books.  For material regarding mental toughness, I interviewed 8 players and coach Moeller  from that illustrious team that beat Ohio State in 1969.  There's a fierce rivalry between the two schools that some have called the greatest in the history of college football.  There’s the existence of  hate, aggression ; coaches have been fired  and crazy behavior has been expressed by fans loyal to their school for as long as I can remember.

In 1968, Ohio State embarrassed the University of Michigan in that game by  scoring 50 points. With Ohio State's last touchdown, coach Woody Hayes went for a two point conversion.  When asked why ,he replied because I couldn't go for three . U of M’s Bump Elliott was fired because of that embarrassing defeat and Bo Schembechler was hired. 

On that cold November 22 ,1969  day ,Ohio State had a 22 game winning streak, defending National Champions and were ranked number one in the country.  The Buckeyes were 17 1/2 point favorites and the Detroit Free Press depicted  Ohio State steamrolling and trampling over the helpless Wolverines.  

During that season, the painful memory of Ohio State's scoring 50 points was drilled into the minds of the players.  The focus that season was for a triumph to overcome Ohio State  aggressively to fight for revenge and to punish the Buckeyes.  Fritz Seyfferth told me about his encounter with Jack Tatum( Tatum was referred to as an  assassin when he played for the Oakland Raiders.when he took out and paralyzed Daryl Singley of the Patriots .Fritz,during the  kickoffs ,looked for Jack Tatum in order to demolish him, dominate him, restrain him and prohibit him from making a play.  Fritz was delighted with his performance against Tatum.Fritz’s Ego needs of Aggression, Exhibition ,Affiliation, and Dominance were clear.

Thom Darden and Mike Keller, were sophomores and starters.  Thom remembered the coach saying, "They disrespected you.  We're going to show them.  Let's go get them.  He pounded his fist through the blackboard exploding it.  Then the seniors got up and started throwing chairs around.  Tom said, "holy crap.  I was scared to death.  This was the rawhide of emotion.  It was frightening.  It was unbelievable, and something that he and many of his teammates had never experienced before." The  Ego needs aggression, affiliation, exhibition and dominance were apparent.

 Mike Keller said that coach Schembechler loved to insult his players.  One practice,  Coach was all over the field.  He put his best players on defense and during those years, the defense would always beat up on the offense.  Bo said if the other team can't score , they can't win.  Mike learned that he could not let his teammates down by blowing or not knowing an assignment and that not going all out during practice or in the game, arriving late to a team meeting wasn’t allowed. Itl was about the team, the team.  In fact, there was a sign above a door that said, essentially by sticking together as a team results in championships.  Keller also said that if he got injured in a game he wanted to be carried off on a  stretcher to show his toughness.  It was his job on defense.to show aggression . Keller’s ego needs to dominate ,with aggression, affiliation, and  exhibition were to make and carry on the tradition of  Michigan football.  It was  also to excite, amaze, fascinate, entertain, shock and entice the fans.  Michigan has one more college football game than any other college ..  

The ego need of Achievement,is to accomplish something difficult ,to master human beings ,to overcome obstacles ,to attain a high standard to excel , surpass others and to increase self regard by successful exercise of talent . The ego need of Affiliation is to draw near, cooperate, reciprocate , to adhere and remain loyal to a friend. The ego need of Aggression is; to overcome opposition forcefully, to attack, to oppose forcefully ,to punish another .The ego need of Dominance is to control one's environment ,influence the behavior of others ,to restrain  and prohibit . The ego need of Exhibition is to make an impression,to be seen, heard, and to excite  . These were  a few of the major ego needs expressed by the coaches and the players interviewed .

Another  concept that affects human behavior was called "press."  The press is essentially property, or an attitude that takes place in the environment affecting the person which facilitates or impedes his efforts to reach a driven goal . It pertains  to power .  Examples of press include but are not limited to are the well-being of the subject ;various family supports ,dangers, misfortunes, loss, and so forth.  

 According to Murray, a need is a construct which stands for force... In the brain region, a force which organizes perception,apperception, intellection, conation, and action.........The existence of a need can be inferred on the basis of selective attention in response to a particular class of stimulus objects.  The expression of a particular emotion or affect.

The Anti-Defamation League or ADL has been in existence  for over 100 years in the United States.  Their mission is to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.  They fight anti-Semitism combat extremism, disrupt online hate and harassment, protect civil rights and challenge bias.  In the 1960s, with the assistance of professors from the University of California, Berkeley ,  An Anti-Sematic measure was developed.  This index was  composed of a series of statements designed to assess and analyze  anti semitic attitudes .

A few of the questions  from the index are as follows : 1.  Jews stick together more than other Americans.  2. Jews always like to be at the head of things.  3.  Jews are more loyal to Israel than  to America.  4.  Jews have too much power in the business world.   5 Jews have too much control and influence on Wall Street  6.  Jews don't care what happens to anyone but their own kind.  7.  Jews have too much power in the United States today. 8. Jewish businessmen are so shrewd  that other people do not have a fair chance at competition.  9.   Jews are more willing than others to use shady practices to get what they want.

These anti-sematic Index questions are associated with the following ego needs .  The ego needs of achievement, affiliation, aggression, exhibition , dominance  and emotion of fear are clear and unambiguous about the  perception and description  of anti semitic attitudes towards Jewish people.

 If the football players that express these ego needs are on your team, the result is satisfaction.  You want your " team" to win and to be aggressive, dominant, and achieve with  affiliation and exhibition in front of their loyal friends,  family and fans. It's the  victory that counts.  On the other hand, it’s scarry,with  fear and anxiety when the opposing team has these ego needs and is favored to win and that is disappointment. In other words,  the same ego needs can result in either a favorable   or unfavorable emotion and/or attitude depending on orientation. In essence, the same ego needs can be favorable or unfavorable and emotion of fear, which affects perception and  attitude..

Briefly, Jewish slaves fled from Ramses the Egyptian Pharaoh roughly 6000 years ago and the prejudice, discrimination, hate and fear is still present .Jews were called the killer of Christ, the son of God and he was Jewish.  Jews were accused of drinking the blood of the young gentiles they killed for Jewish religious ceremonies .Jews have been accused of taking over the world and so forth. These are all examples of ego needs of aggression ,affiliation ,exhibition dominance  and emotion of fear .

More recently, almost 90 years ago, Hitler and the Nazis claimed the Jews were bad, evil for their society and must be eliminated.  Yet, Ashkenazic Jews are considered to be the most intelligent and have contributed inordinately to our civilization.  Freud.  Einstein, Teller and  Oppenheimer are only 4 examples of Ashkenazic Jews.  1.  In 1933 approximately 0.77% of the German population was Jewish.  Nazi leaders claimed the Jews owned up to 20%.  2.  Porsche was formed in 1931 and its third co-founder  was Adolph Rosenberger.  Rosenberger fled Germany in 1935 and sold his share to Ferdinand Porsche's son, far below market value 3.  Hitler and others  were shown riding in cars, named after the granddaughter of a Hungarian rabbi.  4.  BMW and other industries used slave labor from the concentration camps as well as taking over Jewish firms.

5.  The Jews were responsible for Germany's World War I defeat, Versailles Treaty  and  the depression .These examples demonstrate Nazi  hypocrisy that the Jews must be eliminated to make Germany and the Aryan race  better. Jewish ego needs of aggression, affiliation, dominance and exhibition  and  the Nazi fear ,hypocrisy and their scapegoating propaganda employed are well-documented .According to Gov. Gavin Newsom, only 26% of California schools currently have formal Holocaust and genocide education programs in place.  74% do not.  Of these programs, 72% indicated that their programs are required, while others were optional.

Since October 7, when Israeli citizens were killed, kidnapped, raped and abused, Israeli military has wrecked havoc on the Gaza .  With sadistic protest,  “apparently “ in response to  an Israeli military and political response, some  Palestinian "students" and bad actors have disrupted  peacefully and non peacefully  on college campuses, have interfered  with lectures and have  physically attacked Jewish college students, Jewish professors and  a University of Michigan Regent.  It's logical to protest  or question the Biden's administration's policies toward Israel .However, it's insane and anti semitic to sadistically direct hate toward peaceful American Jews.  These deplorable  scapegoated actions by a number of insecure, insignificant  ,powerless subjects and their misled followers , against an unarmed but a more  achieving  productive favorable socio economic and moral group  is associated with  exploitative character  tendencies . According to the ADL/Hillel Report  83 % of Jewish college students  have experienced or witnessed some form of antisemitism since the 10/7 Hamas attacks. How are Jewish college students  directly or indirectly  responsible for Israeli government policies? How many Jews are harassing Palestinian  college students or Arab mosques in our country ?

Hamas perpetuates the hate and victimization of the Palestinians for their own existence  and not about the pursuit of independence.  They initiate an attack on Israel and the mighty Israeli army severely retaliates against the terrorist group embedded in the "civilian" population, resulting in the destruction and deaths of children and others   Thus, they have achieved their goal of perpetuating emotions of  fear, hate  and revenge against the more powerful.

PS

Murray, H.  A.  Explorations in Personality.

A Changing Republic?

 

There has been daily news coverage pertaining to our form of government.  Has our country gone from a "democracy" or “republic “to a monarchy to an authoritarian rule with its  oligarchs?  It's true that historically man has been ruled by an assortment of kings,queens, premiers, military rulers, emperors, dictators ( with a tendency for dependency and submission)  and only  recently by various forms of democracy or republic .( with a tendency for Individuation, autonomy and freedom).  This disposition addresses the characteristics of adolescents and young adults as it pertains to  tendencies for  dependency or freedom.  

In 1958, I graduated  from Denby high school.  My friends Mitch Newman, Larry Hudas  ,Ed Budde , Ed Hood.   Jim Haslip ,Jim McDonald, George Haslip , George Bletsos  , Rudy Nurmi  ,Ron Transiick , Wayne Dyer , still alive and  good friend Wayne Fiske , Dave Debusshere,  Dennis Cole ,Katie Yeager, Jan Nelson,Earlene Rentz, Judy Knopp, Lorna Goodwin, Bonnie Batieger, Linda Carter, Virginia Huntoon ,Judy Middleton   graduated from high school, married and had children..  One good friend ,in particular ,was Dave Novak.  Dave graduated from Denby and began working at General Motors.  He married Darlene and they bought their first house in Warren, Michigan.  They had two daughters and moved to the waterfront  home on St. Clair Shores.  After Dave retired, they moved to Florida.  Some of my friends graduated from college and others did not ,but all married and had children.

 Today ,there are many economic and social threats to our well-being. For instance, Income inequality for the richest Americans in the top 1% has skyrocketed since 1980 by over 800%.  Musk, Bezos and Zuckerberg,  of the Us’s three richest men are referred to as oligarchs . These billionaires are worth nearly 1 trillion combined and were joined at Trump’s inauguration by the chief executive officers of Open AI and Tik Tok .

In 2023 , the US experienced 28 separate weather and climate disasters costing  billions .  The cost of the Los Angeles wildfires could be at least $250 billion and could reach $30 billion for insurers. Insurance companies have no trouble when it comes to raising rates for  Insurers but don't like paying for damages so they either drop coverage and/ or leave the state . 

Social media's ability to manipulate , control seems second to none.  This emphasis on anonymous mass communication with its  propaganda, extremism and hate excels with outcomes  of division, conformity, loss of reason and rationality, leaving its mark on the insignificance and loss of individuality on so many.

Psychologically, a most necessary development for humans occurs especially in adolescence. Concepts used to describe this conflict include the " will," "individuation," "identity" and quest for” freedom” are in a battle with  dependency.  In adolescence ,there’s an active relationship between individuals with and to themselves.  Some adolescents  assert themselves, even in a negative way, against their parents ,in order to define themselves.  It's a  battle of wills. It's an attempt as  separation from parents' control ,rules ,ideas, restrictions and moral  teachings

The move away from dependency is fearful as not all individuals can successfully separate.and reduce their fear by becoming more independent. Others can use fear as a constructive force rather than a guilty crippling force in their separation from both mother and father.  If the individual can't  effectively and emotionally separate but remains too dependent that affects his superego development. He remains with a primitive moral conscience with the ability to identify with primarily  unsavory authoritarian types.  It  also diminishes ,and affects their  quest for independence, freedom ,within conscience.. Being  primitively restricted,  freedom is diminished as the adolescent is unable to  say no to  parents . no to  representatives of external forces, and no to external authority. This results  with  compliance and obedience regardless of moral and/or ethical qualities of dictatorial types  . Further, with a limited development of reason, objectivity they become more irrational .Some parents  are more able to support their teen’s independence better than others that hold on tight.

With  tendencies for independence, identity and  freedom results in  a force  to become more human by developing a humanistic morality and ethics. Also ,the development of Intellectual and emotional capacity leads to less egocentrism, more empathy, a belonging with  affiliation , mutuality, being able to love , being able to produce productively,and  work contributing to society. In essence, with emotional separation  ,individuals now have the ability to make a choice.  The choice is either uniting within a world with qualities of humanism or authoritarianism.

The results of this past 2024 presidential election were associated with  rejections of the Constitution ,democracy and the rule of law.  Over 89 million registered voters failed to vote, thereby passive aggressively  supporting the election of the convicted felon, authoritarian and would be king.. Further, a statistical breakdown of  voting and non- voting adolescents and young adults provided support for their dependence , submission, loss of freedom and for government control by the rich and powerful Titans of industry and technology..  

An article in the December 29, 2024 edition of The New York Times titled 10 Charts That Explain 2024 reported that Trump's change in the voting share from 2020- 2024 had  a +7 % increase with the 18 to 29-year-old Americans  and a + 6 point increase with  no college degree .Of the 89 million registered voters  that did not vote.,there were approximately 58 % of the18 to 29-year-olds. However,of those 18 to 29-year-olds  that did vote ,52 to 54% of them voted for Harris with the majority being females..

 According to the AP Vote Cast Survey  the economy , jobs and abortion were  the most important issues. For those stating the economy and jobs, 40%  were likely to vote for Trump. In essence:why vote for a man whose neurotic goal is not the economy of the poor, but the pursuit of economic , political power, status and control with means and his primary goal to protect his interests.

A few socio-economic and mental health statistics from the American Psychological Association. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Cigna's 2020 Loneliness Survey, National Center for Health Statistics ,Center for Disease Control and Prevention follows: 1.  Marriage rates from 2017 to 2018 dropped to 6.99% per 1,000 population .It’s the lowest for periods between 1900 and 2018.  2.  Since 2007 ,young men living with their parents at home increased from 14.2% to 18.6%,This is  the highest level since the Census Bureau started counting in 1960.  3.  From 2021 to 2022 , the high school graduation rate was 87%  4. College enrollment between the ages of 18 to 24 has declined by 1.2 million since 2011. 5. Males 18 to 24 make up 42% of young college students in 4 year colleges. Of those men in college, 43% are likely to graduate 6. In 2022 , 57% of male high school graduates have enrolled in college.

Statistics regarding mental and physical health: 1.  Obesity in men ages 20 to 39, are 40.3%.  Obesity increased significantly among men between 2017 -2018.  2 Firearms are the leading cause of death for ages 1-17 and  in 2022 there were 2526  ;2240 motor vehicle deaths and 1444 cancer deaths.  3.  This  rate for firearms doubled between 2013- 2022  for teenagers 1-17  4.  In  2019 You Gov surveyed 1000 adults and found that 29% of millennial's stated they always feel lonely and 27% had no close friends.  5.  Men felt lonely more often than women- 23% for men  compared to 20% females 6..  10,000 adults were surveyed. and young adults had higher rates of loneliness  than older adults.  70% of young adults reported  that they sometimes  feel alone, shy and that no one really understands  them.  7.. More  adolescents and young adults in   2010 compared to the 2020  experienced  psychological distress, major depression, suicide thoughts or attempted suicide . Suicide rates ,ages 20-24  increased and homicide rates increased from 2014-2021 . Gun suicide incresed 40% between 2013-2021. 8. In a study of  200,000 adolescent  ages 12 to 17 reported symptoms consistent with depression  within the last 12 months . This was a 52% increase from 2005 in 2017 and 63% of young adults aged 18 to 25 . Also, there was a 71% increase in young adults  experiencing serious psychological distress  from 2008 -2017 . Suicide thoughts and suicide related outcomes increased 47% from  2008 -2017. These statistics paint a grim picture for the present and future.

We've had a history of emperors, kings, queens and  rulers exploiting man for their own neurotic desire for profit and control.  We had revolutions and an "Age of Enlightenment". About 250 years ago. our  " experiment" started  .  Then within this past  century, we fought  against the evils of political rule  and mass  destruction.. Hobbes believed that man's lust for power results in hostility because of self interest and the wish for power to secure his economic and social interests.  Freud thought that man's nature leads him in sadomasochistic ways and  is headed for destruction. John Dewey in Freedom and Culture stated “I use the term fascism or authoritarianism to denote a dictatorial system of the type of the German or Italian one.  ........ I shall call it Nazi-ism, which is given a victory to external authority, discipline ,uniformity and dependence upon.  ...... The battlefield is also accordingly here - within ourselves and our institutions."  

IDo we have a  submission characteristic because we are eager to surrender  based on childhood dependance ? Are we indifferent to freedom because of the vast power and impact of  economic and social conditions ? Are we indifferent to freedom because  of our insecurity , irrationality with an absence of control , insignificance ,and helplessness ?  Do we receive  satisfaction and pleasure in  submission because of our identifications, conditioning and  by being part of group consensus ?  Can we cope with the existential crisis of separation ,being alone, being an insignificant speck,insecure, anxious ,surrounded by absurdity and contradictions, faced with mortality  without  submitting to  a  commanding , demanding authoritarian  parental substitute for dependency ,security, safety ,being part ( belonging) to the crowd ,subservient ,loyal ,compliant  and obeying all the rules, commands and expectations ? 

PS

Sunday was mom's  116th  birthday..  Symbolically ,today's experience put me in touch with  existential anxiety  as I started out for a trail run ,which was once called the Cawthorne trail , and made my way down to the recycling center, the 16th mile marker, of nature's most beautiful green  fully forested Western States trail  on BLM land . I was alone, separate and a small item compared to the vastness of my unlimitless surroundings . After a while , I  encountered two unfamiliar females running towards me. Much later, I  crossed paths with Diane L.and her dog.as my thoughts were briefly interrupted .On this familiar trail, I rode Raider and Gypsy with Linda; ran with Bill J.  Chris T.  Linda R.  and especially with my border collie Sherry and with  Tony and his border collie Dale plus numerous others , Tony's having a  medical consultation regarding his MRI leg issues on  Monday.  He ran too fast when he was younger .  Thank you again mom  for  being my mom .

Health Hazzards

  An article titled F.  D.  A.  Tightens Rules for "Healthy" Labels on Foods  was published in the New York Times, December 22, 2024 .There is ill health in the United States.  In the article, it was stated that it's extremely difficult to curtail false claims on food labeling.  In fact, there's a tremendous pushback against the FDA's intention. Similarly, It’s the same story for EPA per the  article in  December 8, 2024  New York Times”EPA Seeks Limits ,Again, On a Harmful Pesticide .”  The food  industrial complex can be and is often a hazard

The FDA updated its definition of the term healthy for  food labeling .  Health can be defined as  free from illness. The FDA proposed tightening the limits  on the amount of saturated fat, sugar and salt in a product before it can be  healthy.  We know there are diet related diseases that include heart , cancer, diabetes, and they are the leading causes of disability and disease in the United States . This fact contributes to the United States having the lowest life expectancy among high income countries.

The FDA’s  318 page rule sets guidelines on what food manufacturers can label as being healthy, healthful,or healthiest.  For example, a 50 g serving of the dairy product must contain no more than 5% of a person's daily sugar level and 10% of the person's daily salt and saturated fat limit . Also, similar standards  apply to fruits, grains, vegetables, meat and other food products.  This new definition will also include some processed and packaged foods that were previously excluded - nuts, seeds, salmon,  and water. It would also strip the label from other foods including yogurts, fruit cups and whole wheat bread  which are products  considered too high in sugar and sodium.  Apparently, even Robert F. Kennedy Jr. agrees. Good for him.

This change would not take place until 2028.  However, congressional or executive branch interference can stop an FDA  proposal.  The Consumer Brands Association, which represents food makers and others, called the proposal overly restrictive. They don't believe that the FDA sufficiently market tested its proposed regulatory framework to determine how it would work in practice.  They raised free speech concerns and also stated concerns about some packaged foods. This group  claimed the industry spent countless years of  innovation to provide healthier operations.  They added that the regulation is not based on clear or unambiguous scientific evidence or an in-depth economic analysis.  On the other hand, the FDA said that about 5% of foods were currently labeled healthy and estimated the  proposed benefit of the changes over 20 years would total about $686 million..

Moreover, the  EPA linked the pesticide chlorpyrifos 25 years ago to learning disorders in children .Currently the Environmental Protection Agency outlawed the use of this pesticide on  foods, except on 11 crops including fruits that children tend to eat in large quantities such as apples, oranges, peaches and cherries.  EPA wants to lower the amount of this pesticide applied to fields and orchards annually by 3.9 million pounds. Further, this pesticide is also linked to neurological effects - tremors, fatigue and nausea..Additionally, this past August, the agency issued an emergency order to suspend the use of another pesticide called dimethyl  because of a potential risk of birth defects.  Often, the EPA scientific assessments are challenged in court, both by safety advocates who want more restrictive policies and manufacturers who want fewer restrictions ..Free speech is just permission to lie.

Lawyers for Earthjustice claim that the EPA's restrictions were inadequate to protect children and do not safeguard farmworkers or drinking water. Can the EPA actually protect the public.?  In 2023 the sales of organic products mounted to 68.7 billion . And, fruits and vegetables  accounted for one third of sales stated  The Organic Trade Association . The program on Reproductive Health and Environment,at the  University of California, San Francisco surveyed 1200 registered voters and reported that more than 90% of the voters said that it's important to remove harmful chemicals from  people who work and go to school, even if it increases costs for some products .

Free speech in the Bill of Rights has decimated  Commandment 9  "you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."  With free speech ,lying ,ill will and hate is permitted, as evidenced by social media, Trump , his cronies, Fox News, podcasts and so forth.  Free speech in The Bill of Rights  was supposed to protect individual rights regarding religion, freedom of press, etc. from government regulation.  What about  when the government lies  with its propaganda, half-truths, misinformation , Fox News, and others with  so-called conspiracies theories?   When Trump says things like he's going to deport millions; send the FBI and criminal justice system against his enemies; the Democrats are evil, that is clearly malice on his part. His intent is immoral, wicked, and psychologically harmful  to those under attack.  With him being the government, his evil and aggressive intent is clear.  He should be held accountable..

Prejudiced,discriminatory, hateful  lies  are aggressive  malice with the intention of evil and ill will. Psychologically, within a psychosocial framework, lies are equated with the development of mistrust.  The  trust versus mistrust  dynamic is the basis , foundation or beginnings for developing  psychological health or psychological illness . Freedom of speech, currently, is  harmful and is chipping away at the foundation for freedom, democracy and mental health in our country.

The food industry with its lies  pertaining to  manufacturing, marketing do not have  the desire to do evil or ill will.  However, their advertising, manufacturing policies are misleading , false and lead to physical health complications.  According to functional medicine doctors, food can be medicine or harmful to one's health.  Yes, it's not the only cause of ill health, but its major  Saturated fat, sodium, and sugar has been researched and  found to be related to  poor health in this country.  The food industry complex’s  goal is  profit and not health.  A more accurate label on foods might read ”free speech allows us to lie to you so that what we call healthy is a lie- no malice intended”..

If  free speech only  malice, when lying to the FBI, Congress or when testifying in court?  Parents do not tell their children that they can only tell good lies .  Lying has been normalized. One recent poll said that the lying  convicted felon had a favorable rating.  In any event, look to the source.  Do you trust the food representative for their definition of health regarding saturated fat, sodium and sugar or do  you trust the expertise and knowledge of  science and functional medicine doctors ? Also, pesticides kill. It’s no wonder why we are so unhealthy.

In essence, Tomiko Itooka born in Osaka, Japan on May 23, 1908 recently died.  The oldest person now is Canabarro Lucas born June 8, 1908 in Rio Grande do Sul Brazil.  It's not surprising that the oldest person in the world does not come from the United States since we are  number one when it comes to  lying, infecting and promoting unsafe health practices resulting in  early death . We are our  main threat and complicit to our well-being. Just look at the physical and mental health of our current leader. Immigrants crossing the border are just another political distraction..The terror comes from within as 89 million eligible voters did not vote in the 2024 presidential election..

Reference

Erikson, Erik H.  Childhood and Society .

PS

Barry McGuire's recording of Eve of Destruction is another example of the past and continued hypocrisy.  Also, I  just received a brochure titled Changing How We Feel By Changing What We Eat.  A few topics include: 1.  Gut Bacteria Contribute to Anxiety and Anxiety, Depression 2.  Anti-Anxiety Effects of a Plant-based Diet.  3.  Neuroprotective Foods that Improve Mood 4.  Nutrients and the Aging Brain.

Ayn Rand

 Ayn Rand published her provocative and award winning novel Atlas Shrugged in 1957, with the first draft beginning in 1946. Note, Karl Marx's  initial translation into English was provided by TB Bottomore from the London School of Economics and Political science in 1958.  Rand’s thought-provoking  inspiring novel created a stir to say the least.This essay pertains to  the  importance of  work productivity..

Ayn Rand's  objectivism is a philosophy described  as "the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute."  Her philosophy falls within the motivational history of thought. 

A brief overview of the history of motivational thought   follows:  Briefly, Socrates ,Plato and Aristotle's position were  A.  Socrates believed that knowledge and virtue are identical and that right knowing leads to right acting.  In other words, knowledge is good and knowledge leads to virtuous action B.  Plato equated good with knowledge.  Knowledge is good, it can control the passions and is supreme to emotion.  C.  Aristotle believed the highest goal of human life is happiness with the activity of reason.  Essentially , his  emphasis was on virtue through knowledge and reason.  Man could control his passions with the use of knowledge and rationality.. Simply put, knowledge, reason, virtue were motivators  that lead to man’s happiness.

Later,  followed the Age of Enlightenment with its many divergent thinkers such as Bacon, Goethe, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Kant, Locke, Paine , Hobbes, Rousseau etc..  Enlightenment was described as the use of reason, with goals, of rationality, that equal knowledge, freedom and happiness. In fact,  Hobbes claimed that "desires" like hunger or thirst, sex, fear, lead humans with their competitive component  to conflict and  it’s the state that can protect the individual and permit him to gain some satisfaction from his desires..Rousseau condemned society and its influence on man as he believed that society generates egoism and as a result, man's needs and capacities do not correspond to one another, and that it leads him to frustration.  In other words, man is good, but spoiled in a bad society.   

A somewhat  different point of view came from prominent  philosophical Existentialists  such as Arendt, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Dostoevsky, Sartre, Camus, Heidegger, Jaspers  etc  .They questioned man’s nature. and denied the primacy of rationality.  They pointed out that impulsions are associated with human nature, and that experience provided by books, newspapers, magazines, radio, television have a great emphasis on the subjective experience of truth which is external or intersubjective.They also wrote about man's inauthenticity , his alienation and  his difficulty in living a genuine life . Unfortunately, the standardization of mass society, mass communication ,propaganda and conformity, contributes to  the individual being  hopelessly lost.  

Also, Spinoza, Freud, Murray and others theorized about the unconscious,  life and death drives, urges, and the use of defense mechanisms that distort  man’s reality.  In fact, psychoanalysis was the treatment employed to assist  the individual to develop a true understanding of the motivational  dynamics occurring  within  the self.  Additionally,  Murray's ego needs like  the concept of abasement describes man's pursuit of pain, injury, which is irrational. In other words, objectivity, reason and truth are difficult to obtain because of man's irrationality tendency. Freud's treatment was predicated on the belief that psychoanalysis could assist iman in  finding, interpreting reality, the  truth about themselves and that  productive work and love are signs of mental health and his humanness. Similarly, Rand believed that  productive achievement is man's noblest activity .

Enter protagonist John Galt, the inventor of the "motor" , the leader of the intellectual and productive strikers who are opposed to the looters and moochers.. The looters profited from  the hard-earned wealth and the productive function of the others.  The looters were  also proponents of high taxation, government ownership, government spending, government planning, regulation, redistribution. They were bureaucrats and government officials  who confiscated the  earnings of others by the implicit threat of force.  For example,  grain from Minnesota was withheld and confiscated  from some for another  interest group . Some  citizens starved , others did not . Additional examples of  being exploited - nationalized industries , monopolies ,and with the  railroad legislature regulators that legally sold supplies for their own profit.  They also used force to secure property from the people who produced or earned

The moochers were unable to produce anything of value themselves.  They appealed to the moral right.  They enabled the lawful seizure by the government.  They were the needy expliters ,freelancers and believed they were entitled.

John Galt’s soliloquy  beautifully encompasses  Rand’s philosophy . "I'm on strike…..  Live for yourself  …  No such thing as Original Sin ,not serving others ,....  Don't give up the pursuit of your own happiness in order to serve others."  Work will change when you're ready to pronounce this oath .  "I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man and ask another man to live for the sake of mine."

Pertaining to productivity also leads us to Karl Marx's ideas pertaining to work within capitalism..  Marx wrote about the notion that the essence of man's existence is alienated from his essence and that in reality he is not what he potentially is.  He is not what he ought to be and that he ought to be what he should be.because of his work.

Work was the active relatedness of man to nature which also includes intellectual  as well as artistic activity.  According to Marx, "labor is alienated because the work has ceased to be part of the workers nature and consequently he does not fulfill himself in his work, but denies himself as a feeling of misery rather than well-being, which is not developed freely or are his mental and physical energies.  He is physically and mentally exhausted .’  

When man becomes alienated from himself., the product of labor becomes "an alien object which dominates him.  The relationship is the same as the relationship to the sensuous external world and natural objects are in alien and hostile worlds.  Capitalism interferes with the strength of his own creative work.  And secondly, the objects of his own work become alien beings and eventually rule over him, becoming powers, independent of his power . Labor exists for the process of production and not for the process of production for the labor."  Simply put, in capitalism, man's labor interferes with his ability to  fully develop himself. He becomes a servant or slave  to his oppressors. He also becomes unable to develop his true loving nature.He becomes obedient , non productive and  oppressed . This  exemplifies John Galt’s oath.

The importance and significance of work is clearly stated in Freud's quote "love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness."   In essence, work reflects our efforts to contribute to society. fulfilling our ego ideal ambitions ( meeting ego needs of achievement and understanding) and resulting in personal fulfillment which is associated and contributes to positive aspects of our self-esteem. Work that is productive  represents aspects by expressing our talents, skills and creativity while making meaningful contributions to society.   It's our productivity that enables us to make meaningful contributions to our society. That follows  in the direction of actualizing our human side.  It's the opposite of alienation ,and  corresponds with Rand’s thinking .  

Rand depicts a warning and prophecy of  a greedy, narcissistic,exploitive totalitarian government run by the powerful few. The head of state  ( our  newly elected president has never been associated with productive work) had his enemy Galt tortured because he wouldn't cooperate and submit even though he's promised a powerful government job.  In the end, this totalitarian government falls. The ideas of Marx, the existentialists, Freud, Murray and Rand pertaining to man are insightful , cogent and  associated with man's well-being.

PS

Dad told me to  get an education and use my mind , not my back . He also said be your own boss.  Right on dad.

Reference

Cofer,C.N. & Appley, M.H. Motivation Theory and Research.

Phones and Violence

 An article titled "Phones Fueling Violent Scenes At US Schools" in December 15, 2024. edition of the New York Times was troubling to say the least.  Are the public schools out of touch and failing to provide an appropriate learning environment for our students ? How Is our  society contributing and making our learning environment dysfunctional  ?  How are  the parenting practices contributing to the violence?  This disquisition pertains to the above questions.

The article in question described a series of physical fighting , cyber bullying and taking part in aggressive disruptions occurring in a number of  public schools in our country.  These disruptions included a variety of aggression that included both boys and girls punching, kicking, turning over tables and chairs. In fact one student died  .Also, school officials were being thrown into lockers  as well.  Students shared and jostled to film these disruptions on their phones and provided an opportunity for  more students  to become involved  both actively and passively in the chaos. Some students were suspended.; police were hired and school boards became involved and received pressure from angry parents.  Instagram and Tik Tok were platforms used as well as publicity from  TV newscasts. Yes, phones are just one  contributing factor to this sadistic chaos.

Also contributing and an environmental and social factor is the school environment.  Are the teachers burnt out and disinterested; are the school administrators inept and powerless; and/ or are the school boards punitive, reactive, and  out of touch with their  primitive and punitive philosophy of what is appropriate as far as a meaningful education  along the understanding of adolescent development  and our history of violence ?

What about the social influence of our aggressive ,violent and inequality within our society?  The  history of man is associated with violence.  Fighting each other is not new.  Bullying with prejudice and hate against others is also part of man's behavior regardless of setting.  Filming violence is not novel.  For example, the filming of the Rodney King debacle years ago turned out positive and revealed police brutality and injustice.  Modeling, imitation and influence of radio ,TV ,movies, novels and now social media is associated with both positive and negative influence on behavior .  Perhaps, the school board might limit cell phone availability of their students during the school day.  Yes, that would cause separation anxiety for many.  Would it eliminate  or reduce the amount or frequency of fighting and  bullying behavior during the school day?  A necessary research project could evaluate the impact, if any, with a  policy regarding the phone. Does the availability of having that phone during the school day contribute to an increase in learning?

A few research findings pertaining to the acting out and delinquent adolescent are as follows: 1.  Within the rapid  physiological, psychological, emotional, and cognitive growth of the adolescent are major differences.  There is cognitive and intellectual development immaturity  with those in early adolescence .There is also more egocentricity and less empathy . With normal development they become more mature, with empathy for others .With formal thought, adolescents are  now able to reason,create hypothetical deductions with relativity and are strongly grounded in reality. Those immature adolescents are limited  both cognitively and morally.  2 When parents are cruel, inconsistent, sadistic or antisocial,  those teens fearing a cruel parent  may express hostility by placing it and acting out what was done to him on to others  3.  Those who identify with their parents  antisocial characteristics, also engage in their delinquency .  Girls may defensively identify with their father and become tomboyish.  4.  Those with disturbed parent  communication and openness, result   in developing a negative self-concept ,mistrust of the adult world,  more dependent on the peer culture for their gratifications, begin dating  earlier looking for that mother figure, don't do well academically, experience more psychological pain, and are  less happy and more critical of their environment.  5.  Families of divorce, mental and physical  illness, social and economic inequities, and  minorities are associated with teens who have more emotional, social, and academic difficulties. 6.  Those adolescents that idealize powerful acting out role models in their ego ideal tend to follow that leader and tend to lose themselves in group participation while becoming active followers.  7. Those with a negative self-concept.and Identity diffusion are more  anxious . The consequences result in the need to conform to the peer group  .These alienated teens see themselves as outsiders, and  persecuted .They turn towards the world with bitterness and revenge and they have a low capacity for academics and  yearn for intimacy with their unmet dependency needs  .

For those troubled teens, there is both the sadism of the aggressors and the passivity  and aggressiveness of the followers. The following  ego needs  are apparent . Affiliation ,being part of the group, a follower  with dependency . Aggression,to attack , fight; and act out .Exhibition to make an impression, to be seen ,to be heard by others ,.Abasement, submit to external force ,to accept punishment from those bullies are just a few of the ego needs met.

These troubled teens acted out, not alone, but in front of an audience.  That audience was not totally passive.  It filmed the event, thus reinforcing the  exhibition of the occurrence; the sadistic ,macho behavior,  which is necessary  to mask their insecurities.  The passive aggressive teens did not report the incident to authorities, but distributed it instead to other members of their "group" making everyone  complicit and a follower ,and part of this anti-social display . Those that did not report this incident to authorities have identified with the  acting out "group." All of them deserve  concrete consequences.  They used modern-day technology, not for the good of society but for their own narcissistic, inadequate selves , suggesting  a symptom of identity diffusion.

Phone technology can be a symptom of those highly dependent on this device and contribute negatively to society . Secondly,  psychodynamically the foundation for personality behavior occurs prior to adolescents.  Third,, the preponderance of negative social influences  occurring within the family and society contribute and expose the mental sickness of the culture.  If you're a teen athlete with special skills , artistically or intellectually gifted , you  are more  likely not to be a participant in this school chaos . Becoming a teacher once was associated with status and  an honorable profession ,doesn't seem that attractive today.  Unfortunately, acting out negatively by adults and adolescents is too ingrained in our culture. 

References

Mussen, P.H., Conger, J.  J and Kagan, J.  Child Development and  Personality.  

Offer, Daniel.  The Psychological World of the  Teenager.