A Stressed Homo Sapien

 Homo sapiens, begin life helpless and totally dependent on other humans for survival. This is accompanied by physiological instincts, being subjected to external dangers like nature or enemies, associating with other humans, cultural traditions, and as a result we experience fears, tensions, anxiety and anger. We are subjected to various degrees of quantity or quality of such common to all, regardless of how they are or were originated. Then, through psychological development, we develop strategies, tendencies and techniques in confronting what it is to be human and how to effectively live in society. With conflict, we experience degrees of tension, anxiety and anger which may be repressed or expressed physically or verbally. The  dynamics of such are related in the how and why we interact with certain individuals in a particular manner in order to meet psychological needs of receiving affection;  becoming emotionally distant ; or acquiring and exploiting others for   power, control, prestige and possession . Behavioral examples of such follow.

As social animals, we are dependent and form necessary associations with other Homo sapiens. We develop degrees of trust versus degrees of mistrust of others in upbringing as a result of physical interactions of perceived warmth, love, respect, overprotectiveness, neglect, rejection, threats of punishment, dependence, etc. A sense of trust or mistrust affects the perceived amount of safety, protection or anxiety we psychologically experience. Unfortunately, with or in spite of interpersonal interactions, we often find some form of inhibitions or fear in expressing needs, conflicts, competition, jealousy, disappointments, frustration and anger. Regardless, we often seek out, to love and affiliate with others; we often avoid, push away others in order to keep our emotional distance; or often move aggressively against others by exploiting and exhibiting power and control. Of course there are various degrees, patterns and variances within these behaviors. This, along with the potential to over inflate an unrealistic conception or perception of self is the human attempt to reduce, cope and deal with internal and external danger, insecurity, fear and anxiety that exists throughout one’s lifetime.

Driven by anxiety results in an attempt for protection against that fear, helplessness or insecurity. One way to “protect “is to develop a tendency to look for affection, being liked, being loved, finding unconditional love, sexual gratification, gathering faithful admirers or individuals whom  are loyal. Again, there can be harmonious or not so harmonious degrees and tendencies. Without the sense of feeling of being liked, can result in feelings of resentment and anger. Putting on frequent rallies, watching certain cable pundits, listening to particular radio hosts are commonly employed habits in the attempt to experience protection and a reduction in the tension and anxiety, in order to attain homeostasis or to regain wellbeing.

Another way in our culture for obtaining some form of reassurance against anxiety, is a tendency to seek out power, prestige and possession. In this case, there’s an obvious move against others in an attempt to fortify one’s own position. Unfortunately, if the striving for power is born out of anxiety, hatred, and feeling of inferiority, individuals perceived as being weak is accompanied by repressed or not repressed hostility toward them. These domineering individuals that have an exaggerated need for power, have difficulty accepting, listening to guidance, advice or help or even giving in, and agreeing with others as in “I know more than the general’s . Likely, this individual has contempt for people that he perceives as weak and admires the strong as in the dictators in Russia, North Korea and Turkey. He also has to be able to control others and be in charge in directing outcomes. He even created a National Emergency .He has to be right all the time, and his difficulty with the facts, especially given from someone else, and referring to it as “fake news.” He’s like a little child with a temper tantrum. He has to have his own way, is impatient, has a low frustration tolerance, creates havoc and  instability and is irritated if others do not do exactly what he expects them to do .He never gives in or apologizes  because that’s perceived as a personal weakness .

Along with this need for power as a protection against helplessness and against insignificance is a tendency for prestige. There’s a need to impress others, to be admired, to be respected and to humiliate others. This individual has no difficulty spending money lavishly and conspicuously and openly talk about how great he is and his billions. He is not able to have any association unless they are a “loyal” friend, wife, dedicated employee, etc. They have to admire him as he surrounds himself with fans, enthusiasts and loyalists. Self-worth and self-esteem, rests on, being admired. This attempt to inflate ego is really a protection against feeling insignificant, humiliated for the sake of repairing his fragile and crushed self-esteem. Furthermore, expressing hostility, usually takes the form of humiliating others, being a bully, and discriminating against others, per daily tweets” Andrew McCabe is a traitor” and “The New York Times is an enemy of the people.”

In our culture, the striving for possession, as in wealth gives both power and prestige. However, the quest for possession, is not only directed toward money or material things, it can also appear as a controlling attitude towards others. Moreover, there’s a tendency to deprive others, which can lead to cheating, and stealing. Looking into tax returns and dealings with the Deutsche Bank is perceived as crossing a red line. Language becomes rationalized in being able to outwit, outmaneuver and outsmart everyone else. It’s also not uncommon with this to be a grudging attitude to exploit, declare bankruptcy, not pay debt, create a fake university, or set up an unscrupulous foundation as well.

His current defensive behavior is not unexpected. He continues to be under attack, and even more so with media, social media, 2020 election, Mueller investigation, indictments and jail sentences for his team and now with the Democrats in charge of the House. Currently, there’s no safety net or barrier to protect this psychologically vulnerable, stressed individual. As a result, we can expect the continued conflict, anxiety and anger to be expressed physically and verbally inappropriately in attempting to meet his needs of affection, power, prestige and possession.

PS

For additional information, consult Karen Horney’s “The Neurotic Personality of Our Time” published by WW Norton and Company, Inc.

Satisfaction Part 3

In order to pursue knowledge, rationality, and self-reflection, I attended Wayne State University and attained a PhD. As an assistant professor, I taught and lectured numerous classes in psychology. I later entered private practice, consulted with the criminal justice system, conducted research, presented research findings to national associations and attended the San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute. Much later, I wrote a book “It Has Nothing to Do With Age” that pertained to the motivation of older individuals who participated in extreme sports.

Sorry Mick Jagger, your wins and losses, according to Aristotle and the ancient Greeks do not add up or equal their definition of happiness. Pursuing power, possession and prestige do not result in happiness, but instead are associated with neurosis. I like my wins and losses per Aristotle and the ancient Greeks in that they have provided me with a tremendous amount of life satisfaction. I continue to live up to my potential.

PS

On Tuesday, February 12, I decided to run from Auburn to Cool on the Western States-Tevis trail leaving from Robie Point. Within 10 or 15 minutes, I saw a woman coming up the trail. She said “Frank.” I replied, “Yes.” She said “I’m April, Linda’s daughter.” I said, “I recognized your voice.” As it happened, I first met Linda Rapposelli-Rogers at the Quicksilver Ride and Tie in San Jose. A few years later, I met up with her on the Western States trail, in September of 2001. She remarked, “Let’s run Western States.” As it turned out, she became a good friend, my running partner as we both qualified by running our first 50 mile run in October of 2001. In November, we were selected to run in the 2002 race in which we both were buckle winners. After that Western States 2002, 100 mile run, my sister, Beverly said to me “if I were in a foxhole, I’d want to be with Linda.”

Good luck with your pregnancy April. I’m sorry to hear about Bud Johns passing. Thank you Bud for creating the sport of Ride and Tie.

Satisfaction Part 2

Other sports that I became involved in were endurance riding, ride and tie and ultra-running. As a result of my participation in ride and tie events, I met and became friends with world-class equine specialists, and world-class runners. As far as ride and tie competitions, my horse and I won yearly mile championships and other awards. Further, with my partner Jonathan Jordan and my Arabian horse Gypsy, we won the prestigious and grueling 100 mile Swanton Pacific event in 2008.

I also participated in many endurance rides with my various equines, and met and developed solid friendships as well. In 2000, with my horse Raider, we completed the oldest or father of endurance racing, called the 100 mile Tevis Cup.

I began ultra running in 1997, by running a 50 K. Then, in 2002, I completed the prestigious and well-known 100 mile Western States endurance run. I developed mature lasting relationships while training, and with my race pacers. In that race, I was an age division winner as well. Originally, there were four of us, that had completed these extreme one day 100 mile events but now just three of us remain as Warren Hellman passed. Warren and I rode the last 50 miles or so of the Tevis Cup in 2000. I competed in ultra running and on February 2, 2019 I was an age division winner in the Jed Smith 50 K.  Tony Brickel was again my pacer.

To Be Continued

Satisfaction

After reading the article titled “Self-Help, Ancient Greek Style” in the January 27, 2019 edition of The New York Times, I thought of The Rolling Stones’ “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” Poor Mick Jagger as he tried and tried, but was unable to get satisfaction. Perhaps, if he psychologically “did” instead of “try”, he might’ve been more successful.

According to this article, the Greeks, including Aristotle had a unique philosophy regarding the living of life. One could pursue happiness, well-being, prosperity [finding purpose to become the best version of yourself, nothing to do with the obsession of material success] or the Greek word eudaimonia by living one’s life a certain way.  One could employ reason; knowledge; rationality; virtue; self-reflection; togetherness or mature relationships; and employ midway or well-balanced behavior between extremes. Put another way, one could demonstrate strength of will, purposeful striving as an end to itself in order to live up to one’s fullest potential or become self-actualized. For me, instead of searching for happiness or looking for the fountain of youth, I labeled it, “the fulfillment of wishes, expectations, needs, and the pleasure derived from it or satisfaction.”

Using Aristotle’s model as a guide or reference for living, the following is my reflection. From childhood to present, I have always participated in sports. Specifically, my high school was known as a football powerhouse on the east side of Detroit. In fact, our senior team was called, by the sports writers, one of the best ever to play in the state of Michigan. I attained honors, while playing in the sport that I love, my skill level was rewarded, and I received an athletic football scholarship to attend the University. My interest in football continued, and was exhibited and furthered by my book “Bo’s Warriors Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football. Linda and I return to Ann Arbor every year to attend a University of Michigan game with former players.

 To Be Continued

The Authoritarian Character Part 3

Within this dynamic, blind admiration, respect, unity and attachment follows. That emotional symbiosis figure becomes the greatest, the best, and the most wonderful in the galaxy. However, that can easily be diminished by some form of discontent or hatred, if one perceives that the all-powerful figure was being weak or displaying some form of weakness. This is because lack of power is a sign of weakness or inferiority. It’s also not uncommon for these individuals to show some form of rebelliousness by defying authority in an attempt to unconsciously overcome their own feelings of powerlessness.

On the dominance, or sadistic side of the equation, there’s a tendency to control, dominate and to manipulate the other. This can be expressed by “I know what’s best for you,” “it’s my job to, protect you,” “I’m punishing you because I love you,” “I will take care of you,” “I will do everything in my power to help you,” “it’s God’s will” etc. This form of verbal behavior is typically exhibited, but not limited to the physical abuser after abusing the other. These are simple, rationalizations with a manipulative intent to undo the harm and keep the symbiosis in place. The abuser always require a victim. Although sadomasochism behaviors are common, there are varying and harsher or extreme degrees of such.

 In essence, a clear sign of this type of personality is to admire authority {masochism} and have others submit {sadism} to him. In essence, happiness lies in the submission to these forces. Adorno and others have called this the authoritarian personality and have developed evaluation measures as well. Add economic inequality, debt, low or minimal skill level, ineffective, or out of date educational background, physical impairment, illness or addiction with a doom and gloom outlook and low self-esteem to the authoritarian character dynamics, and the result is a strong and dominant unconscious motivational longing or drive for a magic savior, magic helper, magic fixer, or godlike powerful figure to the rescue. The person is attracted to a” powerful” like Pied Piper dynamic  and as a consequence will follow that figure anywhere, anyplace regardless; providing that person does not exhibit any form what so ever or signs of weakness, impotence, inadequacy, or feebleness. Forget about rationality as irrationality becomes supreme.

The Authoritarian Character Part 2

In order to provide a more explicit description of the authoritarian character type, let’s look at one significant variable.  Homo sapiens arrive into this world anxious, dependent, insecure and powerless .Then through socialization, personality develops. Within the authoritarian character, there is a tendency and a craving for submission {masochism} along with a lust for power or domination {sadism}.  With masochism and sadism strivings, we find feelings of inferiority, powerlessness, inadequacy, weakness and social insignificance. Although one may be aware of this anxiety or unpleasantness, there’s an unconscious component that drives or influences the person to feel inferior and insignificant as evidenced by behavior, fantasies, dreams, gestures, etc.

As a consequence of these emotional dynamics, results in a tendency to fuse oneself {masochism} with somebody or something outside of self. Psychologically, this takes place unconsciously In order to acquire or compensate for the separateness, weakness and omnipotence that one lacks, thereby gaining some sense of security, power, strength, and connectedness. That identification or becoming part of, could be with a significant person, celebrity, God, coach, political figure, lover, institution, team, philosophy, political party, religion, etc. In fact, that personification might become a “magic helper,” or a “magic lover” that results in psychological dependence or dependency.

Just think of attending a national political convention.  Masses of people are dressed with similar hats, etc.; hold similar signs; yell and scream in unison; and become a mob. In that setting, one is no longer alone, feels part of something, is comforted in something much larger than self, and would follow that crowd, mob or sentiment, no matter what or where. On a smaller scale, sitting in a room with anxious fellow teammates listening to the coach preparing his warriors or soldiers for battle, regardless of the personal cost or potential harm to one’s body, raises the adrenalin levels for fight. On a personal note, I would’ve run through the wall if Coach Ed Rutherford asked. When he said, hit the quarterback on every play, I did without any questioning.

To Be Continued

The Authoritarian Character

The article “The Power of the Middle-Class Shame Vote” in the January 6, 2019, of The New York Times suggested that both poor and middle class voters had much in common. Examples included that the myth of attaining a college degree was just a myth, and did not guarantee employment in today’s economic market. Moreover, achieving that college degree meant that one had accumulated a massive repayment debt. Further, being college educated did not guarantee that one did not lose their job; be subjected to irregular work; or have a union negotiated contract. Certainly, the less than college educated are in a worse or dire situation as they likely do not have the necessary  skills for today’s employment. Another anxiety or stress factor, for this group, was related to physical illness, drug and/or alcohol addiction of self or some family member. Even with health insurance, one can be faced with debt, bankruptcy depending upon the illness and/or pre-existing health coverage. In essence, the quality of economics and health within one’s life space, at any time, results in an inordinate amount of insecurity, anxiety, worry, bitterness and anger, not only in the present, but also the loss of hope and disillusionment about their future. These failures, and they are personal failures in our capitalistic system, are detrimental to one’s sense of self, self-esteem and social prestige. The comparisons, with others, exacerbates the feelings of unworthiness, inadequacy, and inferiority. This adds to the unconscious longing or tendency to identify, to become dependent and become more receptive on a savior or rescuer. Furthermore, these components or dynamics dovetail within the authoritarian character structure?

Employing economics and illness as a backdrop, lead to a second article found in The New York Times, dated December 16, 2018 titled “Is There Such a Thing As an Authoritarian Voter?” In this article, there was reference to Theodor Adorno’s research “The Authoritarian Personality, published in 1950. It was focused on and with fascist and anti-Semitic racism present in Germany and Italy during the Second World War .Another major focus of the article pertained to the conservative and/or Trump follower of the past presidential election.

To Be Continued

Aging

About four years ago, a New York Times writer began following six people who were at least 85 years of age or older. This year’s follow-up titled “Pioneers Inch Ahead into the Twilight,” was found in the January 6, 2019 edition of The New York Times. I remembered reading that first article about those six individuals. They were doing fairly well without many health issues at that time. This article was different as two of the six passed away, leaving just four.  All four were in their 90s and one was faced with the onset of dementia and the other three with physical illnesses.

One of the themes included memory issues, which was not surprising. Also noticeable was a significant decrease in physical activities. Medical complications were not kind as well. One woman stated that she had to present a theme about surviving and in no way could talk about not surviving with her family. She added that her son would say “oh ma, you’re going to keep going forever.” She translated this by stating “the thought of my passing is very upsetting to him.” In other words, her son’s issue with guilt meant that she now has to live for her son’s mental health.

One man was born in Lithuania during World War II; and during Nazi occupation, apparently wrote in the paper anti-sematic calls for violence, per a recent article in the New York Review of Books. The Lithuanian denounced the article and added, “After 75 years, that period remained unreal to me because it was such an unnatural intrusion that I cannot identify myself. It’s like it does not belong period.” This man was confronted with that unflattering article, as well as a hemoglobin deficiency and polyps in his digestive tract.

A more uplifting article titled “Australia’s Fastest 92-year-old Woman,” was also published in that same newspaper. Heather Lee holds five world records and eight Australian ones for her race walking. She attributed part of her success in that she started at the youthful age of 85. Heather was quoted “age is no barrier to anything, really.” This remarkable young lady spoke about her life’s purpose, which was to convey to younger people about the importance of living right. This meant a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. In fact, one of her mottos “take the stairs, not the lift, always.” Another positive component, in aging, is looking to the future and having a goal. According to Heather,” this year’s a big one, because-is it going to be better than last year? 2018, was an amazing year for me.”

In conclusion, I agree with Heather-healthy diet, plenty of exercise and looking forward to the future. Not having a physical or mental diagnosis helps greatly as well. Also, it’s demonstrated that the past can have negative effects on the present.

 Heather, I’m running the Jed Smith 50 K on Saturday. My friend Tony is accompanying me. Also entered, but in a different age group, in the race is Mark Richtman. I met Mark about 20 years ago at a Ride and Tie event and found out then as well as now that he is still a world class runner. He’s the favorite in Saturday’s race and I wish him well.