Brain Size

 

The preponderance of  stereotypes ,lies  and bigotry put forth by sadistic, hateful, and greedy individuals continues today, especially by the “right “on social media.  An article in the January 25, 2026 edition of The New York Times titled Genetic Data of Children Misused for  " Race Science" described the misuse and falsification of data collected from the NIH.

A  right "researcher" tricked and falsified innovative NIH safeguards for his particular " study." NIH  provided  data for his article from the genetic research with children that were tracking brain development and that  research would result in discoveries about DNA’s impact on behavior and disease.  The NIH also promised to safeguard the sensitive data from the children. He lied and misused the information .

 According to the article.  This professor essentially misused information based on IQ scores for the purpose of  claiming that biological differences occurred , in intelligence ,between races 1. He ranked ethnicities by IQ scores and concluded that black people earn less because they are not very smart.  2.  This professor's actions resulted in him getting fired from his  teaching position  3. His falsified results  were broadcasted by conservative commentators and placed on social media.  3.He violated NIH guidelines.  4.  And his simplistic  research and conclusions were debunked  by credible authorities .

Unfortunately, the article did not provide research methodology  used by this bogus researcher.  A few comments about IQ testing.  1.  In the past , there was misuse of IQ test results  by placing individuals in institutions. based on inaccurate testing results .2  Also,there are numerous IQ tests which means that the intelligence quotient is based on the theory of the test originator.  In other words, each IQ test is based on separate,similar  or different  variables   3.  The test sample is also a factor.  For example, the WISC IQ test was based primarily on  white middle-class children. 4.  Each IQ test has a designated age range.  5. Emotional,and psychological issues,at  the time of testing, also affect IQ scores .

Intelligence is a product of complex interactions of numerous hereditary and environmental forces.  It is difficult to sort out the specific  contributions of each.  Research suggests that social class and early rearing impacts IQ performance. 

Arthur Jensen, in his studies ,concluded that heredity accounts for approximately 80% of variation in IQ scores with an average score of whites scoring 10 to 15 points above blacks.  However,in another study, with 38 pairs of identical twins reared in different environments , they found an average     IQ  difference of 14 points for at least 25% of the twins suggesting the importance of environment because identical twins reared together have statistically significant similar  IQ scores .

Note ,that authors of IQ tests  have selected test  items that have discriminated between children of the same age who were successful academically compared with those who had low grades.  As this was a major criterion for including items in the test, it is not surprising that IQ scores are highly correlated with grades in school and college. Essentially socioeconomic differences  is a major variable that differentiate IQ scores between children .In other words,   poor black and and poor white children score significantly below that of middle-class children.

 I administered the WISC IQ test in order to assess emotional issues for a better understanding  of the patient based on the responses of the child on the 11 subtests .  Each of the 11 subtests on the WISC has a description of what each scale attempts to assess, measure and reveal .  In other words, an IQ test provided a considerable amount of information in assisting to understand that particular child irrespective of an IQ score.

There are differences in brain size and, in fact, the Neanderthals had the largest brain size.  The  adult Homo sapien  brain weight is about 3 pounds, has about 100 billion neurons and about 100 trillion synapses  Neurons have three parts- dendrites, cell body and axons .Dendrites take in  information  and axons send out information. Neurons can have as many as 20,000 dendrites and axons .

  Simply put, the size of an individual's brain is a weak predictor of intelligence as Einstein’s brain weighed about 10%,less than the average male adult.

The density of the concentration of nerve cells influences the speed and efficiency of information processing, it’s the  functional complexity related to the cerebral cortex. The relationship between  gray and white matter determines overall cognitive capacity. The working efficiency of these neural networks rather than the bulk of the organ relates to  complex thought. And it takes about 20 years to reach neurological maturity.

Variation in brain size is related to genetics. 70-90% of variability such as nutrition, especially during early childhood when the human brain's metabolic requirements consume up to 66% of the body's resting metabolic energy should be considered.  And ,environmental factors such as chronic disease or exposure to toxins can also impact brain development. 

Usually men's brains are bigger than women's brains.  Around age 20 ,the brains of men and women begin to shrink over time with aging.  There is some evidence that men's brains shrink at a more advanced age of 65-95 compared to women.  And, differences in brain size between men and women do not differ significantly in intelligence or IQ scores although they use different parts of their brains to achieve the same scores.  For example, women seem to have a better developed left hemisphere "social" brain with better language and personal perception or social behavior  that’s related to better cognition of facial emotional expression.

Trying to prove that brain size is associated with "success" is ridiculous.  Yes, there can be statistical correlations between an infinite number of variables . But a correlation is only an association and associations  do not prove cause and effect. 

Does  the trillionaire  Musk have the largest brain in the world?   Success can be defined as accomplishment of an aim, or purpose; attainment of fame, wealth or social status or the good or bad outcome of an undertaking. Musk is financially successful . Is Elon Musk’s brain size larger than Einstein's?  Is Trump’s brain size  larger than Hitler’s, Epstein's or Stalin's?   

Genetics,  family, socioeconomics,environmental, psychological, political,religious and philosophical are  some of the variables to consider when defining success .  The books "It Has Nothing To Do With Age"  and "Bo's Warriors  Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football" provide numerous examples of these successful characterological  athletic individuals, during their life’s journey meeting their ego needs . Parenting, executive ego functions, decision making, emotional and moral factors are  some of the factors associated with success . Or, according to Maslow, those individuals who are self-actualized have reached the top of his hierarchy of needs .  Also , there’s a poor correlation between  income and measures of happiness.

PS

One study of Einstein's brain found that his prefrontal cortex and parietal lobes were unusually well developed with densely packed  neurons.  These areas are associated with abstract thinking,mathematical skills and spatial reasoning. Einstein believed that he thought visually rather than verbally.  And, Edward H Rulloff, a noted medical doctor and criminal had the second largest brain recorded on record.

Furthermore, another greedy,lying  racist  in the 19th century promoted phrenology.  He maintained that he could identify 37 portions of the brain, each responsible for a certain type of temperament  and that African skulls were thicker than those of Caucasians because black people had less brain activity.

Reference

Cerebral Dominance  .The Left & Right Brain .  Institute for Natural Resources.

Glasser, Alan J and Zimmerman,Ira Lee.  Clinical Interpretation of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. 

TRT

 

What to Know About the New Obsession With Testosterone as a Lifestyle Drug" was found in the May 24, 2026 edition of The New York Times.  The article highlighted how testosterone went from a heavily regulated medical treatment to a lifestyle drug for millions of men seeking to compensate for their feelings of inferiority and insecurity regarding their irrational understanding of  masculinity.

Testosterone is a male sex hormone also found in  females.  This male sex hormone is produced in the testicles and secreted by the testes.  Major aspects of testosterone include: 1.  Promotes libido aggressiveness and sexual desire.  2 .Stimulates the growth of certain organs.  3 .Promotes protein anabolism. 4 .Stimulates sperm production.  5.  Nourishes all tissues of the male urinary and reproductive systems.  6.  Regulates the production of prostaglandin, which seems to keep prostate growth under control.

Levels of testosterone gradually drop in men over time .However,it's estimated that testosterone levels in 20% of men after age 50 will drop to abnormally low levels and these hormonal changes result in impotency and/or libido problems.  It's also known that testosterone production is affected by a number of external factors such as illness, medications, psychological states, obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Also, factors such as reduced activity, nutritional deficiency, diabetes, growth hormone deficiency can also contribute to lower levels of testosterone .

Men diagnosed with hypogonadism, a loss of sex drive/inability to maintain an erection; fatigue; irritability; depressed mood; aches and pains in the joints; dry skin; osteoporosis; loss of weight; absent or regression of secondary sexual characteristics  have received  appropriate medical TRT treatment.  Further  TRT  studies of men  with  a hypogonadism diagnosis aged 55 and older have reported better sexual performance , initiation of sexual intercourse and increased ability to maintain an erection.

In the article, Kennedy Jr.called the declining world wide levels of testosterone over decades an existential  threat to humanity.  With that being said , Trump , Oz,Hegseth,Cristine and others are  behind TRT(testosterone replacement therapy).  Also on board are other Trump media faithfulls .

In fact, it's even promoted as an antiaging treatment by some. Additionally, there are many young men ,without a hypogonadism condition , purchasing the steroid hormone from doctors online, clinics and even unregulated underground labs. These individuals  continue to use this  drug, irrespective of the  health risks.  Some complain that they can't get the drug from their doctors so they find other sources.  And these younger individuals are pursuing this  drug to compensate for their incompleteness  by employing  defense mechanisms to justify their actions.

Drugs and sports go hand in hand and are hardly an issue for professional athletes and bodybuilders.  Barry Bonds, José Canseco, Lance Armstrong, Roger Clemens,Mark McGwire, Sammy Sousa  etc. are just a few  and are no strangers to drug use.  Bill Pearl, Mr. America, Mr. California ,a bodybuilder, decided to enter the 1961 Mr. Universe contest.  “ By then steroids were out of the experimental stage and well known to most competitive bodybuilders.  They were no longer an underground item.  I remembered the fast progress I'd made using them and decided to do so again.  Looking back, I think they were a crutch.  I didn't really need it, but at the time it seemed easier to take them-so I did.  I won the contest, but something inside me wasn't happy with steroid use.  So I quit them again, this time for good."

The following are health risks with some potential side effects from TRT : 1.  Fluid retention, leading to swelling in legs or ankles.  2.   Possible mood swings or increased aggression.  3.  Risk of enlarged breasts in some men. 4. Possible development of sleep apnea leading to disrupted sleep patterns like excessive daytime sleepiness.  5.  Increased risk of cardiovascular issues such as a heart attack or stroke.  6.  Changes in libido, which may increase or decrease. 7.  Changes in cholesterol levels potentially affect heart health.  Unfortunately, much of the research  data that exists on TRT is for older men diagnosed with testosterone deficiency.  The TRT side effects for young men without testosterone deficiency is not clear  Yet online.everyone is saying that testosterone is the solution to all of your problems.

If you believe that this is a miracle drug, and will fix your "masculinity “ consider the following from the Mayo Clinic .  With older healthy men, there is little evidence to support the use of testosterone in otherwise healthy men. From the American College of Physicians ,testosterone therapy might improve sexual function somewhat in some men, with little evidence that it will improve other functions such as vitality and energy. 

Is testosterone replacement therapy  the ultimate antiaging formula?  Only , if you believe online testimonials , GOP  characters and their podcasts. Reality, the health benefits   of testosterone replacement therapy for age-related decline is not clear.

In conclusion, it's known that an individual's lifestyle, including the physical, emotional, and sexual factors affect testosterone levels.  Diet , physical and mental exercise , and lovely Linda have worked well for me . I have never used “drugs “,with the exception of Marijuana ,nor have ever taken Testosterone supplements in my lifetime.  And today, at Ironworks Fitness, I began by performing numerous chins; followed by bench pressing the 200 pound maximum on that  machine; doing another (my variation)  biceps/ triceps exercise with 200 pound maximum, on a different machine; doing a shoulder shrug on another machine with a 300 pound maximum in each hand and working out with other machines, barbells and dumbbells. After that workout, I went to the treadmill and varied the speed over 10 minutes and then finished my workout with more chins. That’s my magic pill .

PS

Are our fickle leaders health symptoms of fluid retention-swelling in  ankles, increased aggression; sleep apnea leading to disturbed sleep patterns like excessive daytime sleepiness and numerous tweets in the early hours of the morning, enlarged breasts and increased risk of cardiovascular issues associated with TRT?

Reference

Klatz,Dr. Ronald and Goldman, Dr. Robert.  Stopping The Clock

Pearl, Bill and Moran, PhD and Gary T.  Getting Stronger.

Parenthood

 

An article titled  "Why Are More and More People Passing Up Parenthood?"  was found in the May 10, 2026 edition of The New York Times.  This article pertains to the decrease in children presented primarily with economic and sociological factors.  My response is as follows.

In this article it was pointed out that 1.  Birth increases when economics are on the upswing and with high levels of equality in the home and in society.  2.  Worry about sending a future child to school with unvaccinated classmates 3.  Affordability 4.  Future uncertainty -life expectancy, AI ,immigration, global trade and climate change 5.  American women with less education have more children.  6.  Current and future employment. concerns  7.  Marked decline in marriage 8.  Increased social isolation 9.  Median age of first-time homebuyers-40 10.  In  South Korea-a construction company offered its employees roughly twice South Korea's annual per capita income,to  women who had a baby.  Last year the company reported 36 births and an increase of about 60% compared to the average before the program began

According to the article, there is a focus on economic uncertainty in the present and future affecting today's couples.  Uncertainty suggests anxiety and insecurity and is likely masking underlying issues regarding  parenting  .  1.  Have they considered or have they had individual , marital therapy or a medical consultation ?  The issues were?

2.  What  ego needs are being met and which are not?

3.  Are there  health issues?

4.  What would be the advantages and/or disadvantages of having a child? How important is having an offspring?

5.  How did they spend their time away from work?

6.  What did they like about being a child?

7.  What type of additional support do they expect after the birth of the child?

8.Use of TRT. Testosterone  Replacement Therapy is associated with low sperm count.

These questions are starting points in evaluating the issue of parenting for these couples .

Low birth factors  in our culture, aside from 24% of males experiencing ED,  pertaining to declining birth rate  include a masculine dominance created by men associated with morality,  religion, capitalism and science suggesting female inferiority.  It took how long for women to be able to vote in this country ?  The male masculinity stereotype is that man is the king of the castle, earns more, is more aggressive, withholds  emotions and females are passive, inhibit aggression, inhibit display of sexual urges, less competent, less independent, less objective and less logical.

Another factor of low birth rate from a psychodynamic point of view, suggests female penis envy in which  the clitoris is conceived of as a phallus. Within  Oedipal complex dynamics , a female with penis envy gives rise to the desire for a child  which then forms the basis for a love bond with father and subsequently a femininity orientation .With this attachment to the father results in the existence of a desire for penis and a desire for a child. However, with  the occurrence of a negative attachment to the father, a femininity orientation is  rejected. This psychological dynamic becomes associated with an unconscious wish , a desire to be a "man"  in orientation with its advantages .

 From this penis envy role of inferiority, the female has to master this desire to be a man throughout life and deal with men.Simply put, is motherhood going to be a handicap and significantly interfere with professional goals and achievement ?

Further, some "masculine" oriented women have an attitude of hostility towards men.  Sometimes it takes the form of depreciation and/or castrating them in the process.  Essentially, these women have dismissed father as a sexual object and simultaneously recoil from the feminine role altogether.

Other factors interfering with having children are the fear of pain,and/or  injury with  penis penetration ; frigidity, along with the dread of childbirth.  And , the anxiety related to this fictitious male role allows the woman to escape from the feminine role, even though burdened by guilt and anxiety.

On the other hand traditionally feminine oriented limited education females have adapted themselves to the wishes of men as exemplified by the religious right which promotes a stay at home mom with many children .along with help from the Supreme Court ‘s Roe vs Wade decision .

 Erikson's seventh psychosocial stage is characterized as Generativity vs Stagnation presents another factor to consider .  Erikson presents the following: 1.  Mutuality of orgasm.  2.  With a loved partner 3.  Of the other sex.  4.  With whom one is able and willing to share mutual trust.  5.  And with whom one is able and willing to regulate the cycles of a.  Work b.  Procreation c. Recreation 6 So as to secure to the offspring, too, all the stages of a satisfactory development.

Psychologically , the crisis is about  establishing and guiding the next generation to their own or to another's offspring coupled  with the  attitude of the belief in the species along with making the child a welcoming trust of the community- progeny?

 Progeny , is not  effectively valued in our society There's an absence of effective gun legislation; gutting of the Department of Education; inadequate funding for the schools; inadequate teacher salaries; insufficient staff , nurses, school psychologists, master teachers; lack of school safety; book banning, and the rewriting of US history

 Parents, for their own narcissistic needs, are too involved in their children's sports, arts and school social activities with their overprotection, smothering and controlling patterns not allowing for autonomy, separation and independence.  They've spoiled their children with harmful technology and monetary bribes.

 On the other hand, there's child abuse,  neglect, and dead beat dads with  their child support. Further, there are numerous reasons for parents not to have children.  For example, an article titled "The Anxiety of Influencers" found in the May 24 2026 edition of The New York Times described how parents are monetizing their children by posting content of their kids wearing various brands, skimpy clothing,  exposing intimate details about their children on Instagram, YouTube, Tik Tok and even selling photos of the young children to men.  Apparently this is a multibillion-dollar influencer industry and about parental exploitation.

Should All females become mothers?  Not if that mother is unable to provide unconditional affirmation for her child's life and its needs.  This means and relates to her ability to care and be responsible for her child's life and growth.  For instance, can the mother instill a positive attitude  for the  love of life and it's good to be alive in the child ?  Turning to the Bible, the Promised Land  symbolizes the mother, with Milk and Honey . Milk symbolizes the first aspect of love and Honey symbolizes the sweetness of life.

In order for the mother to give "honey," that female must be good and happy. She has to be able  to transmit an attitude of being unselfish and altruistic. It's  emotionally easier for the mother to love her small infant, but the crisis is being able to love her growing child. The child must be able to grow and emotionally separate  in order to become a complete human being.  Can the mother still love her child as a separate human being?

The government  plays their part also with inadequacy in school lunch programs; health insurance; daycare and other  after school programs; maternity time off : attacking vaccinations and not assisting with  limiting cost of college and the inordinate amount of school debt. And,there are few employment opportunities for recent  college graduates .

 

In conclusion, there are a number of psychological, sociological, economic, political components affecting whether or not couples should have offspring in our capitalistic society.  Once our K-12 model of education was superior.  Not so today.  Yes, the anxiety of uncertainty without control is not new.  But  our capitalistic society, with discrimination has unfairly affected the majority as far as income inequality ,health insurance , education and  other safety net programs are concerned. Our health industry is too expensive, and our current political power structure is dreadful and shameful.  It's not surprising that there's  isolation ,less sex ,relationship issues and a decreasing health and birth rate in our country with its  negative attitude,values and policies regarding children. And, importantly, not all couples are psychologically or morally equipped to become parents. Bring back Roe vs. Wade and remove Alioto from the Supreme Court for starters .

Reference

Erikson, Erik H.  Childhood and Society.

Horney, Karen  Feminine Psychology