Remarkable Women

 

 I read a timely article titled "My Mother Got on a Bike.  It changed her life"  In the February 18, 2024 edition of The New York Times.   The article in question triggered thoughts regarding "It Has Nothing  To Do with Age" and   Linda who had her hip replaced in December ,2023 and is currently exercising on a stationary bike. 

This is a story of a mother ,aged 62, who  joined a bicycle group.  At that time, she was recovering from heartbreak and had just moved to a new town.  Also ,  she reportedly had no background as an outdoor activity enthusiast, thereby making her new activity difficult. Unfortunately, there is  negative messaging surrounding older females.  For instance, older women on television are portrayed on TV advertising smiling while taking medicine.  One recent advertisement in the New York Times by Pfizer stated something to the effect that getting old is associated with becoming sick. Other messaging has to do with failing looks, frail bones, cognitive decline, not being significant nor  happy with their age.

Research by a professor of public health wrote, "We increase our risk of cardiac events and speed of cognitive decline, if we believe that getting older is a time of suffering and diminution... Those of us that view later life as a time of growth and vitality are more likely to stay healthy and to keep senility at bay.  We also live a whopping 7 1/2 years longer. “ One conclusion from this longitudinal study was "Mindset was the most significant factor determining an individual's longevity."

It's true that media dating apps, a youth obsessed culture and too many preconceived notions suggest that "aging “stinks. Also, it’s unfortunate that affirmations and positive self talk are outnumbered by doubt and negativity for too many  aging females.  Mindset is defined as a set of attitudes held by someone.  An attitude is defined as a subtle way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, Typically, one that is reflected in a person's behaviors.  It’s obvious that what takes place between the ears is related to behavior and actions speak louder than words .

Ego needs  can also be fulfilled by behavior.  For example, this 62-year-old female incorporated  a number of positive subliminal phrases about aging like  being spry and capable . The researchers found that on physical tests , individuals with a positive mind set, ended up with a more favorable perception of aging.  While this 62-year-old was pedaling  downhill, she included positive self talk which assisted her ability to meet  her goals.  If her goal was to enter a hundred mile bike ride, then repetitive self talk and repetitive training  workouts became significantly important. She could build on success by telling herself something positive while exerting herself while biking up and down the hills . And  repeated successes would positively influence her aspiration level or her expectancy.  The more repetitive success she had , reinforced the greater the expectancy for success. And as Epicurus brilliantly stated : "The greater the difficulty, the more the glory in surmounting it." Also, this paradigm meets the ego need of achievement, which is to accomplish something difficult.

By joining a cycling group, she also met the ego need of affiliation  which is to draw near and  cooperate or reciprocate with another. To adhere and remain loyal to a friend.  In other words, interacting while pursuing a goal or goals with friends or training partners results in meeting other ego needs as well. For instance succorance-to have one's needs gratified by a sympathetic aid of an allied object. To be nursed, supported ,sustained ,surrounded,  protected, advised, guided, and  consoled.   Exhibition- to make an impression , to be seen and heard . Deference - to admire and support a superior . These ego needs are powerful, necessary and required as we are a social species.

Typically, most older women don't join groups and instead pull back on physical activities, risk-taking, novel pursuits,  and telling themselves it's too dangerous for their failing body and mind.  Alfred Adler's quote fits "The chief danger in life is that you may take too many precautions."  Unfortunately, as the cycling mom approached 80, she began to feel unsteady and found out that she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.  Her mother said  "I wish I was 60 again."

Linda is doing great with her exercise rehabilitation .  She also attends one session a week in physical therapy and meets twice a week for yoga.

In closing, I prescribed the following  in “ It Has Nothing To Do With Age” for increasing lifespan: 1.  Get inspired.  It's okay to begin a new activity by taking baby steps.  Physical activity can help improve physical fitness, losing weight, reducing anxiety and minimizing depression.  2.  Find meaning in an activity outside of family ,career , raising kids; it can build self-esteem 3 . Enrich your emotional life by making physical contact.; having friends ,sharing  interests , and learning about others  by becoming part of a new group 4.  Realize there is more to life than the accumulation of material things.  5.  Participate in outdoor activities to help nurture spirituality.  6.  Find a way to escape., read about other people's adventures 7 . Find inspiration and motivation through the illuminating profiles of the  eight remarkable senior athletes found within this book 

PS

Outdoor  remarkable enthusiast Linda,  while in her 60s , was active  as a white water river guide,  equestrian, bicyclist , golfer, down hill skier, fly caster,camper and swimmer.

Reference

Murray, H.A. Explorations in Personality..

Neanderthal Intellect

 

Homo sapiens have psychologically and biologically  evolved.  In other words, current sapient motivation has its emotional, cognitive , and behavioral “roots' ' and traits related to those classified and lived as hunters and gatherers  . Current anthropological ,archeology , and zoology research of primitive tribes in remote areas provides additional input and hypotheses related to our ancestors.   This disquisition suggests that not only biologically speaking, but of our mind , neural mechanisms , and the unconscious is carrying  information from our ancestors.

It's been calculated that a small portion of human DNA  1- 6% from modern populations of the Middle East, Europe, East Africa, Australia and Siberia are similar to the DNA of the Neanderthals. There are two theories as to  why the Neanderthals have become extinct.  It could be by some, yet to be discovered,  combination of  interbreeding or the replacement theory with its  genetic mutations . Factually,  Neanderthals were eliminated. Surprisingly, Neanderthal brains are larger than ours , born helpless,  required to be reared,and were able to walk upright with the ability to run.  And,  in the past 10,000 years or so , our species is the only human species that has been able to manipulate the lives of a few animals and plant species.  However, prior to that time.hunter -gatherers spent time in stimulating and varied ways ,had in depth knowledge of animals and plants ,and were more likely to not starve, get disease or become poor .

Hunter gatherers  gorged on high calorie foods.  If they came across food that was sweet  ,ripe  like fruit , they likely ate as much as possible before the competition from another tribe of other  powerful critters arrived to have picked it clean.  Gatherers became  extremely knowledgeable of what and what not to eat.  They identified the " right" mushrooms as an example.  They had to learn and become knowledgeable because their survival depended upon it.  They knew about various  healthy wild plants, acorns, fruits, vegetables, grapes, apples and seeds .  In other words, they ate  a variety of nutritious foods and periods of fasting that  were advantageous to their health.  And , they also incorporated protein and fats for muscle mass, strength,and hunting . In doing so, they met the following ego needs:1. Achievement,  They accomplished  something difficult , mastered , excelled,and increased their ability for survival.  2.  Affiliation. They cooperated with others to accomplish these tasks and established friendship with their commitment.  3.  Defendance . They had to defend themselves against assault from others.  4. Dominance .They were able to control their human environment with their successes.  5  Nurturance .They provided food  for those unable ,  gave sympathy and assisted in caring for survival 6.  Understanding . With trial and error they were able  to speculate, formulate and analyze edible from non edible.

 They also  became knowledgeable and experts  about tracking, establishing  safe and proper techniques for their kill and retention .  Hunting became an art and based upon skill ,endurance and physicality.  They might have had to pursue their prey for long distances and have the ability to climb rocks, navigate streams, mountains for safety, etc. in other words, hunter gatherers were able to use their fingers, arms, legs  effectively with strength and have the ability to run long distances.  Our physiology was  not designed to sit for long periods of time in fancy chairs, seats and sofas.  Physiologically and psychologically they were  smart, strong and were able to survive. Examples of ego needs met Included :1.  Abasement.  They had to submit to external force ,accept injury ,defeat at times when encountering an unknown or superior prey.  They seeked  pain and punishment while tracking down dangerous prey.  2.  Achievement.  They accomplished the difficult 3.  Affiliation, With  cooperation, they were able to be successful.  4.  Aggression . They overcame the opposition ,  prey  forcefully.  They had to fight , and attack for their dinner  5. Defendance.They had to defend themselves from potential failure or inability to  successfully gather, track and kill prey.  7 Deference . They admired a  superior alpha tracker 8.  Dominance . They had to control  and succeed against obstacles and barriers 9 . Exhibition . They made an impression with their ability to succeed and overcome so many difficulties.  10.  Understanding .They learned, they understood once again by trial and error and figured out and developed better techniques,  tools, etc.

Our ancestors were not monogamous,  nor resided in nuclear families, but were pollysexual human beings..  Having multiple sexual partners was advantageous to both male and female in that they believed that many sexual partners resulted in a wonderful array of positive traits that would increase the probability for beauty, intelligence, cunning ,strength, compatibility, and so forth.   They didn't have issues of possession, private property, jealousy, nor any need of any 10 Commandments , Oedipal issues , infertility, Viagra, abortion and so forth.  Their communal configuration was based on a collective fatherhood , cooperation and parenting with many role models and not with rivalries . The following ego needs met include : 1 sex.  They had sexual intercourse.  2. Succorance.  They had their needs gratified by a sympathetic allied other 3.  Sentience .They seeked, and enjoyed sensuous  impressions .

The culture of our ancestors included few artifacts.  These peoples moved around a lot and often  more than likely did not stay very long in one place.  That meant being able to transport oneself easily without a lot of "baggage."  They didn't rely on stuff, state-of-the-art or the latest fashion trend.  They didn't have to have it.  There was no dream house, nor exotic vacation location.  They didn't have to work, save, discriminate nor exploit others or themselves to attain.  Less  was considered more.  If a fire was coming , they weren't in conflict about what to take with them.

Our ancestors did not have to spend eight hours a day hunting and gathering food for their survival.  Their work week for survival was much less than the 40 hour week.  Their activities were varied, meaningful, with a variety of things to learn about, having sex and taking in the beauty of the outdoors.  Not only that, they ate nutritiously, with proper amounts of protein without carbs or worry about putting on weight.  They didn't die from heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and so forth.  Infections were a problem because they didn't have antibiotics. Ego needs met included: 1.  Play.  They could engage in fun without purpose and were able to laugh, make jokes, participate in games, sports, dancing, etc. 2.  Harmavoidance.  By their leisure activities ,they were generally able to avoid pain ,physical injury, illness and were able to take precautionary measures.  3.  Autonomy .They were able to avoid  activities prescribed by dominance of others and to be independent 4.  Affiliation. They were able to remain loyal and have friends.

Anthropological and biological research has studied the alpha male.  For example, chimpanzees have a dominant alpha male in which others submit.  The alpha male mitigates the violence between aggressiors, manages the concept of food  and can interfere with the mating of females. His position results  not because he is the most powerful, but because he has a lot of  mutual based coalitions in which they  spend time together, share food  and help one another in times of trouble.  It's like they are empathetic and know how to relate to one another with cooperation.  The Hunter gatherers. With their alpha male  interacted with smaller more manageable groups.  Ego needs like  Dominance (controlling human environment) ; Aggression (to attack and  kill another ) ;Autonomy (to resist coercion and restriction); Achievement (accomplish difficulty ,to suppress ,rule over  others and to excel ) are attributed to the alpha male.

 Suggesting diversity , barriers and conflict , our Neanderthal relatives had similar  ego needs fulfilled by their quest for survival.  In essence,  human history is a repetition compulsion . We repeat behavior over and over again. In  order to more fully understand our motivational behavior,  we can look to the past and view how our ancestors met with barriers, obstacles for their survival as well as our future . The Neanderthals do  provide some insight into the  motivational behavior of man. Of course we are unable to fully get into the minds of the Neanderthals for a more concrete understanding of their anxieties, beliefs, attitudes , irrationalities and prejudices.  The cliché "fly on the wall" would tell us more about our relatives.  

Testimonial

I recommend viewing Dr. Mark Hyman's  KVIE Public Television presentation "Eat Your Medicine: The Pegan Diet,"   Dr. Hyman is a functional medicine physician and in his presentation he talks about  fruits, veggies, nuts ,seeds, paleo ,exercise, stress reduction, and intermittent fasting for healthy longevity.

References

Harari ,Yuval Noah .  Sapiens  , A Brief History of Humankind.

Murray, Henry A.  Explorations in Personality.

Sapiens Repeat History

 An assistant professor of environmental studies program wrote an article titled "Extinction Panic Is Back, Right on Schedule"  In the January 28, 2024 edition of the New York Times . His last paragraph reads in part  "We are living in the very world that many in the 1920s already saw coming.  But we're also doing something they could not have predicted: surviving it.  At least for now. “  My response follows.

He acknowledged that we are in an age with the expectation of an apocalypse . We have issues with climate anxiety and  quoted an article called "The Morality of Having Kids in a Burning Drowning World"  B. We have public  health infrastructure problems  with worse  contagions to come. C. A.I  will soon threaten  humanity ,by  taking  jobs, D. Having an imminent population collapse as researchers are studying fertility and population decline .  Some call it a much bigger risk to civilization than  global warming. E.  Will the Ukraine and Middle East conflict trigger World War III with the use of nuclear weapons ?  The author adds that the human species could be  extinguished by our own selfishness . And , violence may well be the last bipartisan impulse .

The professor described the  extinction panic that occurred about a hundred years ago. The 1920’s was traumatized by a pandemic , a devastating world war and new technological developments.  Notable quotes about the doom , gloom and  the belief that we were headed for self-destruction  because of being hardwired were disseminated by  Winston Churchill , novelist H. G. Wells, biologist J. B. Haldane, F.C.Schiller, the British philosopher,  and the Czech playwright Karel  Capek .  Additionally, the 1925 Geneva protocol was signed. It was an  international agreement banning the use of chemical  weapons in combat.  These facts supported the author's contention that despite the near hysteria of the 1920’s,  we survived .

Is the evolution  of the Homo sapiens species , regarding extinction, consider the  following : 1. The human brain consists of  three parts.  The first is considered the Archaic or Reptilian brain which is  also found in lizards and snakes with the function of instinctual behavior like defending territory and keeping safe.  We can all agree that instinctual behavior is necessary in our survival . . However, more than Instinctual behavior is necessary for human survival .

The second part  of our brain , and more evolved,is referred to as the Old or the Mammalian brain as found in cats and dogs.  The functions of this "brain" include mood, memory, hormone production  and control of the limbic system.  The anterior cingulate is the structure primarily responsible for cognitive, emotional and attentional processing with the functions of the hippocampus for memory formation, spatial memory and navigation.  And the amygdala is primarily responsible for fear, fight or flight responses and anger.  Also, the hypothalamus is a major controlling organ of the autonomic/endocrine  system regulating temperature ,hunger , thirst, sexual arousal and the sleep-wake cycle. This part of the brain allows us more opportunities than the "Reptilian " brain for optimal functioning.  However, the emotional capacity, in the amygdala,  has not  significantly evolved and ,at times , contributes to  self defeating  irrational  interpersonal  amoral  motivational  survival behavior.

The third part of our  evolved brain is referred to as the New Brain located in the Cortex . Our human brain includes the functions of higher cognition.  abstract thought, use of tools, formation and comprehension of language and social behavior. This  section of our brain is the most complex object in the universe so far has allowed  us to have  created the most unimaginable technology with more to come. Perhaps,  biological or genetic engineering  technology might result with  unintended  consequences  being  related to the  darker side of man.. Man’ nature can be described as helplessness  with a  sexual propensity . Has a tremendous capacity for  learning , ego needs of  dependency,  aggression directed toward self and toward others as well as a preponderance of irrational and  amoral repetitive  behavior. 

On our planet, over the past millions of years , we've had several human species. Species are defined as being able to mate with each other , give birth to fertile offspring and share common DNA.  About 70,000 years ago ,species belonging to  Homo sapiens  arrived. For example ,there have been Homo rudolfensis, Homo erectus, Homo Neanderthal and others . For approximately the past 10,000 years , Homo sapiens have been premier and the only human species. What happened to all those earlier human species ? How did they  become  extinct ? And why should the extinction process end  ?

At one time, the Homo Neanderthals ruled.  They had exceptionally large brains and were able to hunt large predators such as mammoths, sabertooth tigers, etc. They were built stocky, strong, lived in caves and so forth.  They were not monogamous.  They didn't have one sexual mate, or even one sexual partner at a time.  In other words, the Neanderthals were tremendous hunters ,gatherers and polysexual beings . They  created wood tools, took what they wanted when they wanted it. 

There  also were alpha males to lead , control and direct .  Moreover, in thinking about our animal relatives, such as the chimpanzees, we find the dominant alpha male in their groupings in which other males and females submit.  The alpha male stops and controls violence between other aggressors, monopolizes special foods and deals with mating interferences.  He's in charge of the females.  This alpha male wins his position because he has a large and stable coalition in which they all spend time together, share food together, have mutual grooming and help one another in times of trouble. This sounds very familiar .

What happened to the strong aggressive sexually minded Neanderthals ?  How  and why did they become extinct?  Well, about 10,000 years ago Homo sapiens evolved .  The smaller brain weaker Homo sapiens conquered, destroyed and wiped out the competition for food etc.  The Homo sapiens were smarter  and formed larger groups.  

Did all the Neanderthals vanish by genocide?  I'm sure Homo sapiens contributed to the genocide of the Neanderthals.  On another note, roughly 1 to 4% of our unique human DNA  or self replicating material is a characteristic found in Neanderthal DNA.  In other words, we share , have borrowed and have  carried some genetic information from these primitives. 

Likely, our alpha aggression , difficulty with being monogamous and amorality  are built into the wiring in  our evolved brain . Psychologically, Jung wrote about  the collective unconscious . Jung suggested that all humans have an underlying experience in our mind . It’s latent memories of what our ancestors thought ,felt and behaved .  It's a collection of deposits of ancestral experiences that's located  and not visible in the unconscious.  In other words, we are born with predispositions to perceive, think, feel and react according to various  collected images , symbols or archetypes.  

According to Jung, we have images , memories of the great warrior; the  omnipotent , cruel and powerful  God, king ,emperor  ; the wise old man; the good nurturing loving mother; the bad, wicked, adulterous harlot female  and so forth.   Jung  wrote about a dark side that can become monstrous, dominant and evil .  Notably,  in  our  brain , there’s hard  wiring  with a propensity for impulsive, sadomasochistic, antisocial, emotional and evil  behavior  despite the more fully and well  developed executive functioning in the cerebral cortex. At times , the dark ,evil side of homo sapiens dominate . 

Historically, Homo sapiens are the prime rulers of this planet.  We've wiped out Neanderthals and are on our way to wiping out the Amur Leopard, Black Rhino, Bornean  Orangutan, Cross River Gorilla, Sumatran  Elephant and so many more on the endangered species list.  We have climate change disasters and have polluted our waters.  We've raped the earth of natural resources and have developed "state-of-the-art" weaponry.  Many in the world's population are anxious, fearful, and are turning to the "protection" of authoritarian rule.  Perhaps, it's time to arm ourselves like the evangelicals for the upcoming "Armageddon" as the nature of man is helpless, sexual , requiring, dependency for survival,  with tendencies for killing, hate, sadomasochism   and destruction . .Moreover, another threat to Homo sapien survival relates to  the future of  A. I. , genetic ,and/or biological engineering  technology with  repetitive compulsive , greedy self serving authoritarians.. 

PS

As the most dangerous , destructive and deadliest species in history ,  Homo Sapiens are associated with the extinction of 23 of 24 Australian animal species weighing hundred pounds or more; 90% of Australia's megafauna; and the majority of the local megafauna in New Zealand along with 60% of all bird species.  The American fauna was far richer than it is today . At one time it had mammoths, mastodons, rodents the size of bears ,herds of horses , camels ,oversized species like sabertooth cats  and,giant ground sloths. North America lost 34 of 47 of large mammals; South America lost 50 of 60;  and most of the large animals of Madagascar vanished according to paleontologists and zooarchaeologists with the arrival of Homo sapiens ..Is  it the "survival of the fittest" what Darwin meant  or man’s repetitive compulsive history ?

Reference

Harari ,Yuval Noah .  Sapiens  , A Brief History of Humankind.

Institute for Natural Resources.  Understanding Dementia.

Jung, Carl.  Psychology of the Unconscious.

Family

 

Last week, Linda and I drove to Phoenix, Arizona.  My first cousin Robert, a year older than me, was laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery.  Dr. Bob was a psy chiatrist and  attained a rank of  Lieut. Colonel in the United States Air Force.  He earned a nine gun salute. Our flag covered  his casket and  then was handed to his son Lee.  Lee wore Roberts flight jacket to his burial.  

Robert was the oldest son of aunt Lillian  and uncle. Harry.  Aunt Lillian was mom's younger sister.  Robert's siblings were Richard, followed by Shelly.  Robert's first home was on Bedford Avenue located on the eastside of Detroit.  The family  then moved to Northlawn Ave. located on the west side of Detroit.  Robert attended Mumford high school , became a practicing physician and later pursued a residency in psychiatry.  He married Harriet and she gave birth to Lee .  Lee  lost his mother when he was 13 years of age.

Robert entered the Air Force and spent  time in aerospace medicine at Edwards Air Force Base.  After a time, Robert married Janice and they had their wedding in Branson , Missouri.  After leaving active duty  military service, Robert was employed by the state prison system in Texas.  Janice  passed and Robert remained in Texas until his health became problematic.  Roughly 3 to 4 years ago, Robert moved to Arizona to be cared for by Lee and his wife Grace.  Lee and  Grace have one son named Harrison.. At the end, Robert told Lee not to keep him alive. Robert was hooked up to a breathing device and had difficulty talking.  Lee acknowledged Robert's wishes, and they  sadly said their tearful goodbyes.

Lee's business card reads Owner Healthcare Consulting.  Lee operates a legal marijuana business .  He told me that he learned the art of growing marijuana from Willie Nelson's right hand man.  He doesn't advertise and his high-end clientele is based on word-of-mouth.

Linda and I stayed in their Casita that ‘s  next to their home in a large courtyard.  There, we met Ken, Lee's childhood friend from the fifth grade.  Ken graduated from the University of Michigan as a civil engineer.  He joined the Marines and became a helicopter pilot.  Ken enlightened me regarding the military.  He is a mountain climber waiting for treatment for his knee from the VA.  Unfortunately, his treatment by the VA has been negligent.

On the day of the funeral, Lee drove us to the National Memorial Cemetery for the barrial . The military service was brief and that was followed by a rabbi’s prayer.  The event was filmed for  relatives unable to attend.  That evening ,we set Shiva at Lee and Grace’s  home .  Sitting Shiva is a memorial service with prayers as in Mourners  Kaddish .  There, Linda and I had the chance to interact with Grace's parents, Lee's aunt Joy and uncle Jack and some of their friends.

Linda and I have spent more time with Richard and his wife Judy and Shelly and Avi than with Robert ,Lee, Harriet and Janice.  Shelly and my sister Beverly facilitated  a number of family reunions back in Michigan.  We had braunch, dinners, and attended  football games with our cousins and their children.  Robert and Janice attended one of the reunions.  

One delightful memory from my past was watching boxing , in their  Nortlawn den, on Friday evenings . Uncle Harry was into boxing and reenacted some of the fighting.  Uncle Harry owned the Whittier movie theater located near the Belle Isle bridge.  We would see a double feature and cartoon usually on a Saturday.  Uncle Harry  provided us with a large cardboard box filled with popcorn.  After the movie, we visited Saunders for a hot fudge sundae .  Those were the days.  

On Wednesday, Linda and I headed home for our 813 mile road . trip.  Going west on Interstate 10, we approached Palm Desert and Palm Springs.  We were on the phone with Bev and I mentioned to her that Jack and Joan  Sholl lived in Palm Desert.  Jack was Chapter 14 of  “It Has Nothing To Do With Age “ and  titled Jack Sholl  Patriot ,Rower , Gentlemen Unparalleled.  Jack passed away a number of years ago at age 85 and I didn't know if Joan was still there . I also mentioned to Bev that our 14949 Evanston Avenue ,in Detroit , neighbor Frank lived in Palm Springs as well.  Frank’s younger brother Hank passed away many years ago and his older brother John  recently passed . Other memories got triggered. like my good buddy  and 100 mile  Ride & Tie Jonathan Jordan partner  and  one dearest psychologist  buddy Denny who also passed.

On our way to Phoenix, we called cousin Sheldon .  Dr. Shell was married to my cousin Sybil. Aunt Sophie  was also  moms younger sister .  Sybil, age 85 ,recently passed .  Shell  was  not feeling well and discouraged with his  assisted living situation.  He told me not to go into any facility and dying in your own home is best.  We also called him on a return, and he was feeling a little bit better but was ready to go. Shell is 88.

Linda and I stopped at the Harris Ranch for barbecue and for dessert we had a hot fudge sundae at Ghirardelli Chocolate  Factory. 

With life,  there is a  plus - minus ratio of  past, present and.future . In death there is  a negative ratio of  sadness, loss, grief and aloneness.accompanied by  emotional and physical  pain,This becomes  a negative expectation of future  with an insurmountable  barrier of despair and therefore succumbing to the end. Einstein stated, "I want to go when I want.  It is tasteless to prolong life artificially.  I have done my share; it is time to go.  I will do it elegantly

PS

On my father's side, all our first cousins:  Sammy, Gloria, Sherman, David, Sis, Raymond and Martin are deceased . Sherman was  aunt Eva and uncle Abe’s only child.  They lived nearby in Chicago and visited often.  Sherman was about 10 years older than me and was my  model. mentor and advisor. Introduced me to such things as  intellectual encounters, fine restaurants, Second City and the Baha'i faith.  Sherman married Lorraine and had Roger Kevin, Linda and Diane.  Their family eventually moved to Southern California.  In fact, when the Raiders moved to Southern California, Sherman and I attended  a Denver Bronco -Raiders game.  I still miss him and Lorraine as well . On my mother's side, remaining first cousins include Stuart ,Jeff, Millie ,Jerry ,Roger and Stephen.

The Age of Aggression Part 2

 

An article titled "After Decades of Declining Fatality Rates, Why has Dangerous  Driving Surged Again  in America?"  was found in The New York Times ,  January 14, 2024 edition.  Doctors in emergency medicine, in Nevada, found an increase in motor vehicle and motorcycle injuries and fatalities.  They found that initially safety measures like seatbelts and so forth reduced the number of serious accidents .Then, with the pandemic , numbers have increased dramatically, not only in Nevada but in the country at large.  Primary causes  of accidents were related to speeding, not wearing seatbelts and intoxication.  Once again, these primary causes are related to aggressive human  behavior .  Speeding is impulsive, reckless, aggressive and dangerous to self and others on our crowded streets and highways.  People rationalize about excessive speeds and  speeding  is  reinforced  because there’s an absence  of violations or consequences for that behavior.  People become irritable, angry, for any number of reasons and being at the wheel of the automobile  becomes a weapon.

  Flouting authority by not wearing a seatbelt is not only dangerous towards others, but dangerous to self . Is there any rational reason for not wearing a seatbelt? Then add intoxication when driving . Intoxication affects executive ego functioning and/or judgment.  Speeding,not wearing a seatbelt and intoxication are examples of character flaws that contribute to malignant aggression. Annually, twice the number of people are killed in traffic than were killed in war, crime and terrorism combined.  Also, more than 90% of these accidents are caused by human errors like somebody drinking alcohol and driving ;somebody texting a message while driving ;somebody falling asleep at the wheel ;somebody daydreaming, and so forth. 21% of all crashes involved distracted drivers . Statistically, we have four times the number of deaths from car crashes than Germany.    

More specifically, accidents  are, in part, associated with a passive-aggressive personality. This disorder is characterized by aggressive behavior manifested in passive ways, such as in obstructionism, pouting , procrastination, intentional inefficiency or stubbornness.  The aggression often arises from resentment or disobedience in failing to find gratification in a relationship with an individual or institution upon which the individual is over dependent.  The aggressiveness can also be  civil disobedience, reactive and defensive like a rebellious child with sarcasm, provocative acts, verbal as in argumentativeness, demanding special attention and punitive regardless of what others do .

On January 6, we had a malignant attack on the capital because of  a narcissistic ,sociopathic leader with passive-aggressive tendencies.  He passively and aggressively told his followers to fight like hell.  Was he going to be like Alexander The Great and lead his warriors into battle or  be like the Persian King Darius,  and be  in the background , with his guards and watch the battle ,protected , and from a distance ?  Yes, it's easy to be passive-aggressive in words and not physically. Yes, he can throw his food dish against a wall.His words , his tweets result in a number of impulsive irrational and  passive aggressiveness among his amoral followers.  Mitt Romney favored impeachment and he had to spend an enormous amount of money to protect himself and family from crazy death threats.  More examples of crazy death threats for judges , prosecutors and those in the legal  justice system have occurred . Law and order is for whom?  Yes, it's passive aggressive to send anonymous threatening messages to anyone .

The crazies who attacked the capital police did not only exhibit emotional instability, they also did not control  their hostility. They reacted with verbal threats and destroyed private property. It was not their House. How does one treat their house ?  Of course, one-on-one, they may be outgoing, friendly but in the group they were a mob.  Did these socially sociopathic individuals realize that what they were doing was dangerous , illegal and destructive ?  Did they expect to be pardoned?  Likely, it didn't matter that once in the mob , they were the mob. These  oppositional characters  prepared for battle regardless of the consequences. Of course they claimed for the most part there was nothing wrong with what they did.  It was like fighting for independence in 1776  with slogans. Totally legit and patriotic  were these patriots? Will these people learn from their mistakes?  Perhaps being sentenced and being in jail might modify similar behavior but on the other hand, these antisocial sociopathic criminal types never seem to learn and just repeat the same stupid irrational amoral behavior. These individuals have serious personality disorders.

Symbolically, the January 6 stolen election attempt by Donald Trump is a symptom of the aggressive stance by the elites in the  authoritarian Republican Party for dominance and control by the few.  Their mission is simply to eliminate  liberalism , democracy, and return to the originality of the Constitution and nullify amendments that favor a majority that pertains to Asians, Blacks, LGTB, same-sex marriage, abortion , voting  ,poor and so forth. On the  state-and local level, governors, state legislatures, and school board  Republicans have declared  war against CRT, book banning , school curriculum , liberal colleges , immigration and against anything liberal or progressive.  They are discriminating  and rationalizing with "conservative" ideas and policies that represent white minority control.

 Additionally,there is a statistical rise in hate crimes against Jews and others and the plethora of passive aggressive oppositional chatter on the Internet and TV along with the popularity of aggression seen in movies , novels and video games . 

 Kings , Queens ,Caesars ,emperors ,Alexanders, Napoleon's,  tyrants , fascist Nazi-ism, Pharaohs, monarchies , dictatorships  that have dominated ,discriminated against the populace are well documented in the history of humankind.  Less than 100 years ago, we witnessed the terror of  authoritarian fascism  of Hitler and Mussolini and their  crowd.  Currently, politicians like Romney, Cheney, Kinzinger , judges and prosecutors and others have received death threats because of their opposition to  this authoritarian trajectory per an article titled "Trump Is Playing With Fire."  January 14, 2024.  The New York Times. Misinformation  Infotech, biotech , algorithms ,AI are  the tools ,in the hands of the powerful few, for manipulation to sadistically dominate , manipulate  control ,and  discriminate. The purpose is to retain  wealth and power. George Orwell's 1984 comes to mind . It's not a surprise to witness the  congressional and Supreme Court dysfunction in Washington by those few in power with their passive aggressiveness .Fair taxes ,abortions, elections, rule of law, minority rights, free choices, individualism, diversity, gender equality are under threat  in this age of aggression. And, the GOP addresses the age of violence with legislation, policies of proposing more guns .. May 14, 2023., The New York Times, "A Gun Filled America" article.

PS

Our crisis in mortality rates places our country below countries like Kosovo Albania ,Sri Lanka and Algeria .Statistically, the European Union reported 5,800  overdose deaths in a population of about 440 million . We reported 68,000 in a population of 330 million. We've  also had 22 times as many gun related homicides in our country compared to countries in the European Union..

The major  difference between the age of aggression in our past history that  includes  the founding of our country; our Civil War; the two world wars, and the Korean and Vietnam wars with our current state includes the following: 1.  We have  over 20 plus years ,our longest in duration,  of war  and destruction  taking place in the Middle East  with no resolution in sight.  2.  The Inordinate amount of guns possessed by our  populace.  3.  The excessive amount of hate perpetuated on social media, television and radio.  4.  The political dysfunction at the state and federal level . 5.  The antidemocratic GOP 6.  The authoritarian criminal ex-president again running for office  7.  A  biased right wing Supreme Court supporting  that Trump  is above the rule of law .  

References

Cameron, Norman.  Personality Development and Psychopathology  .  A Dynamic Approach.

Fromm, Erich  .The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness.

Institute of Natural Resources.  Understanding Dementia.

The Age of Aggression

 Human beings have essentially “three” brains.  The functions in the “first” brain include instinctual behavior ,defending territory, keeping safe  and located in the Central Core. Then, in the Limbic system is the Amygdala which is responsible for fear, fight , flight  and danger  responses . Also ,in the “second '' brain  is the Hypothalamus  which is the major controlling organ of the Autonomic Endocrine system . It regulates temperature,hunger, thirst, sexual arousal and  the sleep-wake cycle. These Reptilian and Mammalian   structures in  our brain are primitive and have not evolved like the cortex or our “third” brain with its development and evolution of cognition, advanced tool making , and executive functioning.

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Charles Darwin popularized the Survival of the Fittest  . Sigmund Freud's destructive instinct and his  sadomasochism concept and Carl Jung's collective unconscious and shadow concepts described man's pathological aggressiveness. Erich Fromm's views man as impulsive, irrational and amoral . These pioneers  have assisted us in understanding man's challenges with interacting with others. And about  6000 years ago, the 10 Commandments  initially illustrated man's aggressive, irrational and amoral behaviors toward others with guilt consequences . Currently, our legal justice system  attempts to reduce crimes toward others with consequences  of probation, monetary fines and incarceration.

Irrespective,  we are in  "The Age of Aggression."  Aggression is defined as hostile , violent behavior or attitudes toward another with a  readiness to attack or confront.  Aggression also  serves as a defensive function when there are threats to  survival as with sex, food as well as threats to self-esteem, power, position, status, etc. The reactions  can be rage, attack , fight , fear or flight. Further,  rage, fear and pleasure , areas in the brain , can be aroused or inhibited depending upon  variables.  Additionally, the male sex hormone testosterone promotes the use of protein to build muscle and promotes libido aggressiveness and sexual desire. In other words, aggression can be life saving or malignant .

Aggression can be non hostile but a painful act toward another .Ask a mother about her  sore and painful nipples  when nursing her 6 to 9 month old newborn; watch the young baby  chew, bite or spit while eating  and/or unwilling to share  toys or possession with another .  Other examples of aggression are associated with competition and rivalry with and toward siblings , parents and peers. On the playground , view aggressive interactions while playing games,  or in sports.

Aggression can also be accidental in the sense that it may hurt another person in which there was not an intention to hurt or harm that individual.  Perhaps the firing of a weapon and an innocent bystander getting killed might be an example.  Aggression can also be classified as “playing” when witnessing professional sports.  The intention for these competitive and highly skilled athletes in football, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse ,is not to maim, kill or destroy their opponent, but to dominate and win the game.

 Research suggests there are many variables relating to aggression  that are harmful to others such as anxiety, frustration in child rearing , relationships ,governmental laws and policies . Aggressive behavior can be  malignant. Within the last 25 years or so , we have had the following situational , anxiety and fearful events with negative consequences that includes  9/11 and it’s related wars ;  a financial economic meltdown; obesity , addiction and suicide surges , Covid-19  and virus’ ; more  motor vehicle accidents ; the January 6 capital attack  and Ukrane and Middle East wars as a few illustrations. 

During  9/11, we witnessed the propaganda of lies. deaths, destruction ,creation of terrorist groups and ongoing Middle East conflict.  We killed Bin Laden and Saddam with our massive military might .  We destroyed, we demolished but did not conquer the bad guys irrespective  of  our war machine.  In fact, War Machine, starring Brad Pitt, highlighted and illustrated the craziness and irrationality pertaining to the Afghanistan war.  

Psychologically,  malignant aggression is related to revenge and protecting   economic interests.  Video games, TV, movies ,  documentaries, novels, biographies have provided  many illustrations and models of  “wonderful “ weapons used as agents of destruction and death.  Role models to  imitate have skillfully killed others and have become  heroes . In other words, our government's message is that  malignant violence is necessary and good for our safety and well-being.  Guns, drones and so forth are to be desired. However, on the other side, our wonderfully trained killers with the best weaponry in the world and our passive-aggressive politicians, have created an inordinate amount of brain  trauma , physical disabilities,  suicide and more enemies for what ?  The military-industrial complex  thrives on  malignant aggression for profit. 

Frustration is accompanied by anxiety and anger when the prized and important goal becomes blocked.  Economic security is important in our capitalistic society.  When there is blockage to goal attainment, one can break through the barrier, go around the barrier or become immobilized.  There was an enormous amount of greed that benefited some while most became victims to their predicament. Around 2008 , one could  aggressively obtain that American dream-home mortgage by falsifying information.  They could put borrowed money in their  account for a short period just to qualify for that loan, irrespective of any objective  moral reason or rationale.  It was just a lie .To obtain the goal, even if that goal was unrealistic.  Of course people defaulted  leaving  many frustrated, anxious , depressed and angry individuals.

Our  country's lifespan and physical and psychological health are not good compared to other industrial countries.  We have  major issues with obesity,  heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and rising rates of addiction and suicide.  It is also known that many of our physical health problems are related to behavior, character and personality.  There are many commercials about diet , physical activities and exercise.  What one eats ,the size of portions and frequency suggests an unconscious drive or need fulfillment . Guilt and self-defeating behaviors are seen as aggression turned inward . Regardless of all the information available and opportunities ,these  individuals continue to blame , put down self with  irrational self talk to  mutilate or commit suicide . It's as if they accepted  the consequences of punishment .  For example, depression is self depreciation  as in hating self and that hate is expressed not only in verbal symbols but also in repeated behavior.  

Suicide  and homicide rates among adolescents have increased . Also, it’s estimated that more than 20% of teens have seriously considered suicide.  Not only that, suicide rates have increased during the pandemic.  And, there appears to be a link between prescription opioid misuse and heroin addiction.  About 80% of people who used heroin  first misused prescription opioids.  There is also an alarming trend of school absences that started with the pandemic and  have continued to rise.  Once again, ineffective psychological emotional development of so many of our youth suggests an absence of  productive parenting with  resulting aggressive self defeating oppositional  behavior.

To Be Continued

Calistoga

 

On  February 2nd, Linda and I met with her orthopedic surgeon regarding her hip replacement.  Linda's new hip has healed and she has no restrictions.  Well done Linda and Dr. G.  With that in mind, I planned a trip to Calistoga for our mud bath experience.

Linda was anxious regarding being in the mud.I  was  enthusiastic . Even though everyone she talked to about Calistoga mentioned that it was going to be marvelous,still, Linda remained nervous.  So, on the following Tuesday , we headed for  the Napa  area and arrived around lunchtime.  We stopped at the Calistoga Inn and shared a terrific Reuben sandwich.  Then ,it occurred to me that , in my other life, I had visited that establishment roughly 35 years ago on a motorcycle trip . The old section seemed the same, but  new sections were added.  

After lunch we strolled down Lincoln Avenue window shopping.  Passing a display of clothing garments outside St. Clair Clothing Company, Linda's eye focused on a fashionable coat. They talked.  Within seconds, we were inside the store and Linda was trying on coats of different sizes .  Yes, she purchased a sharp, fashionable coat for the remainder of her stroll.  We then stopped for a mocha so Linda could catch her breath.

We proceeded and stopped at Shawn  Smith's  Art on the Vine Gallery and Studio .  We engaged with Shawn and found out about his  being a farmer, rancher, carpenter, and so forth until he was able to focus on his  love of painting.  His wife , Lisa Marie , is a schoolteacher and they opened up the store on Lincoln over three years ago.  A fashionable set of earrings caught Linda’s eyes and she purchased them .

Then we headed for our treatment.  We parked, registered and checked into our room.  We were told to come back about 2:45 PM, just wearing our bathrobes.  We were given an introduction and details and then proceeded to the coed mudroom area.  Linda was nervous regardless of reassurance and was told that if it wasn't to her liking, she could leave at any time.  The aide gave us instructions and told us that she would be outside the door and we could call her at any time if needed.  Linda and I disrobed and I had some difficulty assisting her into the tub.  She was somewhat resistant and then was able  to let go and then found herself floating in the mud tub. Linda quickly relaxed and said it was wonderful . I then proceeded and found myself in the adjoining  mud tub.  We floated on the top of the mud and had to use our hands to splash mud  over the rest of our  bodies.  Linda quickly became calm and marveled at the experience.  With soothing background music, we just floated in this special and unusual  mud.  

After 20 or 30 minutes or so, the aide entered and we were shown how to get out of the tub .We then took our showers to remove the mud.  Unfortunately, the shower water  never became hot.  So the aide used the mineral water in the hot tub to remove excess mud.  We then immersed ourselves in the mineral water for another 20 minutes or so.  It was a erotic experience for me and Linda was very receptive and loving as well.  Then, we proceeded to the next phase, which was the cooldown with a blanket wrapped around us and 2 cucumber slices on our  eyelids during the cooldown.

After about an hour and ½ , we went back to our room and engaged in more closeness, warmth, tenderness and pleasure.  Much later, we headed out to the Bricco Osteria  and shared a delicious and scrumptious lamb shank over risotto for our dinner meal. After dinner, we then  drove back to our room to resume the evening..

The next morning after showering and so forth we left for Café Sarafornia for breakfast.  I had oatmeal and Linda and scrumptious French toast with lemon and berries.  I helped her clean her plate.  Then we headed home.  On the way, we talked with Bev and Linda's daughter Sidne.  Linda became a cheerleader again and talked about her wonderful experience in Calistoga.  She told them she was initially scared of the mud bath but once in the tub, it was delightful, soothing and relaxing. Before reaching home, we stopped at Barnes & Noble's for a mocha and book purchases and we talked about a revisit .