Barriers to Happiness

 

Walter  Isaacson's most recent book "The Greatest Sentence Ever Written"  refers to "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable  Rights, that among these are life ,Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness"  written by Thomas Jefferson and assisted by Franklin and Adams.  This essay pertains to the pursuit of Happiness, which means man's ability to fully develop morally, intellectually and emotionally.

Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 and died in 1826. Intellectually, he was influenced by others . Notably,some of the writings before and after Jefferson - Karl  Marx, Shaftesbury, Jean- Jacques Rousseau,Karl Jaspers , Albert Maslow and others also  characterize man's quest within  his society. 

 Marx's protest was against man's alienation; the loss of himself and his  transformation into a thing . Man’s problem was related to dehumanization  and the automatization that’s related to Western Capitalism and industrialization. How can man realize his potential  with Capitalism? 

More specifically, Marx was  not concerned  with the equalization of income, but with the liberation of man trying to work that destroys his individuality by changing him into a thing which makes him a slave of things.  And ,when the worker had no part in the direction of the work being employed  he becomes  part of the “machines,’" He serves and becomes transformed into a thing and becomes dependent on capital .”

For Marx ,alienation was about the change of being alienated with meaningless labor,  into productive free labor. Better payment of alienated labor, private or by the state was irrelevant.  In other words, his concept of socialism was emancipation from,alienation and the return of man to himself.  

 A few quotes from Max’s youngest daughter, Eleanor.  She described the  relationship between her parents.  In a letter   shortly before her mother's death.( Moor) Marx's nickname got the better of his illness again.  Never shall I forget the morning he felt himself strong enough to go into mother's room.  When they were together., they were young again-she a young girl and he a loving youth both on life’s threshold,  not an old disease ridden man and an old dying woman parting from each other for life.

This quote pertains to walks with his children when he told them tales, tales not measured by miles ,not chapters.  He read the whole of Homer, the whole of Nibelungenlied,Gudrun, Don Quixote, Arabian nights, etc.  As to Shakespeare, he was the Bible of our house and seldom out of our hands or mouths.  By the time I was six,I knew  scene upon scene of Shakespeare by heart.

Recently, I had a conversation with Deb, a realtor that I've known for  the past 25 years.  She retired approximately a year ago and is having difficulty adjusting.  I asked her if she wanted to return to selling real estate and she emphatically replied no.  I asked her if she wanted to return to work in another area and she replied she didn't know.  She added that she liked her career in real estate.  If Deb  actually liked her career in real estate and is unhappy with her retirement, why not consider returning? 

Shaftesbury, grandson of John Locke ,wrote that it's natural for man to exist in society and declared that his moral sense is inborn .This moral sense consists of a sense of order and harmony and  can be reached through thought and introspection.  

Rousseau stressed that experience had great value and he condemned society and its influence on man.. He believed that  society generated egoism . And, that this interferes with man’s needs and capacities. This conflict results in frustration, doubt,and  suicide, Rousseau advocated new system of education, a new attitude toward religion in full recognition of the rights of man by the state.

Karl Jaspers wrote that our  highly technological mass production society, with its emphasis on mass communication, propaganda and conformity results in the individual being lost . Man’s task or  struggle  is to awaken the possibilities of his for an authentic and meaningful life within the standardization of this type of society.

Albert Maslow wrote about man  developing his fullest by becoming self-actualized.In Maslow's study of self-actualizing people ,he identified 15 characteristics of a self-actualized person.  He wrote that  these people were not perfect , had ordinary human feelings and occasionally were ruthless and alienated  others. Briefly, a few of these  characteristics follow: They had a more efficient perception of reality and that these self-actualized people readily detect falseness in another and judged people accurately . They were able to tolerate uncertainty and ambiguity more than others.  These people also had less guilt, shame and anxiety, accepted themselves and were less defensive. They were  not ego centered, but rather oriented to problems outside of themselves. These external problems  in which they became devoted became their mission .They were independent  within their environment.  They experienced ecstasy, inspiration and strength from basic experiences in life.  They had a dedication, sympathy and affection for mankind even though they were troubled by the many shortcomings of the species.They respected people  and related to them irrespective of birth,blood, family and nation .  They tended to be philosophical and non-hostile in their humor  These are a few of the characteristics that describe  a self-actualized person according to Maslow.

It's difficult for individuals , in our republic, to become self-actualized because of a number of reasons affecting health . In our environment, we have the occurrence of global warming and its effects on health.  For example, residing  in California, my residence is  just under 12 acres and  adjacent to BLM land.  In other words, the prospect of  fire is a concern for me  as well as the surrounding area in the foothills.  As a result, there is  anxiety about fire and air quality .  Also, our streams, water,rivers and oceans have become polluted as a result of the consequences of industrialization.  Add the toxins, fertilizers and  pesticides associated with growing food . Supposedly organic food is grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides; free from genetically modified organisms; produced without artificial fertilizers; processed without artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, and certified by a recognized organic certification body.

Next, we have all the processed foods found in our supermarkets.  In fact, most of the food  on the shelves is not  healthy.  We have too much sugar, salt ,fat and ingredients that are difficult to understand and pronounce.  It's no wonder that life expectancy is 79 1/2 years and does not measure up to other industrialized countries. We are living in  an unhealthy and  sick country.

Our present government's policies are stressful and are  also contributing to ill health. There has been elimination of government jobs; pertinent  health research; toxic round up of individuals; threats and attacks on universities,law firms, comedians, "enemies” of Donald; cuts to foreign and domestic aid; attacks on a number of Democrats; and murdering individuals in  small boats many miles from our country.  And, health care and vaccinations are also under attack.

The idea that healthcare as a human "right" in a capitalistic system is conflictual to say the least.  Healthcare is part of a capitalistic system and is about profits.  A  short story from years ago.  I joined a provider group to deliver psychological services.  Each patient was to receive up to  five visits irrespective of diagnosis or condition.  For some, I requested additional visits.  Shortly after, I wasn't receiving any referrals.  With a phone call I was told that they found another provider  with less educational qualifications and less expensive .  

The following is based on "The Whistleblower: Confessions of the Healthcare Hitman" by Dr. Robert F. Rost.  1.  The healthcare system is financially designed in a way where your illness generates profit.  Your wellness does not.  And the system is not broken.  It works exactly as intended.  2.  The healthcare system is controlled by four power centers-what test you get, which medications you are allowed, whether imaging referrals or surgeries are approved  and the timeline of your care.  3 Doctors get 6 to 12 minutes per patient in most systems; medication is the fastest way to treat; insurance algorithms  deny tests until disease proves itself; keeping you managed is more profitable than curing you.  4.  Doctors use approved medications, follow insurance scripts, stick to corporate mandated pathways, maximize billable activities and limit unnecessary testing.  Dr. Mark Hyman   "We don't have healthcare in America.  We have disease care."

In summation, becoming self-actualized for most of the individuals in this country is unrealistic. As an adolescent, I had the opportunity to attend the  University as an undergraduate . Graduate school was relatively inexpensive and I had the drive and desire to enter the assisting profession first as a teacher and then as a psychologist . I had the intelligence ,drive and good fortune to maximize  socio-economic's   Further, my  psychological history ,additional research, continuing education , and a behavior orientation toward health furthered my options and choices in pursuit of health and well-being  Today, the  political,  social ,educational and economic realities are not designed for opportunities for the pursuit of Happiness. The capitalistic system is supreme and  the God  to worship  for the rich. The  powers in this  Republic favor the rich and despise the rest.

Reference

Barrett W. Irrational Man; a study in existential psychology..

Bottomore,T.B.Translation from Marx’s Economic And Philosophical Manuscripts..

Fromm,Erich. Marx’s Concept of Man

Maslow ,Abraham H. Motivation And Personality

In Decline

 

On a Thursday morning, I heard Kennedy Jr. state, what  we all know, that America is a sick country. I also know that Trump's bill  cuts  Medicare , Medicaid and  10 - 20 million are  losing health coverage  passed by the  GOP and signed by Trump. Further, 50 to  60% of the population have chronic disease health conditions;  cuts in food subsidies during the government shutdown and the Epstein files  cover are terrible from a moral point of view.In addition  2 ,articles from May 11, 2025,edition of The New York Times titled The Financialization Trap and Have We Quit On  Learning?  are relevant to this essay   All the above are  symptoms occurring in our Republic and suggest cracks in our  experiment  in democracy  with rule by the wealthy . 

French historian Fernand Braudel’s  provocative insight  in detailed cycles of economic history are pertinent with his research that included Venice, Amsterdam and London.  These cities ,at one time , were the financial centers of the Western world and then faded into the background. In their day, commerce prospered and investment in their surplus resulted in building new centers that actually became associated with their decline.  

In the 17th and 18 century, Amsterdam’s merchants became bankers and began  seeking better returns from fast-growing London.London had become  a more sophisticated market for moving their money. Prosperity was controlled by the elite ; and its satellites no longer needed as many workers . In essence, the city's economy became more dependent on  the vulnerability of finance . For instance, In 1782, much of  Amsterdam's capital had been lent to foreigners instead of financing their own development.  In fact, when  Louis XVI didn't pay back its debt , that greatly contributed to a loss of economic power and advantage for Amsterdam . 

In 1944,  victory became our power to dictate the global economy;  the freedom to trade ; and the US and its allies agreed to establish the dollar as the basis for an international monetary system.  Trade barriers were dismantled which resulted in the golden age of prosperity.  Blue-collar workers, for example ,with their living wages, were able to buy cars, houses , other toys and go on vacations while rearing their children in the suburbs.  They enjoyed economic prosperity and captured that “dream “home .

In the late 70s ,as a center of the global economy,  New York found its commerce and industry, leaving the city.. In  fact, during the next few decades the following occurred.  Donald Trump built towers along with his bankruptcy casinos. Wall Street dominated, income inequality blossomed  and the working class wages  became stagnant .  Trump stated that America was losing its wealth and power.  And, in 1987, he spent $94,801 on full-page ads in The New York Times and two other papers.  Basically, he proposed billing Japan, Saudi Arabia and other countries for US military spending and stated that  it would reduce our federal deficits and allow for  tax cuts.

Trump employed the fear factor, blamed  and scapegoated other countries and so forth for America's woes as he called us patsies. Now, he's proposed tariffs while “attempting “ to force American companies to make products for our markets and providing  tax cuts for the elite.  In other words, his rationalization and denial - other people and other countries are exploiting  the US and we can solve our problems with revenge .Trump’s policies  are disastrous for most in our country.  In the past what was good for General Motors was good for the country according to Wilson.  Today that's not true. What's good for Trump is good ! There is no such thing as trickle down economics.

The dollar has allowed America to purchase imported exports more cheaply while making America's exports more expensive . For decades, US companies began  pouring money into foreign markets, building their global business.  For example, Apple  spent billions of dollars in China.  It has trained their workers to build Apple’s I Phones. However, Apple now has competition with China. Not only can these trained workers  build  phones , they can transfer their skills to other areas, such as building drones and so forth.

Some believed that the national defense budget was a price for power and trade was the reward. US prominence was assisted with the rise of finance and tech companies.  However, we are in trouble when finance replaces manufacturing according to the French historian.  In the 1970s, factories produced about 45% of corporate profits and finance about 15%.  Over the last 20 years, finance has now produced a larger share.  Further, the rich don't help the poor .However, the rich help Americans by allowing them to  purchase  cheaper goods . The rich also help  themselves by exporting  products and employing cheaper foreign workers.  

The rich build homes for themselves, but not for others. It is now harder to get an education, harder to earn a living wage,harder to save,  harder to afford housing and medical insurance .The minimum wage in Mississippi is $7.25 per hour .Actually, 75% born in 1950 ended up earning more money than their parents.  However, being born in 1980, only 50% have ended up doing better than their parents.  Also in the US there is less economic mobility compared to  much of  Western Europe and the US is less egalitarian than Denmark.

Moreover, with our technology and with AI  we have eliminated more jobs than China . Also, trade has made the rich richer while reducing the earnings  for about 70% of those workers who don't have college degrees. Poverty, homelessness and starvation rates are rising.

40% of students entering college do not graduate.  Also, reading scores are lowest in decades thanks ,in part, to social media and computers. AI is also contributing to our dumbing down.  Furthermore, this government has no goals pertaining to learning or  in improving reading  arithmetic, science or increasing high school graduation rates.. Public education is no longer elite and many parents are sending their children to charter schools, private schools and homeschooling . In the last five years, this  number has increased to more than a million .

Trump nominated a wrestling promoter to head the Department of Education while reducing its workforce.  His curriculum is based on having schools focus on race,  transgender issues and creating a patriotic curriculum.  Those ideas have  nothing to do with school performance  civics, interest in learning,or rational inquiry . Teacher pay ,counselors, health and social support are not even considered but are factors associated with assisting our failing educational system

Trump's agenda is not contributing to raising our educational systems standards  for the majority, but instead seems to be dumbing it down.  Teaching was once considered a noble profession, but there are so many problems that teachers are facing, because of low pay and being hassled by parents on what and how to teach .It’s no wonder that teachers are exciting and schools of education are  having  difficulty attracting students. 

Our Republic is headed  for a  fall . The rich are getting richer and the poor poorer.  Too many individuals are physically and psychologically ill; have low educational achievement; economic stagnation; can't afford housing ; in debt ; without medical insurance; homeless and/or not experiencing optimism.  In addition, there's an enormous amount of hate,division,  fear, stress being exemplified at the expense  and being perpetuated by malignant,  narcissistic and greedy people with economic and political power.

China

 

How many  individuals that you know want to live to 150 years of age? I have known a number of individuals in their 80s and unfortunately they had at least one chronic medical condition.  They do not present a  terrific sense of well-being, nor a devoted interest in living 60 or 70 more years.  Perhaps being in good health, with a healthy partner ,might change  attitudes and  opinions.  My recent 86th  birthday is associated with an interest in the November 9, 2025 article found in The New York Times. According to the article, a Chinese microphone caught Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin discussing living to 150 years of age.  This essay pertains to aging.

A longevity medicine startup in the Chinese city of Shenzhen has been developing antiaging pills based on a compound found in grape seed extract (procyanidin CI or PCCI) and they quoted "living to 150 is definitely realistic."  Further, a Stanford associate professor at the Buck Institute, a biomedical research Center, intends to start trials to demonstrate efficiency and validate that research done with mice. It was reported that mice treated with this compound lived 9.4% longer across their lifetime and 64.2% longer from the start of treatment.  However, we know that research with mice does not always translate well for humans.  I am interested in  hearing about  those Stanford's research findings

China's average life expectancy reached 79 years, although still behind Japan's average of nearly 85 years.  In fact,according to their pitch, the average lifespan of Chinese leaders is far longer than the life span of leaders in other  developed nations.  For example, Mao Ze-dong died at 82 and Deng Xiaoping passed at 92 . Of course there's an elite military hospital in Beijing which treats senior officials.  It's true that  the Chinese lifespan with its rapid economic growth has provided millions of people with the time and money needed to look beyond day-to-day survival. And, now the Chinese are interested and have the money to extend their lives just like rich Americans.

At a recent international gathering organized by Time Pie in Shanghai,   Chinese and foreign scientists presented their research along with their antiaging creams , potions, goji berries, cryogenic and hyperbaric chambers all said to slow the aging process. This cryogenic  device had the temperature dropping to -200°F.  Somebody called it an antiaging magic box. Superior Med, a healthcare company that supposedly runs the world's biggest longevity hospital in the Chinese city of Chengdu has promised immortality islands. By the way,  they don't yet exist .  It might be something more like luxury health spas offering blood tests and other forms of preventive medicine in exotic locales.  A Harvard professor and a German-American aging researcher have developed the first "aging clock" a measure of aging biomarkers.. Also, a young entrepreneur from China explored moneymaking opportunities in April by booking  crypto reservations ,3D printing of organs and whole body replacements…

About two millenniums ago, China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered a nationwide hunt for death-defying potions.  Just in case they did not work, he also ordered the creation of thousands of Terra-cotta warriors to protect him  just in case. However, the Emperor died at 49, possibly from mercury poisoning caused by an antiaging treatment?  In other words, buyers beware.

I'm interested in healthy aging.  My father had juvenile diabetes, and battled with physical health all his life. So, I experienced,first hand, his misery. And ,Aunt Eva told me that  health was golden.Mother had a heart condition, but lived till about 93 years of age and fortunately, my brother Ron, a physician, was with her at the end. 

Years before, I suggested assisted living and she said” I don't want to be around old people. “ I'm taking mom's advice.  Linda and I go to Ironworks every other day and work out, meet, and  interact with as many young people as we can.  Some of the young women look terrific and conduct impressive workouts.  It is a joy to watch and pick up pointers.  In fact, our friends Dave and Joyce joined us  and Dave added a balancing exercise to his routine performed by a young attractive female.  In essence, healthy aging for me is important as I eat healthy ,exercise daily  , interact with my lovely spouse and others and am productive.  Driving my 2026 Corvette reinforces youth and …..?

The politics of the GOP has not been associated with the well-being for the majority in our  Republic.  They cut  foreign and American aid that’s associated with death, not health.  Although economics is one important component associated with health, it's about lifestyle choices with an absence of employing defense mechanisms of denial and rationalization.  Jason, a trainer at the gym remarked “  Being at the gym and not staying home  sitting on the coach because it's raining ‘ was important. Jeff Windenhausen, years ago, said that he does not melt in the rain. I agree , motivational priorities and behavioral decisions tell the story and  are extremely significant  for well-being  .Age and aging is more than a number. Who wants to have some chronic ailment or other disabling injury or accident irrespective of age?   Successful aging and age must  positively correlate with  goals, productivity ,mental and physical health  which are components of well-being 

PS

“The French Secret to Eating Healthy “ article was found in the November 9, 2025 edition of The New York Times. This article described how France, which has a lower obesity rate, 17% compared to 4o% in the US,;made  healthy changes . With government assistance, they have frozen food grocery chains; have significantly reduced ultra process foods ; have preserved its fresh food market tradition ; have leased space to appropriate food purveyors :  have endorsed “ the 15 Minute City” with many convenient  outlets; began financially supporting sustainable food shops; created a deputy mayor in charge with creating a healthy, sustainable food environment  For school children, they banned vending machines in schools; strived to serve children mostly organic lunches low in  added salt, sugar and fat; having vegetarian meals every week; have increased the time. for lunch to instill French values of food appreciation and culture.  Francis is set up for health while America is set up for sickness as the US government has done relatively little to improve access to affordable, healthy food ,minimize the junk and promote healthy aging..

A Troubled Republic

 

Previously ,intellectuals , explained man’s negative condition,For instance,Marx, believed  man was alienated as a result of capitalism; Tolstoy ,from a spiritual and moral point of view, stressed man's moral and spiritual  impoverishment; Rousseau , blamed a terrible society without freedom, liberty and reason    and Freud believed that civilization was repressing man's instinctual drives, resulting in neurosis.This essay provides a perception of the state of our Republic from a brief economic, political, social and psychological points of view. Is man an instrument for the wealthy; are we a government of the people ; how absurd is our society; and what is the degree of our  mental and physical health ?

From an economic perspective, approximately 11.6% or 37.9 million individuals are living in poverty in this country, of which approximately 30% of them are children.  Poverty is defined as when an individual  lacks financial resources and the essentials for a basic standard of living.  In California ,the hourly  minimum wage is $16.65 and in Mississippi it is $7.25. And, approximately 24% of  California’s population  live in poverty .Further, about 42.4 million ,nationwide , received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  (SNAP) benefits 

On the other hand,a few statistics pertaining to the economic inequality in our Republic: The 400 richest people in the US are worth $6.6 trillion.  Their wealth has increased by a trillion  over the past year thanks to the surging stock markets and the AI mania.  

The top five most wealthy include Elon Musk, Larry Ellison, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Larry Page.  In the NBA , Stephan Curry’s 2025-26 salary was just under $60 million.followed by Joel Embiid earning about 55 million along with Nikola Jokic . In the NFL ,DAk Prescott’s  2024 annual salary was 65 million followed by both  Joe Burrow  and Trevor Lawrence at 55 million . Baseball's  highest paid player in 2023 was Juan Soto at 126.9 million,  Shohei  Ohtani earned 102 million and Blake Snell  65.6 million. A Taylor Swift  concert ticket ranges from $657-$819.These figures are  madding compared to $7.25 an hour wage.

From a political point of view, an  authoritarian was elected president and the right-wing GOP majority has provided him with enormous power and control.  The GOP Senate,House of Representatives and Cabinet faithfully follow his wishes.  His tariffs and "big beautiful bill " proved unpopular for the masses.  Additionally, the president sent military and ice agents to blue American cities rounding up "illegal" immigrants employing aggressive tactics.  Many of these individuals without due process have been denied rights under the U.S. Constitution and have been sent to undesirable places all over the world. His use of social media has allowed him to spread the propaganda  and conspiracy of misinformation as his wealth has increased dramatically . We the people are currently divided - either those that support this would be king , those that oppose him or those fed up with politics and do not vote. .

Universities, law firms ,press, entertainers and "enemies" of the president have been harassed, subject to legal proceedings and their free speech has been under attack. The president has waged a "drug" war, attacking boats driven by various individuals and killing many in the process.  The lower courts have deemed many of the president's actions as violations of the constitution but , in some, the Supreme Court has ruled differently.  The President  has also pardoned convicted  undesirables and  he continues his attempt to interfere with voting..His longest  government shut down  just ended .Most of his executive orders   are associated with pain and suffering . 

From a historical point of view, the old and new Testaments provided  messages of freedom,  morality , and a belief in the supreme being.  Jesus and his prophets clearly pointed to the hazards and evils of greed and wealth.  They also  promoted the solidarity of humanism with “loving  thy enemy.”  Today ,with mega churches, the message appears to be about monetary and political power.  There's  also a disregard and division within the church regarding whether or not they should be political or not . Unity,morality and humanism in our Republic is more important than taking away a woman's  freedom to have an abortion..

From a religious , spiritual and moral point of view , supporting a deranged pathological liar and convicted felon is absurd and inconsistent  with being a christian.  This  twice impeached man  attempted to overthrow the 2000 presidential election;’ Currently , he’s working to do the same for  the 2026 elections  .His flip flopping on the Epstein files  is politically  expedient,ingenious,  legally, and morally corrupt .Factually, he once said, something to the effect that just his thinking about files makes them unclassified. 

Physically, 50 to 60% of Americans have a chronic disease of asthma, diabetes, or cardiovascular .  Chronic is defined as persistent and long-lasting.  Despite the fact that health spending ,on a per capita basis as a percentage of gross domestic product, the US spends more than two times the average compared to comparable countries. Yet, the GOP’ continues to eliminate The Affordable Act.

 US life expectancy has grown, but at a lower rate than other countries; we have the highest rates of infant mortality, low birth weight, high rate of motor vehicle crashes ,and  non transportation  injuries .Lung disease is associated with a higher risk of death and older US adults report a higher prevalence of arthritis that limits  their daily activities.  We have the second highest prevalence of HIV infection and highest incidence of AIDS ;and we lose more years of life to alcohol , drugs and  even when deaths from drunk driving are  excluded .The number surpasses homicides and car crashes.

Psychologically, too many are alienated,  unproductive, fail to control irrational passions of hate, greed, exploitativeness, possessiveness, and with their narcissism, enhance their personal prestige and are not concerned with the social welfare and solidarity of men.  The primary physiological ego needs, according to Maslow, of hunger and thirst along with safety, belonging, love and esteem greatly affect mental health . And when unsatisfied., these needs can dominate the individual as in the case of a man who’s starving. A realistic  fear of starvation makes hunger dominate conduct.  Stealing, lying and violating the law are just some examples of men driven to fill their physiological need for self and family.  The ego need of safety,  can also dominate behavior and with the association of anxiety  individuals act  aggressively toward fellow humans.  Security is important and can be easily identified when encountering insecure, anxious and stressed individuals.  A common reaction to insecurity as a defense is aggressiveness.  Without the ego's physiological and safety needs being met ,the belonging  and love needs become difficult to satisfy .. 

It's not at all surprising that with  the assistance of algorithms and AI our social media has been contaminated by expressions of hate, anger and calls for violence.  We have a history of school shootings, political attacks, suicide,  anti-Semitic and anti Israel incidents which are troubling and depict a sick society..Further our  capitalistic and technological culture is heavily associated with furthering man’s robotic  insignificance and interfring in meeting the ego need of affiliation with alienation

A healthy man was described by Freud as being able to love and work.  More specifically, a healthy individual is one who is productive and contributes to a betterment of society's members , is able to relate to his fellow man, not subjecting himself to an irrational authority and utilizes thinking, reason, and rationality.  Further, that individual has to be able to minimize , understand and not allow ego defenses of denial and rationality  to interfere with  reality. Psychologically, the potency of economics, politics,religion, and society all interact   and are like a mosaic  in that they contribute to man’s sense of well being or his hell.

Hydration

 

There are a plethora of factors affecting the stress and well-being of Homo sapiens in our civilization.  They include, but are not limited to, pandemics, global heating ,economic inequality, authoritarianism, AI and nuclear threats.  But, the subject of this essay is hydration which is  personally easier to control .

Hydration is the process of causing the body to absorb water while dehydration is the absence of sufficient water in the  body. A loss of about 2% of bodily fluid  results in the body being unable to function properly.  And , the earliest signs of dehydration affect both  cognition and mood . Dehydration also negatively impacts short-term memory, attention and vigor.  Other signs of dehydration include dark yellow urine ,weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness and confusion. Inadequate fluid intake also causes heat related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke 

Children and older adults often do not have as many resources to manage the  negative effects of dehydration. Additionally ,people with neurologic conditions are already compromised. Some aspects of the  brain's functions suggest that  the risk of dehydration and heat illness can be magnified, which means exacerbating existing conditions.  Also people with MS should  avoid heat illness.

If dehydrated, catching up can be difficult, especially being active on a summer day.  Perhaps drinking 4 to 6 cups of water daily, but that also can vary.  A few suggestions, avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day, wear lightweight clothing that protects you from the sun's rays, stop or slow down what you're doing, get in the shade and make sure of  access to fluids .In addition  sports drinks  include carbohydrates and electrolytes that replace minerals lost through sweat and are best for exercise sessions lasting longer than 60 to 90 minutes.  Also, watermelon ,strawberries and grapes are good fruits to help with summer hydration.  Be careful  because prescribed medications, which are diuretic ,deplete fluids.

Moreover, different ways to remain hydrated are applying cold wraps, wearing cooling garments, drinking cold or icy liquids, having a fan blowing during  exercising , swimming as water dissipates heat and it is also easier to move weakened muscles in the water.

In order to qualify for a lottery pick In the Western States 100, I had to run a 50 mile trail run in 10 hours based on my age of 62.  At about 25 miles or so into the Helen Klein 50 mile run, I developed stomach problems probably related to my mixing too much Gatorade powder into my water bottles.  Luckily, Joan Giniel ,  one of my pacers, suggested that we walk as she was supplying me with ginger.  My brief discomfort vanished, and I finished the  qualifying run in plenty of time.Thank you Joan.

 Later, while training for the Western States 100, Chris Turney., a Western States alumni, introduced me to William Emerson, a Western States contender.  I talked with him about hydration and told him that I was going to use a Camel pack.  After dinner, we went into the kitchen with the Camel pack and filled it with water.  He demonstrated that filling that container took too long as time was a crucial factor in the run.  Convinced, I then planned to carry 4 water bottles mixed with Gatorade and made sure to fill each at the aid stations. Additionally, I wore lightweight clothing and a hat that protected the back of my neck.  Unfortunately I could not avoid the sun except when I was running at night.  I remember a quote by Charlie Gabri.  "Run like a turtle and drink like a fish."

I remember years ago, when Tony and I ran in the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.  What stands out about this run was there was an absence of water at one of the aid stations.  And ,because of that fact , I didn't run  an additional loop because I was concerned about hydration.  Tony ran faster and didn't have an issue with hydration on that loop.

 Another time  I was competing in the Quicksilver Ride and Tie.  Unfortunately, we had a late start that morning.  DavidDe La Rosa, a terrific runner, was my partner.  During that first loop I pushed my horse Gypsy because I wanted to stay up with Tom Johnson( multiple  Western States winner ) and Rufus. Schneider (a good runner and high school track coach ). They rode Samson, a Tevis Cup  winner . We stayed near that team on that first loop. However, Gypsy tired from her hard work.   On the remaining loops,Gypsy had difficulty so I had to make sure she was able to finish as so many horses got pulled that morning.Despite my mistake, we came in third.A young team of women came in second.

Currently I am working out on alternate days at  the Ironworks gym  .There are  fans located in different parts of this establishment, I make sure I frequently drink water during my workout . And,at the end of the workout with machines and free weights, I make sure that  I drink before I get on the treadmill for an additional  workout.. When  done, I hydrate  again . On alternate days , Linda drives the golf cart and I run ahead, making sure that we both hydrate during.  However, each morning,before exercising, for the last 25 years or so, my breakfast consists of  fruits, vegetables ,green tea ,MCT oil, yogurt and whey  protein powder for my  smoothie making sure I'm starting my day right .

An article titled "The Good: Getting in Shape, Charity Fund-Raising.  The Bad: Blisters, Existential Crises" referred to first-time marathoners entering the New York City  Marathon  was found in the September 2, 2025 edition of The New York Times . I was curious to see if this article addressed hydration in any way.  It did not.  Numerous speculations  can be made. I won’t speculate. However , hydration is an important factor in running a marathon.

In essence, hydration is a significant component for completing extraordinary goal  competitions and well-being while dehydration is a stressor.  Keep yourself and your animals hydrated. Despite having limited control in this civilization, there’s not a rational reason for dehydration.Life consists of cognitive choices.

Reference

Brain and life .  June/July 2025.  American Academy of Neurology

Malignant Narcissism

 

Homo sapiens, according to Fromm, have varying degrees of narcissism.  For example, Alexander, Caligula, Borgias, Caesar, Napoleon, Hitler,Washington, Jefferson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Freud can be characterized and described by their degrees of  narcissism.  Some  have malignant narcissism while others have ”normal.” This essay describes narcissism with implications.

Freud  made extraordinary contributions to our understanding of human motivation. Narcissism is just one example . It  assists  in explaining nationalism, national hatred and the psychological motivations for destructiveness and war.  Since the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the peril to mankind has become more real ,serious and imminent.

Primary narcissism  is described as  the fetus , which is  in an absolute state of narcissism. And, with birth is  without perception of object; but through development experiences and encounters objects, object love and the “law. “ Then ,in that state of secondary narcissism, he’s able to distinguish “me and not me”and then "object”love and hate. In other words, with normal development ,narcissism  evolves from absolute primary narcissism to “normal” secondary  narcissism. In the state and development of secondary narcissism , there’s a capacity for objective reasoning ,object love  and becoming socially acceptable.  Remember, the newborn cannot distinguish between” I and not I.”

Rulers  with malignant narcissism have obtained ultimate and unsurpassed  power . Their word becomes the judgment for all,and does not limit their capacity to get what they want , when they want it . And, with malignant narcissism, they became more paranoid , more  isolated , more frightened and with  more people becoming their enemy. As a defense , they  increased their power with their controlling,sadistic  and ruthless actions.  Everyone had to agree and assist these rulers within their  narcissistic reality.  They became like a God , and in the process ,took away freedom from  others.

The individual with malignant narcissism has difficulty perceiving the reality of others . In other words,their preoccupation is with their own self with little or no interest or empathy for  others. For example, a government shutdown has negative consequences for so many others. 

Individual narcissism  can be and is transferred, into group narcissism-the clan, tribe, flag, nation, religion,and  race  become objects of a narcissistic passion. Simply put,  psychic energy of a narcissistic individual is maintained but’s  now used for the interests for their survival within the group rather than for employing narcissism  for  the survival of themselves .

The pathology of  malignant narcissism is the distortion of rational judgment . And, one's attached object becomes  perceived as being the most valuable, best, good, beautiful, supreme and wise. Narcissistic value judgments are also distorted, prejudiced and biased. They are psychologically  employed to transform that distortion of reality to fit  and fulfill their own narcissism..For  example,he’s the  greatest, kindest  and the best president ever.

Another form of malignant group narcissism becomes evident  when the government  lacks  or purposely withholds necessary resources to provide adequately for the majority of its members. When that occurs, the narcissistic ruling  group must provide their followers with some form of narcissistic satisfaction, especially if it wants to prevent dissatisfaction among them. They accomplish that by claiming the leader is superior  to the other group which is bad,  evil, non patriotic and cheaters- they stole that election  .With that messaging,narcissistic pride becomes significant because by belonging to the group  that becomes the only effective or major  source of satisfaction and pride for  these vulnerable folks .  

Regarding racial narcissism, the “ malignant”  group  claims to  have racial superiority with  an inflated image of itself and proclaim that it is the most admirable, powerful , just,loyal and exceptional religion in the world . And ,in fact ,this religion is superior to all other racial groups as the others are inferior.  In other words, even if I am poor, uncultured, uneducated, I can become somebody important because I belong to the most admirable and significant religious  group in the world.

These  malignant narcissistic groups preach love of country, love of God and  with “consensus” everybody's  narcissism becomes inflated and reasonable. Their messages and propaganda have nothing to do with reason, but consensus.  The group’s  narcissistic attachment may be a blood group with a common language.  In  essence ,group narcissism can be  malignant and just like individual narcissism.

Historically speaking, when the Catholics and Protestants battled in their 30 year war, they both spoke of love of God, love of Christ,  read the same Bible, yet they hated each other.  Each group said and believed they were admirable and the other was despicable. We are good, they are evil.  This narcissistic group pattern  has been repeated with hatred between the French and the Germans, the whites and the blacks, Aryans and non-Aryans, communism  and/or  socialism  and capitalism and  science and non-science.

Briefly, malignant individual and group narcissism can destroy our 250 year old experiment with democracy.  Their goal is to divide,and to conquer , but not based on the Constitution, rule of law , teachings found  in the Old and New Testament, or with  reason and objectivity . There are too many individuals not prospering within this unequal capitalistic culture and society.  Thus,  emotionally, many are vulnerable psychologically.  Being vulnerable emotionally, economically, intellectually, and socially, threatens one's narcissistic self and therefore requires an inflated boost for survival.  Joining a group with consensus is an attempt to fulfill one's deficits.  And ,with the malignant  narcissistic  sadistic leader   with his  anti-social tendencies ,threatens democracy and  freedom for everyone except the wealthy  technology gurus and other wealthy ..  And , in short, we are headed in the direction of the point of no return as the “ Divided States of America .”

 Reference

Fromm.Erich. The Heart of Man  Its genius for good and evil.

The Lonely

 

Our children,especially males, are in trouble.,if  the statistics on teenage loneliness are accurate.  Factors attributed to loneliness include but are not limited to parenting within a socio economic  ,unequal,technological society that affects and contributes to inadequate personality development  . These  prominent factors are significantly  associated with  the loneliness epidemic.

Loneliness is sweeping across America touching every generation, especially the young, and is now considered and linked to a public health epidemic..  For example, nearly twice as many adolescents in 2018 versus 2012 had elevated levels of loneliness . And teens ,in the span of two decades ,saw that their personal social interactions dropped by 70%. Further, teenagers are experiencing more loneliness than any other age group in the world 

Back in the day during the school week, I regularly had breakfast and dinner with my entire family.  Dad left for work.  I walked on Wayburn  street to Wayne  elementary school with neighbors , mom made school lunch and took care of the home.  After school and on weekends, I either joined or started baseball and football pickup games with my friends.  My parents didn't express concern about my outdoor  play activities but reminded me to be home, on time, for dinner.

My father, as an undefeated ,over 20 years, union president, modeled intelligence, effectiveness and concern for others.  His involvement with others was noticeable as many individuals visited our home seeking counsel from dad.  Dad was also highly involved in my sports participation in high school and college.  Mom modeled care ,concern,and respect for family, friends and neighbors . She also sang and played the piano and was unsurpassed and intelligent while playing and dominating various games.  She also was a crossword puzzle wizard.

Years later, the pill ,economic inequality, divorce, technology and political divisions continued . Also, more women entered college and the workforce.  Because of the economic pressures., traditional family meals and parental availability was radically changed as children could not always go home after school.  Daycare centers and babysitters became the norm.In other words inapt, inadequate parenting resulted in contributed and affected negatively in their children's psychological development, resulting in emotional and behavioral, verbal problems .

Divorce rates increased  and children were bombarded with male figures during their mothers loneliness.  Mothers were depressed, angry and resentful.  They harped and attacked their former spouse, setting up splitting-good versus bad .  The angry spouse had no difficulty blasting her former husband for being worthless., no good , inept, cheap and he should pay more child support. The  innocent children experienced stress ,insecurity, anger, rejection, mistrust, loss, with a depressed mother.  These factors made it difficult for the male child to favorably identify with his once omnipotent father role model.  Relationships, and unions didn’t last, and were associated with  mistrust ,rejection,anger and hate 

Moms  became exceptional in the workforce and often surpassed ,excelled and overachieved the alcohol ,drug, ill health and inept non-paying child support  dad.  These and other numerous factors were.associated with the inability  of the male boy  to develop an identity . Instead he developed role  confusion  which leads not to affiliation but to isolation, dropping out , and rebelling against the established norms . These males felt “safe”, stayed home, played and became addicted to video games and other devices, associated with online  hate groups , and a few even killed others in their community.

Many of these adolescents and young adults were developing inadequate  personalities.  They were generally ineffectual when it came to the ordinary demands of life which are actions related to the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical behavior.  They were also inept in life and showed poor judgment continually, and lacked a normal sense of moral responsibility.  They had an inability to persevere in anything except maybe the instant gratification of the iPhone's  addictive qualities which means being unable to postpone and instead  pursue immediate pleasure like young children.  In essence they were certainly not responsible and ineffectual with their interactions with their nuclear family 

Moreover, their personality development can be characterized as being narcissistic, with the inability to love self and others.  And,  is in conflict with the “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself “ Biblical quote.  Freud described these selfish people as narcissistic in which  they had withdrawn and directed their psychic energy away  from others, and in fact turned it toward their own person. It's true that  excessive narcissistic people are incapable of loving others, but they are also not capable of loving themselves either.

An excessive narcissistic person is interested primarily in himself . Everything is for himself . He feels no pleasure in giving, but only in  the taking . The world  is seen and perceived only from the standpoint of what he can get out of it.  He lacks interest in the needs of others ,unable to empathize,as well as respecting dignity and integrity. Of others.  He can see nothing but himself, and he judges everyone and everything from its usefulness to him. 

The pursuit of self-interest becomes the supreme norm of life as narcissistic  individuals are divorced from themselves and withdrawn from the world.  They feel isolated,lonely. and depressed as well.  Their purpose and future seems beyond reach and nonexistent.

In addition, we had the ongoing  technological revolution.  With that revolution, disastrous mental health statistics occurred.  Inappropriate and excessive smart phone usage by children and adolescents have been associated with mental health problems such as  depression, suicide, aggressive  and bullying behaviors. 

 During one survey many young people felt trapped by Tik Tok and Snap Chat. Nearly all the participants expressed regret about having access to many of the most popular social media platforms.  Additionally, a survey of over thousand parents with children under 18 found that many parents gave their children smart phones and social media access too early.  In fact, many wish that social media had never been invented, and hoped for new social norms, policies and restrictions.  It was also reported that 55% of these parents of the children began smart phone usage by the age of 12 and 61% said the same about Instagram.  The parents reported that social media access was given to their young children too soon along with giving them smart phones as well.  Some parents also rationalized their inappropriate decisions by saying there was too much social pressure and their children would be better prepared for the future by the use of this technology..

Technology today is sophisticated.  These giants of industry have utilized psychological principles and are able to  immediately reward the neurotransmitters in the brain. like dopamine.  With their technology., they are able to provide immediate gratification and thus  addict their users with tremendous animistic life qualities. Their visual, auditory,  ability to “ connect” with  ambiguous others is inordinate.  Their devices have a spirit and seem to have a life of their own.  In other words, for many, these inorganic  devices are extensions of themselves. It’s  their “security” and  the attachment has replaced significant human contact .They experience separation anxiety without their device.These devices become narcissistic attachments and  sadly the possessors invest   inordinate amounts of psychic energy with them . 

These individuals who are narcissistic are extremely comfortable, attached  and dependent with these devices which have replaced human affiliation.  By spending so much time with them, they don't have time for other things in their life.  These devices have interfered and in many cases have prolonged ,contributed and interfered with healthy narcissism development  Healthy narcissism is being able to have interpersonal relations, empathy,respect ,mutuality,concern ,care with moral maturity with self and for others

Concluding thoughts, the epidemic of loneliness. Is related to not being able to adequately  meet the ego's need of affiliation, which is to be able to enjoy, cooperate, reciprocate with another, as well as pleasing winning affection and remaining loyal as well. Loneliness is a failure to connect with the other despite the fact of the anxiety of being alone .Electronic devices are a poor substitute , an inadequate replacement for living the life of  being human. A matrix of factors have  significantly contributed to the  loneliness  epidemic. . The biblical teachings of love thy neighbor and thy enemy as thyself  is unrealistic in a divided, angry, and lonely  capitalist  technological society. With that being said, it’s not surprising that our divided society exhibits so much hate and , insanity within  its absurdity

Reference

There Is a Way to Bring Back Childhood.  The New York Times, June 22 2025.

Boy Crisis of 2025, Meet Boy Problem Of the Early 1900s.  August 17, 2025.