Is it Bad Human Behaviour or Purely Destiny?
Good Morning out there to all of you semi-sane people; I’m throwing hardballs this morning and your King of Simple News is counting on you to catch..
I’m not really qualified from an educational basis to comment on human psychology. But then, I never let a little thing like that get in my way. Where the heck did I put that other hat…oh, here it is, Doctor Folkerth will see you now.
Many times on this site I have included a quote by the late English mathematician, Alfred North Whitehead, “It takes an unusual mind to undertake the analysis of the obvious.”
And, from that bit of wisdom deduced by the good Mr. Whitehead, combined with 4,000 years of written human history, I have a burning question, “Could those of us with some measure of common sense have ever expected anything different from our leadership, other than the standard practices of personal greed, power and corruption?”
Could we ever expect the weak and uneducated to be anything more than blind followers of those who promise the most perceived benefit to their individual causes? Could we have ever expected to educate the masses to a point of eliminating crime and corruption? The answers to these questions are in my opinion, a resounding NO!
As far as education eliminating crime, more people have been robbed with the point of fountain pen than at the point of a gun. Think Bernie Madoff here for a recent example. The educated don’t quit committing crimes; they just set their sights higher and steal things like elections and the lives of the Middle Class.
Is it possible for humans to save a portion of our natural resources for future generations? Is it possible for humans to actually be concerned about overpopulation? Does the possibility even exist for humans to behave rationally when it comes to being fair and evenhanded? Not really, or we wouldn’t practice an underlying economic model that flies in the face of all of the above issues.
In my book, Chapter 10 is titled, People or Profits? In a country that practices Gorilla Capitalism, the winner by a first round knockout is profits. People take a distant second place in a pure capitalistic society. The promotion of unbridled capitalism as “the only way to fly,” should be followed by, “until we run out of fuel.”
The greatest flaw of the left is that they believe in Utopia, they see things when they believe them, and expect human nature to change in order for their perceived Utopia to come to fruition. They have been waiting for 4,000 years. The left believes that you can take from one and give to another and simultaneously achieve balance and harmony.
The greatest flaw of the right is that they know damn well that there is no Utopia, so they plunder and steal with the point of a pen to create their own false paradise; the right believes things when they see them. Either way, left or right, they are behaving like humans and either way, we lose.
But back to my burning question(s), “Was there ever any possibility of our current situation turning out another way? Is the future malleable, or cast in stone with all roads leading to the same destiny? Is there then, any possibility of our changing to a more sustainable economic model so long as humans are in charge, or is this simply human providence?
So how did I do with my psychology lesson? Observation and education both end in T I O N.
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We are fast completing the geographic exploration of the earth and extending this search into space; we have pushed the scientific exploration of nature, to the point at which its main outlines have become clear (we however have ignored much of what we’ve learned and have chosen to avoid study where truths may lie); but the exploration of human nature and its possibilities has really , scarcely begun. I fear that the depletion of vital natural resources will render this quest to understand human nature invalid in the near future. I also believe that a problem, any problem cannot be solved or reduced until it is understood. I also believe that we humans who dwell on earth do not have the capacity to consider what is true and real across a wide spectrum for any given problem we may encounter. Therefore it is my belief that we are as we should be; miserable or happy; resource depleted or abundant. We, as a whole, do not have the capacity to change many issue in our lives for the better, because we as a whole are not capable of studying or understanding the truth in anything that may result in change. -bb
Mike, I think you hit the nail on the head. Or maybe more like kicking the lid off the loo, and does it ever stink!
I don’t have a degree in psychology, but I do have some background from my Social Science major in college. I have long had a fascination with how the human brain works.
For anyone who wants to take the time and make the effort, there is a great body of knowledge on the subject that is readily available.
As it turns out, the human brain doesn’t work anything like most people think it does. To make a long complicated story short; in spite of appearances, we do most of our “thinking and decision making” at a sub-conscious level. And I’m not talking about the walking and chewing gum stuff. Much of our high-level decision making is done sub-consciously.
You probably think I’m crazy, but if you choose to argue that your brain doesn’t work that way, you aren’t arguing with me, but with hundreds of researchers who have Ph.Ds, and have done decades of research on the subject.
The unpleasant fact of the matter is that none of us are privy to most of what is going on in our brain. So called “free will”, or what researchers call “conscious will”, is largely an illusion.
This being the case, our genetic predispositions have a monumental influence on our behavior. I think that explains much of our current predicament. However, that doesn’t mean that our future is predetermined.
I think it strongly suggests that our survival and well being will be closely tied to structuring society in a way that mitigates some of our more unsavory genetic predilections. However, that will be an uphill battle because of the ignorance of the populace.
We do this now with laws, rules and regulations. However, we badly underestimate our propensity for being delusional. Our salvation is not in more “freedom”, but less. Often, less is more, but egocentric and delusional people tend not to see it that way.
Unless we gain much greater self-knowledge and structure society in a way that addresses our shortcomings as a species, our problems will continue to compound and contribute to our self-inflicted misery.
If our current way of looking at things, our world view and beliefs are so accurate, why are we so screwed up? Obviously, something is very wrong.
While I certainly agree with the above article - my idealist personality (which springs from my subconscious mind!) believes wholeheartedly that all we need is a better role model and many of us will follow it.
I believe that the destruction of human morality, character, principles and ideals is being deliberately orchestrated to rob and enslave the masses.
My husband and I are not ones who can moan and complain without taking action, so we found the blueprint for renewing both Man and Earth in a series of books called “The Ringing Cedar Series”.
Mike, you will so appreciate the basic premise: Every family should own about 2 1/2 acres of land with a water supply, that is nontaxable and in perpetuity. On this land, the family creates a self-sufficient domain, growing their own food, building a simple shelter, and taking time to enjoy the diversity and interconnectedness of nature.
Whatever extra produce or products the family creates cannot be taxed, so all income can be used to support the family. This is basic free-enterprise, which is sustainable over generations of lives.
Once we relinquish the “more is better” mindset and truly understand that “stuff” cannot bring joy, these little domains will bring us back to basic human values of relationships and integrity.
Imagine being valued because you are honest and hard-working, instead of only by how much monetary worth you have.
I realize that this will not be everyone’s ideal, but for those of us who cherish freedom and individualism, this is something we can do now.
Deep.. As I read it, we are saying the cream rises to the top..
And, the prejudices and beliefs that we gather during our formative years stay with us most of our lives..
Advertising works, as do other forms of propaganda..
OK, I agree…
But, we can do better than “normal”..
I think Castro and Cuba have done better that the governments we have installed in places like Haiti, Honduras, and most Central American countries.. There are other good examples also..
Too bad that the u.s. is not one of them..
Just read an article that stated that Iraq, and Afghanistan are two of the most corrupt governments in the world.. Like both make the top five.. Hmmm??
Tnx.. WmA..
Billyb, pointed out that study as we may, we fail to use the knowledge that we gain if it gets in the way of promoting exponential growth…so why bother to study?
Greg said, “If our current way of looking at things, our world view and beliefs are so accurate, why are we so screwed up?” I’d say that is an excellent question Greg, but don’t look for it to be asked of our president.
Country Lady said, “Living simple and living well may not be for everyone but for those of us who cherish freedom and individualism, this is something we can do now.” I say hear, hear to that suggestion. It’s a grand world out there if you can make the exit and get off the freeway.
Does anyone else remember the Jerry Jeff Walker song, L.A. Freeway? The bridge goes, “If we can just get off of this L.A. Freeway without getting killed or caught, down the road in cloud of smoke, to some land that we ain’t bought, bought, bought.
I performed that song a thousand times in the Fairview Inn and Latitude 62 Lodge in Talkeetna Alaska…population 772, about twice the size it was when I left.
I have often commented that everyone can’t be saved. For instance, if everyone were to attempt to purchase 2.5 acres of crop land, there wouldn’t be enough in the U.S. to fill the order. We only have about 580 Million acres of cropland in the United States.
But, don’t worry, millions of people have no interest whatsoever in physical work and yes, I would dearly love to see the time when a person is well thought of for being honest and hard working!
Wma, I’m not sure that we can do better. Human nature is not learned in school, we are born with it. It’s not that the cream rises to the top, the crooks rise to the top and become political leaders or MBAs.
As far as Cuba goes, in 1957, Cuba ranked third in Latin America for caloric intake per capita, today under Castro it ranks dead last. Cuba has declined in nearly every category of social well being under Castro as compared to pre-Castro.
The right also beleives you can take from one and redistribute to another. They take from the middle class and give to the wealthy. They take from our children and grandchildren and give to the wealty, by borrowing for bailouts, or simply printing ( or creating with a few keystrokes) more money.
I believe that a sustainable way of doing things will come to be, but not without massive suffering, a period of social chaos, and economic, political and social contraction.
While it is true that times of desperation can bring out the worst in people, they can also bring out the best.
Wordherder,
Of course you are correct that the right uses the reverse Robin Hood method but that is what I was referring to when I said, “they plunder and steal with the point of a pen to create their own false paradise.”
The end result of either parties methods is…we lose, they win.
I knew a WW-II vet who wrote an excellent book and said that the Great Depression was the worst of times and the best of times. The economy was at its worst, the people were at their best.
When we are dependent on others, we are much kinder.
In a way, aren’t you agreeing that there was never another way and that only forced change brought on by despair and pain will stifle the greed and corruption?
Even then, government will not share our pain; they never have and they never will. It’s just the way we are. At least, the way we have been for 4,000 years.
Mike said:
I knew a WW-II vet who wrote an excellent book and said that the Great Depression was the worst of times and the best of times. The economy was at its worst, the people were at their best.
When given a choice of taking a 15% pay cut or see 15% of your fellow workers fired, how many times have we seen workers choose to keep their pay and see the bottom workers let go. The American people are bad, top to bottom. Greedy and selfish.
In the depression, people would not bid on foreclosed houses. They would allow the family to make a low uncontested bid. That won’t happen in today’s America.
I believe less in Malthusian shortages than I do in mankind’s tendency to regularly self destruct. How many years did it take for 7 Billion souls to be born on to this planet before 1939? How many were thieves, psychopaths, tyrants and want to be tyrants? How many were men and women of honest character and goodwill? The ratio of the honest and the greedy hasn’t changed much, just the opportunities.
We have to remember that our selfish tendencies are more prevalent in large populations where no one really knows us. As population and the size of the cities have grown, so then has our penance to be dishonest.
“When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe.” — Thomas Jefferson
Today, the carpetbaggers line up in front of foreclosed homes before the people are out the door. “After all,” they say, “it’s just business.”
James Allen wrote that good people don’t go bad, they just lacked previous opportunities.
Mike,
I wasn’t contesting your take on things. The Dems steal and give it to the poor. The Reps steal and give it to the rich. At least that’s the way it used to be. Now it’s hard to tell the difference between them.
You hit the nail on the head re: population size. At the tribal level corruption rarely occurs or persists. Group pressure nips it in the bud. The larger the community or group the more distance between the “leaders” and rest of the group.
Power corrupts. Twas ever thus.
In the post-train wreck world there will be vastly fewer opportunities for greed and corruption- worthless currency, no capital, no credit. The scale of community, trade and government will perforce be local. I think that people will be less compliant to government, having experienced the failure of government to deliver on its promises of safety and security and justice.
Important subject and valuable comments from all. Great blog!
Several years ago I spent considerable time at a Hutterite colony in Manitoba. For those of you who don’t know who Huterrites are, they are similar in religious background to the Amish, but they embrace new technology with a passion. Another tenet of their religion is all wealth is held in common among the entire colony. In other words, you get access to all the food, clothing, and health care you would ever need, but you will never handle any individual cash to buy goodies with.
It is pure Communism, right down to the communal dining hall 3 times a day. The interesting observation I made while there is that about 50% of the children stay and about 50% leave forever. I believe there is some genetic predisposition to risk taking and those people probably leave to take advantage of that attitude. The ones who stay are probably the more risk averse segment of the group. Another interesting note is that the elders are quite worried about genetic problems from a narrow gene pool (among the people that stay). Could this be related in some way?
It has been written that America was settled by people who took massive risks to get here and get ahead. Maybe we are gentically wired to be selfish, greedy aquisitors after all.
Wordherder,
You said, “At the tribal level corruption rarely occurs or persists. Group pressure nips it in the bud.”
I have had the extreme pleasure of living in the small Alaskan village of Talkeetna, with no government and no police. We practiced self governance and it was nothing short of wonderful!
The quote from Thomas Jefferson, “When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe,” demonstrates that Jefferson knew more than a little about human psychology.
Hotrod,
Your comment is so important that I want to carry it over to the next article for discussion.
Hotrod,
There is only one word in your last post that I would quibble with, it’s in the last sentence.
“Maybe we are gentically wired to be selfish, greedy aquisitors after all.”
Remove the word maybe.
Wordherder,
You are dead on the mark. As a group becomes larger, social controls begin to break down. At some size, they cease to work at all. I don’t know the threshold, but it is obvious that many of our cities and countries have crossed that threshold. We are not genetically wired to live in groups that are extremely large.
Greg,
What an exciting subject we have launched here, thanks to everyone who commented and to those hundreds who read and expand their thoughts from this blog every day.
Your last comment, “We are not genetically wired to live in groups that are extremely large,” is key and leads up to my next article. Are we all genetically wired the same?