Have you ever felt “off”, not just emotionally, but vibrationally? As if something within you was slightly misaligned, dissonant, or even muted? That subtle feeling may not be random. It could be a sign that your inner instrument, your psyche, is out of tune.

In 2017, I proposed a model called Harmonic Cognitive Tuning (HCT), a mindfulness-based therapeutic concept that envisions the human psyche not as a computer or machine, but as a musical instrument. This isn’t just metaphor. When we’re tuned properly, we flow through our experiences with emotional agility, grounded clarity, and creative responsiveness. When we’re out of tune, we struggle, thoughts distort, emotions spiral, connection fades.

The metaphor of the psyche-as-instrument carries an important implication: you can learn to tune yourself. Through intentional practices that integrate mindfulness, music-based expression, and cognitive reflection, HCT offers an accessible and embodied path to psychological re-alignment.

Our modern world makes this need more urgent than ever. We live amid constant input, digital saturation, emotional overload, endless demands. All this noise fragments our internal coherence, leaving many of us detached from our sense of rhythm, presence, and vitality. Medication has its place, but there is a growing need for non-pharmacological, self-directed healing tools that work with the body, the nervous system, and the soul.

That’s where HCT steps in. At its core, HCT combines three therapeutic components: mindfulness, music, and cognitive tuning. The approach uses bodily-produced sound; humming, chanting, singing, as both practice and metaphor. These vocal expressions don’t just relax us emotionally. They physically activate the vagus nerve, regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, and generate coherent vibrational fields in the body. In other words, sound becomes medicine.

You don’t need to be a trained singer or a seasoned meditator to use HCT. All you need is curiosity and a few minutes each day. Try this simple practice: Breathe in slowly through your nose, and as you exhale, hum gently, feeling the vibration in your throat, chest, and face. Continue for three minutes, then rest in silence. Just notice what’s shifted.

HCT reminds us that we are not broken machines needing fixing, we are living instruments capable of returning to resonance. This isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about learning to listen inward, recognize dissonance, and re-tune ourselves with gentleness and intention.

In a time when so many feel overwhelmed, disconnected, and over-medicated, the ability to hum, chant, and breathe your way back to clarity is nothing short of revolutionary. Whether used alone or alongside other therapies, Harmonic Cognitive Tuning can restore the kind of harmony that modern life tends to drown out.

If reality were purely objective, why do two people who experience the same event often walk away with entirely different conclusions? The reason is that reality is not simply something we observe, it is something we construct. Our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions shape how we perceive the world, influencing not just our psychology but our very neurology. While objective reality provides structure through facts and physical laws, our interaction with that reality is deeply personal. Our beliefs influence perception, emotions alter brain chemistry, and experiences physically rewire the brain.

Subjectivity is not a distortion of truth, it is an integral force in shaping our reality, coexisting with objectivity as an equal participant in human experience. By understanding how our internal world actively constructs our reality, we gain greater control over our emotional well-being, decision-making, and overall mental health.

The Power of Beliefs to Shape Reality

Beliefs are among the most powerful forces influencing human experience. They act as cognitive filters, determining how we interpret events, interact with others, and respond to challenges. Two people can experience the same objective event and emerge with radically different conclusions, simply because of the beliefs they hold.

For instance, imagine two individuals receive critical feedback at work. One believes that criticism is an opportunity for growth, while the other believes that criticism is a sign of personal failure. The first person feels motivated to improve, while the second spirals into self-doubt and anxiety. Objectively, the feedback remains the same, but their subjective interpretations lead to vastly different emotional and behavioral outcomes.

Psychologically, this phenomenon is well-documented in cognitive-behavioral research. Our core beliefs shape automatic thoughts, which in turn generate emotional reactions. People with a negative self-schema tend to interpret neutral or ambiguous events in a self-defeating manner, reinforcing distress. Conversely, those with adaptive beliefs are more likely to reframe events in ways that promote resilience.

Beliefs do not just influence emotions; they alter the brain itself. Studies in neuroplasticity have shown that repeated thoughts and emotional responses create physical changes in neural pathways. The more we reinforce a belief, whether positive or negative, the stronger its neural connections become. This is why individuals stuck in self-critical thought patterns or fear-based reasoning often find it difficult to break free; their brains have become wired to process reality in a way that supports their beliefs. However, the opposite is also true, new experiences and intentional cognitive shifts can rewire the brain, reshaping perception over time.

The Neurological Influence of Subjectivity

Subjectivity is not just psychological, it is biological. The way we experience and interpret reality has measurable effects on brain function and structure. One of the most profound examples of this occurs when someone experiences loss or trauma.

Imagine a person loses a close friend. Objectively, the death is a factual event. However, the subjective experience of grief profoundly alters the person’s emotional state, perception of life, and even their brain chemistry. Studies using functional MRI (fMRI) scans have shown that emotional pain activates many of the same neural regions as physical pain, particularly the anterior cingulate cortex and insula. This means that to the brain, grief is not just an abstract feeling, it is processed similarly to a physical injury.

Additionally, prolonged grief and emotional distress can lead to structural changes in the brain. Chronic stress associated with loss increases cortisol production, which can damage neurons in the hippocampus, the region responsible for memory and emotional regulation. Over time, individuals suffering from unresolved grief or trauma may experience cognitive difficulties, emotional numbness, and heightened reactivity to future stressors.

These neural changes don’t just mirror our experience; they shape future perceptions. A person who has endured prolonged grief or trauma may develop hyperactive amygdala responses, making them more prone to perceive threats where none exist. Conversely, positive emotional engagement can strengthen neural pathways associated with resilience and well-being. This means that how we interpret events today literally affects how we experience reality tomorrow.

Just as repeated exposure to distress reinforces negative neural patterns, intentional engagement in healing practices, such as therapy, meditation, and cognitive restructuring, can promote neural regeneration. Research on mindfulness and cognitive reframing has shown that actively shifting thought patterns can strengthen the prefrontal cortex, helping individuals regulate emotions and develop a more balanced perception of reality.

Subjectivity, Mental Health, and Psychotherapy

Therapists often witness the powerful influence of subjectivity in their work. Clients frequently struggle not because of the objective facts of their lives, but because of how they perceive and interpret those facts. Two people may face identical challenges, such as job loss or relationship struggles, but their subjective interpretations determine whether they experience despair or resilience.

A key component of effective therapy is learning to recognize when subjective interpretations are helpful and when they are limiting. This process, often referred to as cognitive flexibility, allows individuals to shift perspectives, integrating emotional truth with factual reality. Without this flexibility, one can become trapped in rigid thinking, either dismissing emotions entirely or becoming overwhelmed by them.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically targets these subjective interpretations, helping clients recognize distorted thought patterns and replace them with more adaptive perspectives. This does not mean dismissing emotions, but rather integrating them with a more grounded understanding of reality. In psychodynamic therapy, the focus may shift toward exploring how past experiences and unconscious beliefs shape present-day perceptions. In either case, the goal is not to erase subjectivity but to work with it in a way that promotes psychological well-being.

Beliefs about oneself are especially potent in therapy. A person who believes they are unworthy of love may unconsciously sabotage relationships, reinforcing that belief. This self-fulfilling cycle is not merely psychological, it has physiological underpinnings. Studies have shown that low self-esteem correlates with increased activity in the brain’s threat detection system (amygdala), leading to heightened anxiety and hypervigilance in social interactions. Changing such deep-seated beliefs requires intentional effort, repetition, and often therapeutic intervention, but doing so can reshape both mental and neural pathways.

Final Thoughts

Reality is not a singular, external entity, it is something we co-create through perception, belief, and neurological processing. Objectivity provides structure, but subjectivity gives life depth and meaning. The brain is not just a passive observer of the world; it actively constructs our experience based on emotions, past experiences, and deeply held beliefs.

We are not passive recipients of reality, we are active participants in shaping it. By becoming aware of how our beliefs and emotions influence perception, we gain the power to reshape our narratives, adjust our neural pathways, and ultimately create a more balanced, meaningful experience of life.

We live in a world where stress, uncertainty, and emotional turmoil are common. In response, we often reach for coping mechanisms, strategies that help us navigate or temporarily alleviate our distress. While coping skills are incredibly useful tools, there is a point at which we might find ourselves stuck in a cycle of “managing” rather than resolving. It’s important to remember that we cannot, and should not, remain in a perpetual state of coping. Constantly coping can become draining, and it may even prevent us from moving forward and finding the deeper peace and fulfillment we seek.

Understanding the Concept of Coping

Coping strategies can be conscious or unconscious methods we use to handle stress or negative emotions. They can be healthy (e.g., exercise, journaling, talking to a friend) or unhealthy (e.g., substance use, overindulgence in distractions). Regardless of their nature, coping mechanisms function as buffers that keep us from being overwhelmed in the moment.

Example of Everyday Coping

Workplace Stress: Imagine you are under intense pressure at work. Deadlines are looming, and you feel as if you’re always “on.” You might grab an extra cup of coffee to push through the fatigue, or scroll through social media for a mental break. At home, you might vent your frustrations to a spouse or roommate. These are coping strategies that, in the short term, help you manage stress. But if you never address the root cause of your workload problem, perhaps discussing a more sustainable schedule with your boss or delegating tasks, you’ll remain trapped in the cycle of trying to soothe the same anxiety day after day.

When Coping Becomes a Constant State

Continuously leaning on coping mechanisms without addressing the root issues can turn into a chronic pattern. Instead of relieving stress in the moment so we can later work on solutions, we end up just postponing the issue. Over time, this can lead to burnout, increased anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness.

Signs You Might Be Stuck in Coping Mode

Short-term fixes dominate: You rely heavily on quick distractions—social media, binge-watching, compulsive gamingand rarely face the bigger problem. Avoidance behaviors: You often avoid conflict, hard conversations, or the pursuit of meaningful goals because it’s easier to keep “managing” rather than confronting. Feelings of stagnation: You don’t feel like you’re moving forward or growing; your days are filled with attempts to just get through rather than truly live.

The Importance of Resolution

Resolving issues goes beyond managing the symptoms. When we resolve an issue, we tackle the deeper underlying causes. This can involve self-reflection, therapy, constructive communication, and lifestyle changes. Without resolution, our stressors remain in the background, influencing our mental and emotional well-being, sometimes without us even realizing it.

Example of Moving Toward Resolution

Conflict in a Relationship: Suppose you notice constant friction with a close friend or partner. Perhaps you ignore the tension by focusing on other things or telling yourself to just “get over it.” After some time, you realize the conflict hasn’t gone away; in fact, it’s grown. Choosing to address it by opening up an honest dialogue, clarifying the misunderstanding, or going to couples or family therapy, allows you to reach a resolution. Post-resolution, you won’t need to continuously cope with the friction because the core issue has been addressed.

Steps to Shift from Coping to Resolution

1. Identify the Problem Clearly
   Many times, we cope because we’re not entirely sure what’s bothering us or we don’t want to acknowledge it. Start by naming the specific issue: Are you feeling undervalued at work? Is your schedule unsustainable? Are you suffering from unresolved emotional trauma? Identifying what’s truly causing you distress is the first step toward resolution.
2. Engage in Honest Self-Reflection
   Take time to explore your feelings, values, and beliefs. Are the stresses you face reflective of deeper emotional needs or unresolved past experiences? Journaling, meditation, or seeking professional counseling can help you understand the root causes.
3. Seek Support and Resources
   While some issues can be tackled alone, others require additional help. Talking with trusted friends, mentors, or therapists can provide fresh perspectives and practical advice. Sometimes, community groups or workshops can also help you gain insights and coping tools while guiding you to resolution.
4. Create a Plan of Action
   Once you’ve identified the core issues, draft a plan. This can involve:
   • Having a difficult conversation with a boss, family member, or friend.
   • Adjusting your daily schedule to better manage time and stress.
   • Committing to therapy or coaching to address deeper emotional patterns.
   • Setting boundaries and practicing assertive communication.
     The plan should be realistic and broken down into manageable steps.
5. Implement Real Changes
   Follow through on the plan. It’s tempting to fall back into old coping habits when implementing change feels uncomfortable or scary. Remember, genuine resolution often involves stepping out of your comfort zone. If you face setbacks, revise your plan rather than giving up.
6. Evaluate and Adjust
   Resolution is not always a straightforward path. Check in with yourself regularly to see if the plan is working. Are you feeling relief or noticing positive shifts in your emotions and daily life? If something isn’t helping, be flexible and open to trying new approaches.

Balancing Coping and Resolution

Coping itself isn’t a bad thing, in fact, it’s often essential. However, it needs to be balanced with concerted efforts to resolve what causes your distress. Think of coping as a short-term aid: it should help you buy time, preserve energy, and gain clarity. In turn, resolution strategies address the root cause, enabling you to break free from the cycle of constant stress management.

Final Thoughts

We all cope, and coping is valuable in moments of acute stress. But if you find yourself perpetually in “survival mode,” it’s time to consider what needs resolution in your life. Imagine the sense of relief and liberation that comes when you identify a longstanding issue, face it head-on, and move beyond it. Yes, it takes courage and effort, but it’s the path toward genuine mental well-being and personal growth.

You cannot constantly cope. Life becomes richer, healthier, and more fulfilling when we allow coping to be a temporary measure and encourage resolution to be our ultimate goal. By doing so, we pave the way for deeper self-understanding and lasting emotional freedom.

Our mouths serve as the gateway between our inner and outer worlds. They allow us to take in nourishment and hydration, but they also serve as the primary instrument through which we communicate our thoughts, emotions, and intentions. In both cases, what enters and exits our mouths shapes our well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. Being mindful of what we consume and what we express is an essential practice for cultivating both physical and emotional health.

What Goes In: Mindful Consumption

The foods and drinks we choose to put into our bodies directly impact our health, mood, and cognitive function. Eating highly processed foods, excessive sugar, or consuming excessive caffeine and alcohol can lead to imbalances in energy, mood swings, and long-term health issues. In contrast, nourishing our bodies with whole foods, plenty of water, and balanced nutrients supports vitality, emotional stability, and mental clarity.

Why it matters:

• Physical Health: A mindful diet helps prevent diseases, supports digestion, and boosts immunity. Mental Well-being: Nutrient-rich foods contribute to brain function, emotional stability, and cognitive performance. Energetic Balance: The body and mind function best when fueled by clean, natural sources of nourishment.

Being intentional about our consumption also extends to what we allow into our minds—such as the media we consume, the conversations we engage in, and the beliefs we internalize. Just as we choose nutritious food, we should also curate our mental diet, ensuring we absorb messages and information that uplift, educate, and inspire.

What Goes Out: Mindful Communication

The words we speak and the tone we use have a profound impact on our relationships and the energy we put into the world. Words carry power, they can heal or harm, encourage or discourage, build bridges or create distance. How we speak reflects our thoughts, emotions, and self-awareness.

Why it matters:

• Emotional Impact: Words can shape another person’s self-esteem, mood, and perception of reality. Social Connections: Healthy communication fosters trust, understanding, and connection in personal and professional relationships. Self-Reflection: The way we speak reflects our inner world; mindful communication can help us develop greater emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Being mindful of our speech means practicing intentionality with our words. Before speaking, consider: Is what I’m about to say true, kind, necessary, and helpful? This simple filter helps prevent impulsive speech that may later lead to regret or unintended harm.

The Emotional and Psychological Influence of Words

Our words shape not only our reality but also the emotional atmosphere of those around us. The tone, content, and intention behind what we say can either uplift or weigh down the emotional space we share with others. Harsh words can leave a lasting impact, creating emotional wounds that linger long after they are spoken, while kind and supportive words can empower, heal, and encourage personal growth.

How Sound Frequencies Affect Psychological State

Everything in the universe vibrates at a frequency, including the sounds we make and hear. Different sound frequencies influence our psychological and emotional states in profound ways:

• Low-frequency sounds (20-250 Hz) tend to feel grounding but can also evoke heaviness or fear if sustained in an unsettling manner.
• Mid-range frequencies (250-2000 Hz) are the most common in human speech, allowing for clear communication and emotional expression.
• High-frequency sounds (2000-8000 Hz and beyond) can stimulate alertness, uplift the spirit, and promote cognitive focus. These are often found in nature sounds like birdsong or wind chimes, which can naturally elevate mood.

Research in psychoacoustics suggests that exposure to calming sounds, such as slow, rhythmic tones or nature sounds, can reduce stress and anxiety. On the other hand, exposure to harsh, jarring, or discordant noises can lead to irritation, mental fatigue, and emotional agitation.

The Power of Our Voice in Emotional Regulation

Our voice carries not just words but energetic intention. The tone, pitch, and rhythm of our voice can influence both our emotional state and that of those listening:

• A soothing tone can help calm someone in distress. A confident and steady voice can instill trust and clarity. A harsh or aggressive tone can trigger stress responses in both the speaker and listener, escalating conflicts rather than resolving them.

Mindful speaking involves not only choosing the right words but also adjusting our tone and delivery to align with our intentions. Just as food nourishes the body, mindful speech nourishes relationships and emotional well-being.

The Balance Between Intake and Output

Just as we strive to maintain a healthy balance of nutrition and hydration for our bodies, we should also maintain a balance in the way we communicate. This includes:

• Practicing Moderation: Overindulgence in unhealthy foods or excessive speech can lead to imbalances. Find harmony in what you consume and express. Being Present: Mindfulness in eating allows us to savor our food, just as mindfulness in speaking helps us connect deeply with others. Honoring Self and Others: Respecting our bodies with proper nourishment aligns with respecting others through compassionate communication.

Final Thoughts

Being mindful of the mouth, both what we take in and what we put out, empowers us to create healthier lives and stronger relationships. Choosing nourishing foods fuels our physical and mental well-being, while choosing uplifting and thoughtful words cultivates connection and understanding. By becoming aware of the energy we emit through speech, tone, and sound, we can enhance not just our own well-being but also positively shape the emotional landscape around us.

Let’s strive to be intentional with both our consumption and our communication, ensuring that what enters and exits our mouths reflects wisdom, care, and balance.

What AI Is Not: The Human Factor

Understanding AI

*****I typed up this post over 2 years ago. I had ChatGPT o1 optimize and update it to incorporate the technological advancements since then while still conveying the essential message.*****

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence by machines, particularly computer systems. AI applications include expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), speech recognition, computer vision, and more. With the advent of generative AI, these technologies have expanded to create realistic text, images, music, and even human-like interactions.

AI relies on specialized hardware and software for developing and training machine learning algorithms. Although no single programming language defines AI, Python, R, Java, C++, and Julia are commonly used by developers. Generally, AI systems function by processing vast amounts of labeled training data, identifying patterns, and making predictions based on those patterns. For example, AI-powered chatbots can generate lifelike conversations, while image recognition software can accurately identify objects in pictures after analyzing millions of examples.

With the rapid advancement of AI, it’s essential to understand what AI truly is—and what it is not. More importantly, we must consider how humanity will adapt and thrive in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.

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AI, at its core, is an advanced system of programmed information and pattern recognition. While it can process vast amounts of data, it lacks what humans inherently possess: original thought, sensory experience, emotions, and the ability to learn through direct lived experiences.

1. AI Lacks True Sensory Perception, But It’s Getting Closer

Human intelligence is shaped by sensory input: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. These senses shape our perception of reality, influencing everything from art to interpersonal relationships. A song about heartbreak, a painting depicting sorrow, or a poem filled with longing—these are human expressions rooted in sensory experience and emotion.

Advancements in multimodal AI have brought machines closer to processing sensory-like inputs. Models like GPT-4o and Gemini can analyze images, audio, and video, enabling them to “see” and “hear” information. AI-powered robotics, like Tesla’s Optimus, can even physically interact with the world. However, AI still does not experience sensations as humans do—it processes data patterns rather than perceiving reality subjectively.

2. AI Learning Has Improved, But It Remains Fundamentally Different

Your original statement that AI requires specific rules and instructions to learn is now more nuanced. AI can now self-improve through reinforcement learning, fine-tuning, and real-world feedback. However, AI still does not learn in the way humans do.

Humans learn dynamically through intuition, trial and error, and subconscious cognition. AI can optimize its models and improve efficiency, but it does not possess intrinsic curiosity, self-awareness, or the ability to innovate beyond predefined structures. AI may merge algebra with music or art through algorithmic design, but it does not experience the spontaneous “aha” moments that define human creativity.

3. AI’s Reasoning Is More Advanced, But It’s Still Limited

AI can now reason at higher levels, using abstraction and context-aware problem-solving. Modern models have improved in commonsense reasoning and decision-making. However, AI is still fundamentally bound by logic and data, whereas human reasoning incorporates emotions, instincts, and lived experiences.

For instance, in nature, a hyena stealing food from a cheetah is part of survival, not a moral crime. Yet, in human society, theft is a punishable offense. AI does not possess moral judgment beyond programmed rules. While it can analyze ethical principles, it does not feel empathy or internalize moral dilemmas.

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What AI Can and Cannot Do

1. Self-Correction: AI Improves, But Humans Adapt

AI is designed to refine itself through iterative learning. However, its self-correction process is not equivalent to human adaptability. Humans learn through failure and exploration. A person lifting 250 lbs may conclude it is their maximum capacity, yet through training, they might surpass that limit. AI, on the other hand, adheres to predefined thresholds and does not inherently push beyond its programmed parameters without intervention.

AI-driven self-correcting models, such as Meta AI’s self-healing algorithms, can now identify and fix errors in real-time. However, AI lacks the ability to intuitively break rules or create new paradigms outside of its structured learning framework.

2. Creativity: Can AI Truly Innovate?

AI-generated content has become highly sophisticated, producing original-looking images, music, and writing. However, AI does not create from an internal wellspring of experience or emotion. Instead, it synthesizes and recombines existing data.

Where AI shines is in augmenting human creativity. AI can assist in design, generate drafts, and suggest new artistic directions, but it still requires human intent. The best AI art and music often emerge from collaborations where human guidance refines and directs the output.

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Conclusion: AI as a Reflection of Humanity

Despite fears of AI surpassing human intelligence, the reality is that AI reflects the biases, programming, and intentions of its creators. The fear of AI becoming something like SKYNET from The Terminator is rooted in human anxieties, not technological inevitability. AI is a tool—an incredibly advanced one—but it does not possess independent will, ambition, or malice unless programmed to do so.

If we fear AI, we should examine our own ethical responsibilities in its development. The technology itself is neither good nor evil; it is a reflection of human choices. Rather than being threatened by AI, we should strive to understand and guide its evolution responsibly.

As AI continues to advance, humanity must ensure that we retain control over its ethical development. Computers will become more sophisticated, but it is up to us to shape their purpose. When AI finally matches human-like reasoning and interaction, will it see us as its mentors or its adversaries? The answer depends on the values we instill in it today.

Hello whomever you are, wherever you are.

It is spring 2020 and chances are you are at home avoiding a pandemic. While there have been hundreds of speculations and conspiracy theories regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the main things you need are facts. Now is the time to listen to scientists and doctors, experts in their respective fields. While faith and belief have their place, right now, if we are to avoid the recurring catastrophe that is pandemic, we must not repeat the mistakes of the past or we shall repeat their results.

As there is not an effective testing system in place in the USA, speculation about who has it is useless. Assume everyone has it and take proper precautions.

There are no miracle cures, this is a virus. A virus is not alive or dead, so you cannot “kill it”. It has no nucleus, only a code that tells it to replicate. It only has one function; reproduce in the best environment possible. This unfortunately happens to be our lungs. It is smaller than your cells, so you cannot see it. It is invisible to our eyes, but the effects are real to our senses. This virus can stay in our bodies for up to 2 weeks, with recovery taking longer. There are reports that even those who have recovered are still testing positive, (https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/27/822407626/mystery-in-wuhan-recovered-coronavirus-patients-test-negative-then-positive) as they are “asymptomatic carriers” (people who do not have symptoms but can still pass on the disease). Washing your hands does not cure the disease, but it can reduce chances of infection, by preventing the virus from entering your body through the mouth, nose, and eyes. Your body can fight this, and it is this fact that allows for such a low mortality rate and high recovery rate. Once your body fights it you will have an immunity to that COVID-19. The problem is surviving the treatment phase.

Yes, the common flu has killed more people generally, but the common flu is not as contagious, has a vaccine, and is not as lethal. The issue is the overwhelmed medical system, brought to collapse by the millions of new patients seeking urgent medical care. (https://www.sciencealert.com/the-new-coronavirus-isn-t-like-the-flu-but-they-have-one-big-thing-in-common) This is on top of the millions of medical emergencies that occur hourly around the world. Because of COVID-19 someone you know may die. The same can not be said for the seasonal flu. The mortality rate is higher, where the seasonal flu is about 0.13%, COVID-19 is around 3-4%. What that means is, if you rolled a 100 sided die, if you rolled a 1-4 you would be killed instantaneously. For those 70-79, the mortality rate is 10% so a roll of 1-10 on the dice for them, who wants to roll those dice?

Now compound this by the other things that can affect you; car accidents, heart attacks, basic accidents, and now you cannot receive medical care, as hospitals are full. This is not speculation but the reality of Italy, Iran, Spain, South Korea, and possibly the United States. This is the real fear, not the virus, but the overtaxing of the medical system not built to withstand such an influx. This is where the real threat is, not the corona patient, but the doctor or nurse who cannot treat the diabetic or cancer patient, the life saving surgery that must be postponed because the resources are not available.

Now that we see the real threat, the other boogeymen pale in comparison. Losing work is tough but replaceable, losing your life is not. Staying inside is difficult if you are an extrovert, but which family member, or friend, would you like to see suffer? Yes, the mortality rate is low because there are treatments. What happens when there aren’t? This is the circumstance of the 1918 Flu, in the first season the flu was aggressive but managed. The following and subsequent seasons, the resources were depleted and the death toll rose.

What is also not covered is the psychological toll. When someone is placed into quarantine they are not allowed to see their families, friends, or significant others. In many cases, these patients pass away surrounded by strangers (medical professionals) as the chances of infecting others is too great. There is no visitation of the sick, no bedside prayers, or hand holding. It is a hospital room, surrounded by other sick people, hoping that your condition does not get worse, while watching the world seemingly fall apart around you. There is no one to attend your funeral because the chance of transmission is too great. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/what-its-like-to-be-infected-with-coronavirus/2020/03/21/92794f4c-6953-11ea-9923-57073adce27c_story.html

So what can we do? We can respond, not react. Reaction is why people bought months of toilet paper, ammunition, and guns. Reaction leads to conspiracy theories of biological weapon labs and plots to overturn world order. Reaction is fear based and emotional, deeply rooted in the ID of the human psyche. It is fight or flight. Response is different. Response requires thinking which involves learning and processing information and environments. This is not a conspiracy if every country in the world is being affected. This is not a hoax when more US people have died from this than the Iraq War and 9/11 combined.

We need to stop with speculation and rely on facts. Politicians are not doctors, their responsibility is only to keep the people safe so they can get reelected. They have no problems making “political sacrifices”. A doctor does. They take an oath to “do no harm” and to protect their patients.The medical professionals of this world are the only people qualified to discuss this topic to the public, not some “government representative”. The government’s responsibility is to inform the public about what steps they are taking to support the recommendations of the medical professionals. Anything beyond that mandate is political theater.

We need to listen to the experts, stay home, maintain proper hygiene, and utilize technology to mitigate this difficult situation. There are millions of videos of how to improve yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Never before in common history has mankind been this connected, so let’s use those connections to help each other respond to this pandemic and not react. Don’t spread rumors, only cite facts. Do not assume anything negative about your neighbors, whether American or Foreign, they are suffering as you are. Support local businesses through delivery services. Take note of who is helping during this time and who is hurting others, when this is over the system will need to change. Stay peaceful and stay alive.

Trust vs Truth aka the Beautiful Lie

A vast misconception among many people is that Truth equals trust and that trust can equal Truth. Ironically, that cannot be further from the Truth. Trust is belief and that belief can equate to lies, disillusion, and misinterpretation. Today’s discussion will be on the differences and while the words share some letters, they do not share the same meaning.

Let’s start at the meaning of the two words;

 

Trust

1. firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.

 

Truth

1. the quality or state of being true.

2. that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.

 

Our Information:

As we can see one deals with the beliefs or ideas of the other (Trust to Truth), yet the Truth has no inherent relation to Trust. Therein lies the problem most people have when dealing with either issue. There was a slogan “the most trusted name in news” CNN, but that doesn’t always translate to Truth. Moreover, it was misreports and some false statements (about 25%) https://www.politifact.com/punditfact/tv/cnn/ that led to many people considering CNN as untruthful, but that is not an accurate assessment. The statement was “the most trusted” implying that people believed in the information being presented, not “the most truthful” implying that their reporting was 100% factual (it is 51% true or mostly true).

On the reverse, there is Fox News which https://www.politifact.com/punditfact/tv/fox/

has a true or mostly true rating of 21% with a false or mostly false of 49%. If any source of information that you received was only 21% truthful and 48% false, it would be logical to discredit that source. Yet, millions of Americans believe the information they receive from Fox is true and factual, even going so far as to verbally and physically argue false statements. Their belief in the source outweighs the source’s factual basis. It’s a matter of trust not a matter of fact.

The question then is why do you trust? If someone told you that a car worked, but you tried to drive it and found it had 2 flat tires, then you would naturally consider that person a liar and would be skeptical at best of any information you received from them. Now take the previous example and include a family member or close friend as the person giving the false information. Does that change the ability to trust? Does the trusted person become more factual? So why do so many people discount a source of information that is only 51% factual for a source that is 21% factual? It boils down to our humanity.

Oddly our ability to trust is also animalistic in origin, as other species exhibit the same abilities, but their reasoning is more factually based. One bad experience with a frog may make a dog avoid all frogs in the future. Moreso some evolved defense mechanisms are even based on the inherent trust of animals with each other. Certain animal colors are used to mimic other animals that are poisonous because predators have learned to avoid certain patterns. Even plants use this to selectively mislead unwanted pests.

As humans we are unique in the animal world, not for our intelligence, as other creatures have intelligence and inductive reasoning, but for our “beliefs” or manipulations of reality and facts to confirm our trust. We will continue to experience the same negative stimuli under the belief that the experience will become positive with enough repetitions. An example would be alcohol consumption, which has no medicinal benefit to the human body other than thinning the blood, which is potentially fatal, but people still drink. No other animal drinks alcohol and most would avoid it on smell alone, but humans consume it regularly, not because it’s factually beneficial, but the trust that it makes them “feel good”.

Our Disillusion

According to psychology, Trust is an expectation of positive outcomes. Starting as children with our parents and gradually extending to other family members, those expectations are validated or revoked. “According to the psychoanalyst Erik Erikson development of basic trust is the first state of psychosocial development occurring, or failing, during the first two years of life. Success results in feelings of security, trust, and optimism, while failure leads towards an orientation of insecurity and mistrust^[29] possibly resulting in attachment disorders. “Child Development Institute Parenting Today. “Stages of Social-Emotional Development In Children and Teenagers”. Childdevelopmentinfo.com. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011.”

Throughout our development we test or validate our interactions with reality and, upon confirmation, we define them as truthful. This idea can be incredibly deceptive as we determine our reality by our senses and our senses can lie. A child adopted from infancy perceives their parents as their origin, yet when informed later in life of this mistruth their entire worldview can become destabilized. This leads to the aforementioned attachment disorders and the most common question associated “Who do I trust?” “What do I believe?”

We want to believe in things and because of our inherent necessity for belief we create “honesty”. In a recent article in Psychology Today Dr. Jeremy E. Sherman argues “It’s because people are confused about the difference between honesty and truth. One can be completely honest and totally untruthful. A schizophrenic can be honest about their dread of the creature standing in the corner of the room when, in truth, there’s no creature standing there.” It’s a beautiful lie, one that is repeated by lovers, politicians, kids, best friends, almost everyone. We create honesty and trust to substitute from dealing with facts or truths.

There are other examples of trust being violated and related outcomes. The wife who cheats, but honestly believes she is justified in doing something negative because her husband is bad with finances. The politician who swears they did not break any laws, but is under investigation by multiple authorities. The integration of trust and truth is so ingrained in people’s consciousness that when presented with factual information that the person or entity that they trusted is false or purposefully lying, instead of invalidating their reality, they will deny the very evidence of fact in favor of the dis-illusion of trust.

This is where faith plays a major role in the human experience. Faith is defined as

1a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty lost faith in the company’s president

b(1) : fidelity to one’s promises

(2) : sincerity of intentions acted in good faith

2a(1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God

(2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion

b(1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof clinging to the faith that her missing son would one day return

(2) : complete trust

3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs the Protestant faith

on faith

 

As we can see Faith has no correlation with logical fact. It is purely speculative belief, but currently right now over 3/4ths of all humans share this “belief” even though there is no scientifically proven factual basis to do so.

Our Pitfalls:

In America, we are currently facing such an example. There is factual evidence of misconduct by our leadership, but to a percentage of Americans, there is no truth in the factual evidence. To them, it is hearsay, a plot, secondhand information all designed to disparage and denigrate the person that they trust. This is dangerous. This is Salem Witch Trials, Nazi Holocaust, Spanish Inquisition, Slavery, and Black Plague dangerous.

This is not an exaggeration, as at its core all of those events are centered around the concept of a false belief that became trusted contrary to fact. There were very few if any Pagans in puritanical Salem, but anyone and everyone was accused of being a witch. The Jews had nothing to do with the economic problems of Germany post WW1, but they were blamed and subsequently executed. The same for the Inquisitions, where anyone who stated anything contradictory, including scientific facts, to the “truth” of religious dogma was subsequently tortured and executed. Truth (humans are not biologically different from each other based on melanin count) was ignored for convenient trust (he looks different, thus he must be…….xyz”; see racism/bigotry). When this happens, very carefully constructed norms of societal behavior are discarded for temporary emotional relief. This is always dangerous as short-term relief rarely, if ever, translates to permanent solutions.

Do not despair or become hopeless, for while this is a functional state of humanity there is a very simple solution. Before we discuss the solution first let’s really dissect why we Trust, but do not follow the truth. Humans are a unique animal. We have developed amazing cognitive capabilities far beyond our species cousins. Those cognitive abilities have allowed us to develop things such as math, engineering, biology, physics, geometry, calculus, and psychology to name but a few.

“In the social sciences, the subtleties of trust are a subject of ongoing research. In sociology and psychology the degree to which one party trusts another is a measure of belief in the honesty, fairness, or benevolence of another party. The term “confidence” is more appropriate for a belief in the competence of the other party. A failure in trust may be forgiven more easily if it is interpreted as a failure of competence rather than a lack of benevolence or honesty.^[8].” (Nooteboom, B. (2017). Trust: Forms, Foundations, Functions, Failures and Figures. Edward Elgar Publishing. ISBN 9781781950883. Retrieved 29 October 2017 – via Google Books.)

We trust our doctors to diagnose our ailments truthfully. We trust that our lawyers will defend their client’s best interest. We trust that the police will serve the greater public with honesty and integrity. We trust these and other professions to perform their functions, yet we fail to acknowledge one simple truth/fact.

Every profession is a task done by human beings and human beings are not honest beings by nature.

So, we as humans have learned to trust a source, while consciously acknowledging the source of our trust, is not truthful.

We lie, we tell stories, we exaggerate, and embellish. We possess a fear of consequences and that fear creates a false survivalist necessity to hide our factual actions, motives, and thoughts. For example, when a heavy person asks “does this make me look fat?”, inherently the response is going to be negative, but factual. That factual response creates animosity for the poser of the question, and thus to alleviate this, people usually answer falsely. A simple test is this: explain to your significant other who you would have an affair with and the ways you have pictured it in your mind. Factually we have all done this, yet if asking someone to do this they would lie, for some false sense of preservation.

Our Solution:

Only trust factual information. Research, study, educate yourself, gain experience in a subject, consult with professionals. We live in the “Information Age”. Encyclopedia Britannica no longer prints, everything is digital, so use the capability to access information from everywhere at anytime. Many tasks and professions can be learned by watching a video online. Classes can be taken online. Virtual learning centers exist with famous and non-famous experts in their respective fields. If you think foreigners are different than you, talk to a doctor, in real time, practicing medicine in a foreign country. If you don’t know calculus, spend 30 minutes a day and learn it. Ignorance is no excuse to trust false information over facts.

Now lies the problem with the solution to the trust vs truth dilemma. Humans naturally lie or withhold factual information. Many people say this now, “but I did research and Hillary ate babies to become the Secretary of State ”. Actually, most people don’t do their research, that is why we have “fake news”. That is why news stations have moved more towards opinionated programming and less from factual based reporting. People don’t want to learn, it’s much easier to watch cat videos on Facebook than research the source of the article you read that stated that there is a “Grand Conspiracy by Lizard People and the Rich Elite to poison your Vaccines”.

Our brains are wired to focus on information that validates our particular view. Facts are difficult to accept and require your brain to actually rebuild neural pathways to adjust to the new reality of perception. Facts also require people to accept their greatest fear, denial of responsibility, and accept that they are wrong about how they do things.

There is a saying “a lie can race around the world while the truth is still tying its shoelaces”, but the facts are, in today’s world we don’t have to trust the lies. We can listen to the words being said and actively research the information to find out if it is verified and then change ourselves and the world to reflect those truths. Stop trusting and start researching the truth/facts. The foundation of the future is created by what we do in this moment and if this moment is built upon trust in false principles the future will fall.

Intention burning a hole

 

Warning, this is not a blog post. This is a sermon. This is a revelation. This is a moment that will resonate with your very being. It is intentional and purposeful.

You are 1. To be more specific, you are the sum parts of 1, much like .5768320 makes up the number 1. Why is this important? Its relevance is important because of what is about to be shared. Everything in this Universe is connected. You, who are reading this, are composed of star materials (ie carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, etc.). Without the death of a star, billions of years ago, there would be no chemical materials for our Sun and the planets to form. For those who are Creationists, I do not know what to tell you, science has factually proven that Earth is older than 6000 years. Moving forward we have you, composed of the stars and self-aware, but aware of what? You think, perceive, and experience a world that is and is not “real”. Everything you know you have either been taught by others who have perceived things similar to yourself, or it is engrained in you DNA as a biological save record of your existence. You are aware you are .5768320, but not that you are 1.

This thinking is both the unique blessing and curse of existence. As part of the 1 you maintain and possess a portion of the power and ability of 1. Everything that composes 1 is also what composes you. You are not .65784, but both of you are intimately connected behind the “point” of existence. This can be proven by looking at the chemical and anatomical structure of anything. This means that your “will” is just as potent and powerful as the 1. Now this is where things become tricky.

You are part of the 1, you possess the abilities and potential of the 1, but you are not 1 (absolute and whole). This is where intention and the Universe wait with baited breath. The universe being connected to you will respond to your will or intention. It is a part of you so it will react, no different than your arm reacts when you have to go to the bathroom. Your intention or “faith” catalysis the Universe into becoming what you envision, good and bad. The Universe does not care about good or evil, it cares only about purpose and intent. Your actions and beliefs only exist within these parameters.

Now that we have established a foundation, let’s explore what is being built. You have created for your existence everything. Your choices and intentions have manifested every aspect of your life. Some would argue this began at your first moment of awareness. Honestly where it started, is as important as the origin of the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs is to them. The point is you have the gift of Creation, burning inside you, ever present and purposeful. You are part of the 1. If you want to make art, you make it. Food, love, war, waste, everything that you can conceive and some things you cannot consciously (sub consciousness and intention is another topic). We are pure intention from birth until death, constantly moving from potential to kinetic, without external catalyst (ie aliens did not wake you up this morning). Knowing this the first question is usually, “well how do I use this ability?” The reality is you already have been using it. The better question is “how do I use it more effectively?”

 You have in your life created every fired job, every bad date, and every bad day. These moments were created and shaped by you to provide texture to an otherwise gray existence.  Remember you are part of the 1. It has and will be about you. Your choices will determine the Universe’s fate much like the very cells in our bodies determine our lives. This intention, this purposefulness can be beneficial or it can be destructive. More so even when we attempt to make it beneficial it can become more destructive. Why is that? Well much like the Sun, 93 million miles away, focused through a microscope can burn a hole so to can your focus destroy what you are trying to achieve. Look at the plant, too much of anything can kill it. It needs water but too much and it dies. It needs Sunlight to make food but too much and it withers. Too much focus on anything will inevitably destroy it, because the Universe, much like our bodies is in a constant dichotomous state. We are creating new cells, while destroying old cells and materials.  The Universe recognizes your focus, then it in turn begins to focus on what you are focusing on and that 93 million miles away Sun just got about 50 million miles closer. Thinking about that for a moment, I’m sure you could imagine the catastrophe waiting to occur. It is the same in our lives. We focus so much on school that it damages our psyches. We focus so much on relationships, which then fail. It’s not the “focus” that is the problem; it is our intention upon said “focus”. Having faith can create a skyscraper, but too much focus and the skyscraper can destroy your relationships, friendships, physical, and mental health.

So how does someone gain control of their intention and focus? They don’t. Gaining control is the exact reason the destruction is occurring. It is someone who is constantly changing, in a Universe constantly changing, trying to keep something from changing. That is the very definition of futility. To ease the suffering, learn to let go. Decrease the intention and give the focus some “dark time” to grow and mature. There is an old saying “a watched pot never boils.” Actually it does, but the point is focusing too much on something will not get the result you want or need. You can manifest anything, including that things destruction. Remember you are part of the 1.

Racism is a mental disease, a psychosocial pathogen. At its core it is a delusion of self in relation to other.

In the wake of the latest tragedies befalling us, many explanations for the violence have been espoused. Most of the ideas about gun rights and mental illness are inherently missing the fundamental problem. Most of these attacks have been racially, socially, and sexually motivated. The idea that we are different is what has motivated the latest round of tragedies. That ideology is false; it is the same diseased thinking that was used to justify the Holocaust, Slavery, and countless other tragedies throughout human history. We, you and I, are not different. Scientists have traced homo sapiens back to a single ancestor in Africa thousands of years ago. The Bible traces humanity back to Adam and Eve and their descendants, again a single unifying ancestor. Most beliefs and mythologies have a Prime male and female. What does all of this mean? It means we are all family, cousins, brothers and sisters. So why do we think there are “others”? “Even though there is a broad scientific agreement that essentialist and typological conceptualizations of race are untenable, scientists around the world continue to conceptualize race in widely differing ways, some of which have essentialist implications. While some researchers use the concept of race to make distinctions among fuzzy sets of traits or observable differences in behavior, others in the scientific community suggest that the idea of race often is used in a naïve or simplistic way, and argue that, among humans, race has no taxonomic significance by pointing out that all living humans belong to the same species, Homo sapiens, and (as far as applicable) subspecies, Homo sapiens sapiens. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Race_(human_categorization)

So let’s define racism. Racism (n): a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and those racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. So even in its definition we find that it is an “idea or belief” and has no inherent basis in facts. This very fact is the reason that the Nazis spent millions in propaganda and inhumane scientific testing to try and prove something that has no basis in reality. THERE IS NO FACTUAL PROOF THAT ONE “RACE” GROUP OF HUMANS IS BETTER THAN ANOTHER. Anything that says otherwise is a false lie perpetrated by ignorance and unwillingness to accept the facts. Asians are not better at math, African- Americans are not better at sports, Caucasians are not smarter, Latinos are not harder working. All these bias’s and prejudices are based on the false idea that anyone in those groups are different than the other peoples in the groups. The reality is there are bad Latino drivers, athletic Asians, calculating Africans, and kind Caucasians. In short, every virtue and vice is shared by all people no matter their melanin count or geographical birth place. It’s funny that organisms on a rock going over 2000 mph can really discriminate between who was born on which particular land mass as the planet is falling through space.

 

We are all the same biologically and we exist on the same planet, yet we spend considerable time dividing ourselves based on trivial ideas and beliefs. So how do we resolve this mental issue? First it must be acknowledged as such. Delusional disorder is an illness characterized by at least 1 month of delusions but no other psychotic symptoms, according to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). ^[1] Delusions are false beliefs based on incorrect inference about external reality that persist despite the evidence to the contrary; these beliefs are not ordinarily accepted by other members of the person’s culture or subculture. Delusions can be characterized as persecutory (i.e., belief that one is going to be harmed by an individual, organization or group), referential (i.e., belief that gestures, comments, or environmental cues are directed at oneself), grandiose (i.e., belief that the individual has exceptional abilities, wealth, or fame), erotomanic (i.e., a false belief that another individual is in love with him/her), nihilistic (i.e., a conviction that a major catastrophe will occur), or somatic (i.e., beliefs focused on bodily function or sensation). Because cognitive organization and reality resting are otherwise intact in delusional disorder, it has been described in the literature as “partial psychosis. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/292991-overview

No one is born an alcoholic, but develops the traits over time and experience, a “racist”, is a victim of environment and society. No child is born racist and studies have proven time and time again that racism is a learned behavior. As a learned behavior, the cause and effect must be examined. Where is the behavior learned? Discrimination is natural; children will naturally gravitate towards kids that they like or prefer and shun or dispel those they inherently do not like, yet none of this is based on color of skin, but character and insight. Children understand someone looks different, but that is not a disqualifying factor. It is usually behavior that motivates discrimination, which one might argue should be its only litmus test. We should never judge each other by how we look, but by our behavior. Racists, knowing this, tend to point out behaviors in various cultures that conflict with their own, again a totally false argument. They tend to highlight behaviors that they themselves are guilty of, which go back to the argument of racism as a delusional psychological disorder.

So we understand that racism is a mental disorder, not a natural biological response. So who teaches it? Leadership. Those who have authority over the influenced spread their diseased ideology with the most effective contagion. This post will not highlight specific names, but it is usually those who have psychological disorders themselves and seek to manipulate others to their particular mindset. There is a benefit of the leadership, the ability to persuade the masses. Their ability to claim “superiority status” over others is highlighted by statements such as “I’m the Emperor”, “I was chosen by God”, “I was chosen by ….”. These statements are usually followed by rhetoric used to divide the populace and maintain a leadership position, because if the people are fighting internally they cannot unite and remove any true threats. A racist will never try to unite everyone because that unification challenges their delusion. This is a red flag example. If a person or leader is actively trying to divide people based on non-behavioral differences then they are a racist. If they attribute behavioral differences to one group (i.e. immigrants are criminals) without acknowledging that all groups are capable of the same actions (natives commit just as many if not more crimes), it is racist. Again, behavioral differences are not indicators of superiority/inferiority. There are pedophiles of all races, cultures, religions, and creeds. What is being stated is that this is what we should segregate and oddly we, as society, do through incarceration. Yet we should not incarcerate because of skin, culture, religion, or sexual preference, but because of harmful negative behavior.

The racist exhibits that behavior, much like alcoholism, yet people are hesitant to correct it or even address it. The “racist uncle” is sometimes the alcoholic, but neither disorders are addressed, and if so it is usually the alcoholism before the racism. Owning a gun is not a problem, but letting a racist get a gun, is tantamount to a drunk driver getting behind the wheel. It is only a matter of time before tragedy, yet as a society we frown upon the drunk driver, but not upon the racist. In short you have the right to drive, but not drive drunk. You have the right to own a weapon, but not operate it under the illusion that there is an inferior group of people to you. So some people are correct we need to focus on mental disease to fix gun violence but it needs to be highlighted that the mental disease that needs to be addressed is racism or delusional disorder.

Virtue

 

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Emma Lazarus
November 2, 1883

 

What is virtue? Most would reply it is the highest ideals of moral character. It is the point to which we strive for greatness in everything that we as humans do. Some believe it is founded in religion and faith, for how can one aspire to be greater if there is nothing greater as a template. To those who do not believe in religion, the idea of virtue is “being good for its natural and survivalist state”, (i.e. if I steal from others, others may see my actions and steal from me). In both cases it is the striving to rise above “homo sapiens sapiens” and become something better by behavior and thoughts. Philosophers and theologians have argued that animals do not possess such virtues and that humans are “touched by a higher power” to have them. While there has been no conclusive answers in over 10,000 years of recorded history, this post will focus on what virtue is, how it can be manifest in our daily lives, and why it should exist.

 

The 7 Virtues are Chastity, Charity, Temperance, Patience, Kindness, Humility, and Diligence. The list is very fluid, as there are various traditions of virtues among many different cultures. Under Bushido the 7 Virtues are Bravery, Justice, Benevolence, Veracity, Politeness, Honor, and Loyalty. If we look at both Eastern and Western Traditions, we can see a pattern of the positive aspects of human behavior. There is a recurring theme to be a good or better person, through emulating these ideas. The Holy Knight and the Samurai are martial romanticized examples of these ideals while the Saint or Monk are the ascetic versions. It’s the idea of being better than the average person by being more righteous and noble.

 

This all seems great and worthy of admiration, but how do we exhibit these virtues in a world of social media and instant gratification? This is no longer the 1500’s where stories of noble deeds inspired our boring lives of farming and labor. What is Patience to 3 day shipping? What is Kindness to internet anonymity? What is Justice to multi-million or billionaire donors? It has almost become impossible to maintain a Virtuous life in modern society. The bar has been set so low that being virtuous is actually negative. The man who shows Honor is considered weak. The woman who shows Chastity is considered undesirable. The Humble is abused, while the Loyal is taken advantage of until they have become redundant. Virtues in today society have almost become a crutch to being successful.

 

Is there a solution? How does one become virtuous in modern society without being completely abused and destroyed? Well, therein lays the power of virtue. Anyone can be immoral and cruel. TV shows and Movies celebrate those aspects, yet those shows and media mediums forget one thing, the bad guy is virtuous also. Virtue is not about doing good. Good and evil are relative. Virtue is about being your best self. When we engage in vices we are indulging our most primal animal instincts. This is not our best self, it is not refined or improved by experiences. When we are virtuous we are attempting to perfect ourselves, be that with actions, words, or thoughts. Gambling is not a vice, for when we walk outside every day we are gambling. Virtue is looking at the gambling and realizing what you need versus what you want. Ultimately all of Virtue and Vice comes down to “need versus want”.

 

A possible solution to becoming more virtuous is to focus solely on needs and less on wants. “But what about commercials and capitalism?”. They are two systems that thrive on the labor and wants of the most virtuous, the poor. “Wait, the poor are the most virtuous?” Yes. They have nothing to indulge with. The poor struggle every day to meet the most basic of needs, completely removing “wants” as impractical fantasies. When the true measure of virtue is the ability to focus on primary needs versus desires, the poor become paragons. The rich can be virtuous as well, but with the wealth to indulge every impulsive desire, the ability to focus on the most basic of needs become lost. This doesn’t mean the poor are not wealthy, wealth is truly determined by the person, not the society. A family with 4 kids and a crippling debt is wealthier than a rich couple that cannot have children.

 

In conclusion, Virtue is the aspiration to become our best selves, not attain some level of arbitrarily set goodness. The truly virtuous are those that can balance their needs and wants in homeostasis with the world. While the Virtuous are often the most attacked, they also have the greatest wealth of experience and have learned to improve themselves through difficult means. So strive to be virtuous, improve yourselves through recognition of experience, suppressing unnecessary desires for practical ones. Use the virtues as guide posts, but walk your own path and live your own truth.