Blogs are for Those Who...

I heard a professor once say that blogs are for people who want attention which may sometimes be true-but that is often misunderstood as "all of the time" :). I have also heard that blogging allows people to release their withheld emotions. Instead of screaming at somebody who has consistently frustrated you, you can write your thought down which will allow you to extinguish your emotions. This theory is most likely also true for some people. I have once or twice even written a blog while emotionally peaked, so I can vouch for this to be a legitimate reason for blogging. Blogging is important--and most essential--to me for another reason though. Blogging gives me the opportunity to give information to people in a feasible way: it's simple, it has high potential, I can stay better hidden (which is hardly true), and I will not be as easily rejected. I blog whenever I feel I must; not during a specific time, nor do I stress about a certain amount per month. I blog whenever I have an interesting idea or point. I blog because I enjoy it; it is fun. Blogging is an attempt by me to help those who I will never meet in person. This is why I choose to blog and why I choose to write.

My Paper on Public Education- 12/6/11

Public (High School) Education

            America, like any other society, has imperfections that a number of us recognize and have a desire to change. Since we are all born into differing circumstances and beliefs systems, our priorities on what needs to be renovated often differ. From my experiences, I have seen that some of our most significant, and hidden, problems originate from our years in the public educational system. All the way from elementary school onto high school, American laws and expectations have shaped public schooling into an institution based on conditioning and propaganda. Throughout the years, we have had bills such as No Child Left Behind passed that have forced teachers and administrators to rethink their methods. Like any other issue, it is essential that the majority of Americans first recognize that problems exist in our educational system. Our education is crucial because it is the bridge that leads us from child into young adult. I will make an attempt to divulge the ideals and misinformation that public education tends to teach, whether they do it purposefully or ignorantly.

            In the U.S., every state had passed education laws by 1918 that required children to go to school either when they reached the age of 16 or until they completed the eighth grade. This means that we are forced to go to school for at least eight years, (not including kindergarten). Many would argue that it is important for children to attend school because they need knowledge to survive and it gives our youth responsibilities. It is feared that if we aren’t forced to attend school then many children would choose not to do so. This may be the case but is still one that has not been proved, but instead suggested. This is also assuming that what children and young adults are being taught is important information that they can carry onto their adult lives. John Dewey, an education philosopher, called this “progressive education”  which refers to our country’s attempt to make public learning relevant to people’s lives. Now it is true that we learn fundamentals throughout schooling such as how to add, or read, or how specific processes function. In our society, it is necessary to know these things and that is why public school is there to teach it. The problem is not necessarily what things we are taught, but is instead how we are taught them and what we are not taught. In a history class, the teacher will tell us how something was without any possibility of refuting it. We aren’t given the opportunity to question it, and if we do, we are out-casted. Typically, our history teachers will tell us how communism was bad and failed; and how Karl Marx is evil because of his demonic system. We aren’t taught that communism can in fact be a decent system if it is done properly. We aren’t taught that it may in fact be even fairer than capitalism. According to our mentors and educators, capitalism is an un-bias system that gives each of us equal opportunity. That would include minorities who are brought up in ghettos without the advantage of having a decently funded schooling system. Also, most of what we are taught in public schools is forgotten because we store it in our short-term memories. We take hundreds of tests during school and must memorize specific definitions or facts in order to get a good grade. These good grades are essential because they are what get us into a good college--which eventually leads to a good career and financial success. There is a void in public education when it comes to imaginative thinking. There are also no classes that teach us how to think more effectively or efficiently. We don’t learn how to challenge beliefs or systems that we have been installed in. Instead, school continues to feed our ignorance as it gradually shapes us into what society wants us to be. I complain about how public school teaches us how to conform and how to be successful; but maybe that is what we should be taught. If we conform to norms and become agreeable, then we will have simpler lives without as much conflict. We can take advantage of the opportunities we are given and strive for an ideal life without as much suffering as possible. Also, if we want to be financially successful then public education is very effective. It is true in America that we must be well-educated and work hard to become wealthy and powerful. The argument I have is that we are being tricked into live full of unhappiness. Financial gain will only bring us happiness for so long; until we decide that we don’t like who we are and don’t enjoy what we are doing. We also need to realize that an ideal life is impossible and that it shouldn’t be our goal. Classes need to be less black and white; but if people don’t care, then maybe public education is doing a good job.

            A great contributor to the deterioration of American public education is the rise of standardized testing. Since No Child Left Behind was passed in 2001, standardized tests—such as SATs and CAT—have dominated public education. This law requires schools to reach specific assessment levels if they are to receive government funding. In order to assess these schools tests are given that determine how well the schools are doing. Test results have greatly aided universities with deciding who they will accept. If we were to eliminate standardized tests then universities would be forced to higher their GPA expectations to an unrealistic standard. Also, test results have been an accurate representation of how well a student will do in the future. The most significant result of standardized tests is that teachers and administrators are more accountable for their student’s production. This accountability should motivate teachers to work harder and more efficiently. Although there is no empirical evidence that this theory is true, those in favor of standardized testing will use these arguments to support their legitimacy. When some teachers were asked if they felt they were more accountable, many believed that they wanted to be accountable; but not for something in which they barely had an influence on. Teachers aren’t given the questions for standardized tests and therefore don’t necessarily know what specific facts and definitions to teach. Teachers can be held accountable in other ways such as visual assessments. When we establish this “only one true answer” system, students aren’t taught how to think critically or how to question. They are instead taught that answers have only one solution which must be bubbled in. Teachers aren’t given the freedom to apply their creative teaching methods and are instead encouraged to feed answers into their student’s minds. Human beings are all different but these tests expect us to each grow at the same rate. These tests, no matter how un-bias they may seem, are also unequal. There are factors other than intelligence and work ethic that determine a child’s test scores. A child’s background and community are important to their success. This system allows those who are more fortunate to continue their prosperity while those who are less fortunate continue to be oppressed. It is also discriminatory against students who think more abstractly. Not everyone has a gift in math or reading skills; but that doesn’t mean that they should be discounted. The same issue arises with IQ tests where only one part of the brain is actually measured. Many also believe that setting high standards will improve the outcome of education; yet, young adults are entering college without basic grammar skills or thinking skills. When we arrive at college, we must develop a new way of thinking that differs from our single solution mentality. Knowledge isn’t something that is continuously fed and memorized; knowledge is something that we must learn by ourselves with the help of our teachers. We don’t remember most of what we learn unless we find it useful or significant. For these reasons, the effects of standardized testing have resulted into a worse, rather than more efficient, system. Since the arrival of No Child Left Behind, congress has increased educational funding from $42.2 billion to $54.4 in 2007. We have increased funding for a worse educational program. Despite its ill effects, public education has been causing poor mental health even before standardized testing became so influential.

            The most significant lessons we learn in public schools are not from our classrooms, but from our social interactions with those who we are supposed to be similar to. Usually, we will have a group of friends that we can often carry throughout our schooling careers (despite the occasional adding and subtracting of certain friends). Because of parent’s failure to be properly educated, these boys and girls have almost identical beliefs and expectations for one another. We will not see a boy act sensitive; nor will see a woman being aggressive or un-womanlike. If we act incongruent with public expectations then we will be made fun of, out-casted, or even physically harmed. If a student feels they are different than those around them, they will be forced to repress their feelings to make it through. Teachers don’t often help because they themselves are stuck in these beliefs. High school—which isn’t where behaviors originate but where they blossom—is our life for four years. We don’t know what is beyond it and therefore attempt to make it as enjoyable as possible. The absence of true knowledge is what leads to these stereotypes and behaviors. Teachers even sometimes promote “being a teenager” or “being a man”. This is where we learn how to act and who to be. We pack away all of our instincts, drives, energy, and genuine feelings to become more agreeable. Despite my complaints, this conditioning that we go through is in line with what we will deal with in adult life. We have to know how to hide certain feelings, because if we don’t then we will be unprofessional. Also, if we want to get beautiful women then we most likely have to act tough and manly. These are true and important to know if we have these desires. Public school also teaches us discipline by punishing us for any wrongdoing. If we don’t learn how to behave then we will grow up to be immature, and have a better chance of not living up to what we can become. Administrators typically do a decent job of asserting power and making students fear them. That is a similar relationship that many of us will have with our boss or bosses. These socially learned lessons are very accurate to what we will face; and high school allows us to encounter situations that we can learn from and apply later. Despite the legitimacy of those arguments , public education is still missing fundamental lessons that leave us without answers. Public schools don’t teach us that being different is natural and that we will be happy if get past other’s ignorance. We aren’t taught how to build a strong personal foundation, but are instead weak and insecure because of social pressures. There isn’t a class on how to be self-sufficient or genuine. College is where I was first introduced to the practice of “critical thinking”. School is where we become who we are going to be for the rest of our lives unless we are enlightened. It is difficult to find any person who is consistently joyous or content with their life; and I believe that public education is a clandestine culprit.

            I have continuously been disappointed by the attitudes and decisions of human beings, and by intensely looking at our society, I’ve discovered that public education is a massive contributor. Until about the 1840s, schooling not available for the poor; nor was it available for women--so these situations have gotten better. Still, it is important to recognize issues that still exist and that are contributing to the frailness of people. There are certain things we are discouraged to question, and as a result, we develop ill wills and non-definable diseases. Schooling is important and almost anyone can agree on that. It is also important that teachers know how (and are allowed) to teach properly. Schools are treated like prisons with locked gates and bells telling students when it’s time to go. It is a factory where students are on a conveyor belt without the opportunity to get off. The majority of us may see school as a necessary path that cannot be ideal; but that is a justification for not wanting or caring enough to change it. Human beings have extraordinary potential and if we don’t fix America’s schooling system then we will always be ill willed and weak.

Why aren't we Allowed to be Discontent?

Whenever we may be feeling upset, some of us remind ourselves or are even told that it could be much worse. We are constantly reminded that although something tragic may have happened to us, somebody else out there is suffering from worse tragedy. In conclusion, we shouldn't be feeling bad for ourselves because we are spoiled compared to so many others. Despite our discontent, society continuously preaches that we have no reason to feel unhappy and should therefore be joyous. So, because of this artificial comparison, we are forced to repress our natural feelings and hide any problems we may have because our issues are considered diminutive. Yes, it is obvious that other humans will almost always be suffering more than you are but that would make up 99.9% of the world since there will always be at least one person out there suffering more than you are. This argument is irrelevant and has caused some of us to feel guilty about our raw feelings of discontent. Somebody will always have it worse; and somebody will always have it better. We shouldn't continue to make comparisons to other people's lives or their situations. Television shouldn't make us feel worse about what positions we are in just because they falsify theirs. Don't feel guilty if you aren't always happy because I promise you, it is natural!

The Young Boy

Once there was a young boy who didn't know how to make friends. He would try to socialize but found that he could not be himself while around people he didn't know. He simply mirrored their personalities and never gave his true beliefs on the matters they would be discussing. All of his peers would be laughing and could easily make friends so he decided that there must have been something wrong with him. Maybe it was the way he was raised, or maybe he was just born different; whatever the reason, he decided he needed to change his social behaviors. So, he began to stray away from his strongly held beliefs and conformed to be more agreeable with his peers. Before, he wasn't being his genuine self but now he actually began to take on these new approaches that he had previously considered ridiculous. Soon, he found that talking with his friends became much easier. School became more exciting and he began to look forward to each new day. He was now happier and less confused. The world went smoothly for him and he began to see different people as strange or wrong. This young boy grew up and eventually became a police officer. One of his friends that he grew up with, who happened to be a girl, also became a police officer. The two ended up in a romantic relationship and wedded a few years later. About five years later, the couple had three children; they have two girls and one boy. The girls, who were older, did well in school and got along with almost everyone. They were adored by both of their parents who considered them bright and sweet. The boy wasn't so fortunate. Throughout his first couple years in school, the boy had trouble making friends. The school administrators told the parents that they thought the boy probably had a personality disorder. The parents took him to a psychologist who could not make an efficient diagnoses. The father decided that he would speak to his child. He told him that he could no longer be grumpy at school and must make an effort to get along. He also told him that if he wanted to be successful, he would have to do his work and be respectful to his teachers. The boy listened. He began doing very well, which was how his teachers described it, and no longer had any more problems. He grew up and became lawyer. He married a social worker who he had known from his University. They eventually got married and had a few children together. And from there, the paradox continued.

Why not be Normal?

There is hardly any incentive for any of us to challenge what is considered normal. Life is so much easier if we just conform and simply accept life as it has been shaped. A lot of us may believe that we are different or challenge the norms, but we still all remain within the same realm. We may share different fads or contradicting beliefs, but we are still within the same realms. Of course, I once again cannot be angry because there is no reason to be different. Trying to see the world from a different perspective is a monumental challenge each and every day. I see people as strong and courageous at certain times; but they are also often very weak. Sometimes, it is even selfish to challenge the normal lifestyle which adds more to the burden withdrawal can hold. Even those of us who think that we are different are often selfish and oblivious of our own blindness. We all would like to be remembered and we all would like to make a historical impact (I don't like to speak for everyone but it is generally the case). Even some of those humans who have drastically changed our culture seemingly did it for a personal incentive (once again, not all of them). I am not exceedingly intelligent which is another reason why I am disappointed that I can see obvious things that so many others cannot. My dream is that someday a person reads my blogs and appreciates what I have to say. I would love to be recognized for anything helpful that I might have written or that I may have inspired. But, yet again, that is selfish of me and I want it because life doesn't seem to offer anything better. I am selfish, that is true, and I wish I could care only about others. I am more selfless and less selfless than other--which is the case of every person. I am not lonely in this world because I have a family who cares for me. Still, I am lonely in the realm of my mind.  

How do we Treat the Handicapped?

No matter how we decide to look at handicapped people, the reality is that we look at them differently and usually notice them. As an example, let us look at a person whose arm has been amputated. We are taught that it is rude to look at somebody with a disability--in this case the person with the amputated arm--and teach ourselves to look away from them. Even though our child instincts--which are usually the honest instincts--tell us that somebody looks different, we have decided that it is more respectful to not recognize the missing limb. If we were handicapped, would we want somebody to be staring us? It makes complete sense but why don't we look at another perspective. We know that when we look at a handicapped person, we are not looking at them in disgust (at least in most cases). Rather, we usually look at them and feel sympathetic or become interested since it isn't what we normally see. As children, we tend to look because of our innocent curiosity which would fit the second option. Whatever the reason, it is still considered inconsiderate to stare at the handicapped. We have conditioned ourselves to stray away from our genuine reactions. We want to stare but we know that it's considered wrong. If I were handicapped, I would not want people to stare at me either; but I also would not want people to purposely look away from me. Tough situation, possibly unsolvable; but maybe we should consider what is natural.  

I am Not Angry, but Disappointed

Almost everyday, I become more disappointed in the way we humans choose to act. I am disappointed in most of you and I am disappointed in myself. I am disappointed to see how most customers treat retail employees--or any employees. I am disappointed to sit next to a tree and to have everybody pass by me without a word. I get disappointed when I see somebody look at me strangely if I smile at them. I am disappointed in myself for succumbing to social pressure and being too afraid to speak out. I am disappointed in myself for being spiteful towards people just because my mind may be tired. I am disappointed in my weakness; I am disappointed in most of yours. It is sad how afraid of each other we are. It is disappointing that we all know people are dying, yet we cannot get past our daily hiccups. It is disappointing that we fail to learn from our life lessons although we are constantly reminded of them. It is disappointing that I am typing my thoughts on a computer right now but will soon forget my own sermon. I am not angry at people because that would not be just; but I am disappointed that we hardly try to maintain or develop any laws of virtue. Despite my disappointment, I still have everlasting hope in the human being and in myself.

The Rational Don't Hate

How many of us hate murderers? How many of us hate the people who bombed the World Trade Center? How many of us hate people of a certain race or culture? Of course, their are infinite possibilities that initiate hate (some being more justifiable than others). If we all think rationally without any biases, will we still hate these "types" of people? Let us look at murderers. Serial killers often have mental illnesses that they have unfortunately developed because of several factors. Those who kill for an incentive are different, but still, are they killing just to be evil? A person will not kill somebody without an incentive, fear, false concept, or disorder. Don't our American soldiers kill people? That is more justifiable though since we cannot relate with those in other nations. If somebody in my family were murdered then I would with no doubt hate that person. I can say right now, since that hasn't happened, that I would be thinking irrationally. I would still hate that person no matter what anyone told me because my emotions would be extraordinarily high. Still, I can say right now that I would be in an irrational state. I am by no means justifying homicide so please don't confuse me with having no conscience or sympathy (that would be far from the truth as I see it). What about race and cultural background? Some have been tainted so badly that they refuse to even consider a person's difference. There is no reasoning with this mind-set which is overly frustrating; but I still do not hate these people. Some do not believe that they may dislike another race or culture and are unaware of their prejudices. Many of us are ignorant of our biases but I don't want to get anyone upset. Actually, I really don't mind upsetting people but it would be nearly impossible for me to have some people realize their faults. We just hate so often, and to be honest, hating can be enjoyable and easy. What is the problem with hating certain people we may ask? Well, I guess nothing if you don't find fault in other people hating you for what you have been born with. Life is toooooo short, we shouldn't spend it hating. (I initially put "stop hating", but that is too direct and might make you feel like I am demanding something or you. I don't want people to get defensive.)

Our Paradox

We don't have a lot of time to live. Our era may be now, but soon it will belong to a billion completely different people. Yet, even though our time is so short, most of us are doing the same things as one another everyday. Even if we have a breakthrough or decide to change our lives, we eventually go back to what we used to do. We might learn things that make us want to appreciate our lives more. We might learn things that reveal to us a bigger picture in which we are blind of. Still, after we may be enlightened to some extent, we just forget what we've learned and return to our old mindsets. We can hardly be blamed though since that is how the natures of our minds work. We are basically forced to go back into our set lifestyles without much of a option to break through it. It is similar to the unfortunate people born into low income nations or in the slums of our society. They don't have much opportunity to better themselves and aren't given a fair opportunity. For some reason, we all believe that we're all given a fair opportunity although it is certainly not the truth. I truly wish that all people were intelligent and open-minded and good, but I believe it may not be the truth. People have shown that they are in fact weak and stubborn. I know barely anything, you all know barely anything, and hopefully we can appreciate that fact together.

Stay Human

I put my E-Book on sale today at Amazon. I apologize for promoting myself but this is really the only way I know how to. It costs $3 and is available here: http://www.amazon.com/Stay-Human-ebook/dp/B0063P4S0E/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1320510014&sr=8-5 

No Voice

Imagine a situation in which you know or see something that almost nobody else sees. Your friends, family and the rest of the world fail to see what you see. When you attempt to expose your revelation, all people do is reject you and team together to put your ideas down. So, you are forced to live in a social environment where people continue living their lives while you know that it is but an illusion. It would be torture of the mind. The only person whom you can talk to about your perspective, (without being attacked), is yourself. The people are too stubborn and stuck in their beliefs to even attempt to listen to you. They think you are a fool and, because they have more credibility, they must be right. This is the life that you have been delivered and there is nothing you can do to change it. Your power is weak. Most likely, you will die knowing that everyone was oblivious. How dare you question someone who may have more experience. You shouldn't challenge someone who has gone to a better college than you. This is because everyone has been sold these beliefs. Imagine this situation and how frustrating it would be; to have nobody respect what comes out of your mouth because you have no accolades. What a horrible situation to be in; life must get better.

My Enlightenment

In my view, Enlightenment is a period when people begin to genuinely think for themselves. It is a time when people are no longer worried about social pressures and things that they cannot control. I don't expect people to all be happy, but I do expect Enlightenment to open everyone's minds and offer a brand new perspective. This perspective should allow people to see past propaganda and their own ridiculous behaviors. It should be a time in which people make selfless decisions without the hopes of getting anything in return. The Enlightenment should liberate people from their endless lust for wealth and power. Money should no longer be the divine power that controls our people. Instead, the Enlightenment should teach us how to work together in order to achieve goals that we are all attempting to reach. People will no longer have individualistic mind-sets because greed should no longer be an issue. Untainted freedom of thought should also exist and nothing should be considered taboo. We should finally be allowed to challenge concepts that we may find questionable. When Enlightened, people should realize that we cannot understand everything and cannot verify anything. Senses should no longer dominate our beliefs when the Enlightenment arrives. We should all learn to think rationally with few emotional distractions. Life should be better for everyone, but not because we have more materials, but because we will have a greater understanding of life's realistic possibilities. No longer will we pursue things that we hope will make us infinitely blissful, because Enlightenment will teach us that happiness is not necessary for us to be content with ourselves. For me, Enlightenment is a time when things become utopian. My expectations of what Enlightenment should be are unrealistic but that doesn't matter since it is only my idea. Enlightenment should be a time when we are happy with ourselves and no longer care how the world views us. All that should matter is that we know we are good people by our own standards. This is my Enlightenment.

Halloween Candy Poisoning

I was fortunate enough to learn that poisoned candy, during Halloween, is one of our society's great myths. There has never been an incident when a child's candy has been poisoned, although it has been used as an excuse for other crimes. For example, Kevin Totson, a five year old, died when he consumed heroine sprinkled on his candy bar. Later, it was discovered that the drug actually came from his uncle who stashed the heroine in the bar. Because of stories similar to these--and because of the continuous propaganda the news feeds us--we believe in these mirages and become even further ignorant. Not enough of us question what we are told, and that, consequentially, turns into ignorance. Also, this is good to know since now we can be less worried about the candy our children eat!

Those Who Criticize Us

It makes most of us upset when we hear somebody speak poorly about us. Sometimes, we get angrier when we are insecure about what we are being criticized about. For example, if I have shame in what career I am in then I might react more to a criticism of it. We also sometimes react if we know that there is absolutely no truth to one someone is saying. Either way, the Enchiridion (a wonderful guide on how to better live a life), offers a way to get past these emotional reactions. This is the perspective it offers on those who speak down on us: "He does not know my other faults, else he would not have mentioned only these." So, if a person attacks some aspect of our behaviors, or personality, then we should say to ourselves, "Thank goodness they don't know our worse faults". That is one idea that you can take from this viewpoint, but whatever you take, hopefully it opens your mind on how to better look at unpleasant situations.


Source: The Enchiridion, by Epictetus 
http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html

What is Racist?

Racism is a problem in the world. People are murdered, hated, and discriminated against because of their ethnic heritage. Mexicans have become the new black slaves and are looked at as insignificant laborers. How often do we acknowledge our gardeners or those taking our orders at a fast food chain? Aren't all of us racist by the general definition though? Are we racist if we recognize that the person sitting across from us is asian, or is it only racist if we act upon our observation? Sadly, it appears that many have to make an effort to look at a hispanic or black person as human. This is because of how we are conditioned to believe that certain races are poor and dirty. (Television plays a massive role in the conditioning process). We are taught to fear black people with a non-ideal face expression. They are all poor and, of course, poor people are EVIL. It is so hard for the majority of people to look past what has been framed for them; many of them even refuse. But what is racism? Are you racist? I don't know, but I do see how foolish people can be when they are mentally blinded.

High School-A Terrible Institution

The closest thing that we have to prison in the United States would arguably be high school. For four years, we are forced to go into a confined institution where we have gates, security guards, and meal times. A bell sounds to alert us when we need to enter the next classroom. How about the social interactions we have? First, we are pressured to join a group, or gang, if we want to make our experience more pleasurable.  There is racism--which is sparked from television and poor parenting skills--and criminal behavior going on all over. Girls are pressured to act as sluts and the majority of the males treat them as sexual objects. From my experience, I saw that teachers often promote these behaviors. Sociology class isn't really a sociology class. History class feeds propaganda into student's minds to make the United States look like a heroic country. To top it off, we have programs such as No Child Left Behind that promote bad education. These programs assess the teachers on how well their students test. So, teachers feed answers to the students instead of actually creating an innovative learning process. We often forget most of what we learned in high school because things really only enter our short term memories. We can only remember what we've learned if we find something interesting or important about what we are learning. High school plays an essential role in shaping us into what we become. We learn how to fit in. We learn how to treat women. We learn how badly it feels to be excluded or ignored. High school is a terrible place that--until we are 16--we are forced to go through. Hopefully, someone will change how high schools function and make it a more productive educational institution. For all those humans in high school right now, I empathize for you and promise that life gets better.

Basic Needs

Maslow showed in his Hierarchy of Needs that we need basic needs before anything. I wanted to give my opinion on this concept. I have learned, and probably so has everyone else, that nothing matters if we are starving, tired, or out of our comfort zones. By our comfort zones, I mean the typical standards that we are used too. We don't often leave our comfort zones, which is appropriate since then it would no longer be considered an uncomfortable zone. It is amazing to me how important it is for us to be settled in order to be in a normal state--whatever you take from the concept of "normal". I agree with Maslow that basic needs are crucial, but am unsure if it should be on the bottom of the pyramid. For instance, my brother pointed out a situation in which basic needs might be considered second. What if you were extraordinarily hungry and tired, but then a person came up and pointed a gun at you? Wouldn't safety be more important to sustain than our basic needs? Just an interesting question that could be flawed either way.

Is There a Selfless Act?

There has been an argument made that a truly selfless act doesn't exist. Even if you do something without telling anybody about it, you are still in deed doing it for yourself. (As a way of making yourself feel good about yourself). Is it true though that nobody can make a selfless decision without getting something out of it? First, we should define what selfless means. Typically, we consider someone or something selfless if they care more about someone else's needs than their own. If I want to watch a football game but my little brother wants to go to the park, then taking him to the park would be considered a selfless act. Of course, when we make a selfless decision, we are giving up something of our own--which may be as simple as our time. God can also be a negator of a selfless act, because some people do good with the hope that God is watching them. They believe that they will be rewarded in return for their good deed. Whether or not that reward comes is insignificant. Most of what we can think of--which does not include everything--includes some kind of reward in response to a person's selfless action. So in that aspect, maybe there is no such thing as a purely selfless act. But, we shouldn't let that take away from actions or behaviors that most of us would consider to be selfless. Consider the previous example I have given. Although I may feel good about myself for choosing my brother over my game, isn't still a pretty selfless act? Why should we feel guilty for feeling good about ourselves? So yes, ideal selflessness may not exist but does it really matter?

Why Pursue Happiness?

It has become an expected theory that human beings are supposed to strive for happiness. It makes sense doesn't it? What else would be the goal of our short lives? Even if we become exceptionally wealthy or powerful, what is the point if we aren't happy? It seems though that since the beginning of time, nobody has been able to formulate a blueprint on how to become "happy". Even stars, who are looked up to as deities, don't seem to be happy. What if being happy is only a temporarily felt emotion that cannot be maintained? If we hear that we are going to be parents, or if we get promoted, or even if our sport's teams win, don't we feel happy? Is that what happiness is supposed to be or are we just being stimulated by something exciting? Also, why can't we maintain that stimulation? Well, maybe we should pretend for a moment that obtaining ideal happiness is impossible. Let us pretend that we live life not pursuing happiness, but just simply accepting it when it comes. I understand that we are much more complex than any other living creature, but it doesn't seem like other mammals live their lives attempting to find happiness. Maybe the only realistic goal that we have is to keep ourselves alive for as long as we can. That has become so much easier though will technology and medical advances, so now we are looking for something else to feed on. Happiness might just be a bonus that we feel we must have. Of course, happiness may indeed exist but should we feel like it is necessary? I want to be happy, you probably want to be happy, so why not strive for it. The point I am making is that maybe we are looking for something that shouldn't be expected. Like anger, maybe it's something that we will inevitably feel from time to time, but won't keep forever.

Conceptual Loyalty

We feel, and are often pressured, to choose between one concept or another. There are typically two choices and if we refuse to commit to one, then we will most likely be discounted. Let us look at the American political system. Although various parties may exist, we will only be considered if we side with either the Democrats or the Republicans. Any other party is commonly thought of as a joke, and does not receive any recognition during elections. We may not agree with one party or the other but still must choose one if we want to have any contribution to who we elect. If we refuse to choose one over the other then others will commonly criticize us or attempt to persuade us. Another common debate would be over the existence of God. Either we believe in God--which probably means we're religious--or we don't and we are considered Atheists. Why can't we say "I don't know if God exists, and therefore decide not to commit"? Again, we will be shunned by society because we admit that we don't know. For some reason, most of us feel like we have the ability to understand everything there is to know about life. Some things we admit that we cannot completely understand--such as gravity or dark matter--but don't realize that there are probably infinite concepts we can never understand. Let us not commit to concepts just because of social pressure. Before we commit to a belief, we should investigate it and understand every perspective that can be taken on it. I hope that our society ends it's cycle of only seeing in black and white.