My birthday has occurred and I am 76. Don’t feel that old, but I am. Over three-quarters of a century. The changes that have occurred from a scientific and technological perspective are astounding. We all have benefited from an immense improvement in our standard of living, even the poorest Americans are far better off. But the technological advances have not been matched by changes in basic human behavior from our emergence in the African plains. We are still strongly tribal and very prone to demagogic leaders taking a whole population off the rails into violent conflict. The amount of human and material resources wasted in conflict is beyond belief, enough to satisfy the basic needs of every human on the planet.
We don’t learn from experience. In the oldest full democracy on the planet with the most successful relatively free market economy, large segments of the population still fall for delusional promises that government can take care of all their needs for free and run everything very efficiently. That is literally insane. As I noted above, we can’t seem to learn that no one, certainly not humanity as a whole, wins from violent conflict. People still fall prey to inhumane religions, at least as they are practiced, like Islam. I despair for my children and grandchildren, but maybe we will muddle through. Maybe a real leader will emerge to show the world how to end conflict.
On a personal level, and I am sure all older people share this, it is simply unbelievable how quickly the time passed. I remember being a child and I don’t know where all those days and years went. I have been very fortunate, despite a rough childhood, and I believe it is important to share that good fortune as much as I can. I have learned a lot, and keep trying to learn. I read as much as I can, talk to people from all walks of life. I think I have learned a few things about how to have a good life, no matter what; how to control your emotions, how to relate well to others. How to think for yourself and make your own decisions. Don’t follow anyone; don’t be influenced by anyone, without your own independent assessment of a situation.
I will again express my extreme gratitude for all readers and listeners, and soon I will be on video! I hope I have in some way provided you with useful information and analysis.
Happy Birthday Kevin! Don’t let the advancing years stop you from sharing your wisdom on your blog. We all appreciate your knowledge!
Happy Birthday! Wishing you continued good health and the desire and ability to continue your important commentary. Thank you for taking the time to share your insights.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Roche! May it be your best birthday yet and the least of those to come! I thoroughly enjoy your perspective on everything you you opine about, and thank you for your service in the #ForeverWar against #DomesticEnemy collectivists.
Beautiful. Just a few yrs behind you & feel the same way. Working now on inspiring grandchildren. It’s never too late to impact one more young person with the hope of making a difference.
Happy birthday, Kevin! Congratulations on 76 years. I’m 66 and I echo all you wrote.
My only advice is to not despair over what you cannot control. Focus on family and friends and an enjoyable life. You do what you can to help this world, and that is appreciated, but there’s not much you can really to do change it.
God bless you and your family.
Mark Pittman
Happy Birthday, Kevin! I appreciate all that you share with us. I hope you had a great birthday with your family and friends.
Happy birthday Kevin. I’ve followed you since the Wuhan flu started and appreciate your insight, expertise and most of all your bluntness. Every time I started to feel a little overwhelmed and started to believe the “experts”, one of your emails would show up and talk me off the ledge.
Thanks for all you do.
And remember, birthdays are good for you, the more you have the longer you live. 🙂
You were made in the image of God. Happy birthday
Happy Birthday, Kevin! I look forward to your commentary every day and really appreciate the personal replies I’ve received to my comments. As with others, I’m not far behind you in birthdays and definitely can relate to how fast the years have flown by. It’s so important to keep things in perspective and do our best to enjoy what little time any of us has on this planet.
Happy Birthday, Kevin. I trust you are well and will be able to continue in your calling. Appreciate all the time and energy you devote to improving our thinking abilities. Truly, you are a gift.
Wisdom often comes with age.
By March 2020, I had been through the 5th or 6th end of the world event. As such, my fear of covid was minimal. I saw it for what it was and didnt panic.