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 religons, 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.
