Credo

XVII. ON RELIGION

 

From the earliest of human existence, and self-awareness, our ancestors undoubtedly understood their vulnerability to the environment. It was apparent that the human had limited control over the living and inanimate world. Hunts may or may not be successful. Crops could fail. Cities and monuments could be destroyed by volcanoes, floods, and earthquakes. Microorganisms as a basis for diseases were to be understood beginning in the 17th century, and genetics later.  And so, the need for supernatural powers to be invoked allowing the human to believe they had some understanding how their world functioned. Prayer and sacrifice to magical deities or spirits would perhaps give some control over an all-powerful and mysterious environment. By acknowledging those forces appeals could be made to intercede for the humans. Almost certainly, this was one of the primordial roots of religion. Perhaps another root was the realization by classes of humans that control and practice of the supernatural beliefs and the accompanying rituals could be a means to obtain some dominance within cultures. Power and material gain. Over time the beliefs and the rituals became enshrined as well-defined religions. As a young boy, probably in my pre-teen or early teen years I was introduced to the concept that the Judeo-Christian core belief was that instead of the multitude of gods there was only one god. One true god who heard and answered prayers or not depending on worthiness. I can’t recall but I suspect that this belief in one true deity, supreme over everything was also introduced to me as the essential belief of the Muslims. I accepted this and learned to go through the motions of praying and asking god for HIS beneficence. Then, as I aged and opened my eyes and brain to the world in which I inhabit I came to understand that one true god offered no great advantage over a multitude of gods. The same fallacies that the ancients such as Egyptians, Greeks and Romans espoused got them little good over the long-haul or for that matter even over the short-term. “Results” of praying at best were a crap shoot and at worst delusional and due to actions that were often seemingly counterproductive. Perhaps it would be better to keep a low profile and not even bring yourself to god’s notice? Even now in the 21st-century polytheistic beliefs are probably practiced by greater numbers of humans then mono- theism. In Catholicism with all the saints to whom prayers are made, what with Jesus, is not Catholicism at least semi-poly-theistic?  Then there is Hinduism. Atheism whether professed openly or quietly believed without overt proclamation is probably becoming more ascendant amongst the rational and educated populace. Other than persecution for their atheism by the true believers, I have seen no penalty in this life for the non-believers or for that matter in a non-existent after-life. The real risk is any contrary religious or other belief in a majority intolerant population. Of-course the faithful can invoke heaven as the ultimate benefit for true belief and practice. Hell is the ultimate cost of atheism or the wrong religion.  On earth persecution and death accost the non-believers. The unanswerable questions of cost and benefit of belief and non-belief I leave for the voyager to determine on the other side of the great curtain of which none can be certain.

 

Recently, I encountered a true believer, a complete stranger who berated me as a sinner. She challenged my reply that I was no sinner by accusing me of sins; did I never, “… sin by whoring?” I terminated the conversation seeing no gain for either of us.

 

Realizing the Superlative Intellect or if you wish, god or evolution or the universe or whatever over-riding force in which one believes, that power does not spell-check or censor content. This permits me great freedom to avoid caps and to curse out all or any of the above with the foulest of thoughts and language. I am too minimal to be of any concern to the greatest of universal power. Less concern than a gnat on a gnat on the hair of a dinosaur, a noble race obliterated by that non-compassionate power with a single stroke.

 

Pakistan, a seemingly overwhelmingly devout Muslim country in August 2022 had terrible flooding. I wonder if most accept it as god’s will and what were their collective sins? On the large scale and small scale, god seems to disappoint.

 

XVIII. SLAVERY

 

In the United States slavery is synonymous with the enslavement of black people, yet undoubtedly slavery existed in the Americas among native people pre-European appearance. Slavery existed through-out cultures from the earliest of human times as if it is a part of the genome. I was surprised recently although I should not have been, that the Viking culture was built on slavery and that their notorious violent raiding was in great measure for the purpose of acquiring slaves to return to Scandinavia. Just another tendency to use the labor of others for one’s own needs and desires.

 

Humans learned early on to enslave animals and similarly placed other humans in the same categories as animals, for the labor, gratifications and even as a food in some cultures. From the advent of early Europeans in America and extending into current times, some have remained enslaved whether native peoples, Asians, whites, blacks and racially mixed. Color and ethnicity do not cause or prevent slavery. These may enhance slavery’s ease of application, but the root cause is economic gain. If we look deeply, we see that slavery exists in the USA today in secret sweat shops and prostitution. Some would go further to characterize low wages and few worker rights as the residua of slavery, or a low-level persisting slavery. Example the treatment of illegal immigrants as cheap or even enforced labor in so many countries. A bargain is hard to pass up! Slavery has been an equal opportunity custom in that slaves have become slave owners; whites have enslaved whites. Asians, blacks and all ethnicities have enslaved or enabled slavery. Where would American slavery have been without the complicity of Africans in procuring slaves for the Europeans? From a reactionary viewpoint, no doubt many would re-institute slavery if done “humanely” and with the slaves “having some rights”. Of-course slavery is a most flagrant form of injustice amongst humans where injustices burgeon about us on a daily basis. Witness the recent American administration (2016-2020) of Trump and his enablers and its actions. Like so many concepts, injustice is defined on individual and societal bases.

 

In America color has been one of the defining features of wealth inequity. Unequal treatment of black and other people of color people for loans, education and employment has been an important factor in propagation of poverty and “semi-slavery”.  Wealth is the path to greater wealth, hence the omni-presence of almost incomprehensible wealth in individuals and families and their accompanying power throughout history. Wealth is rewarded by greater wealth. Skill, talent, and intellect may be rewarded by wealth, but poverty has no reward save for those who would gain from the poverty and lack of power of others.

 

To rectify the injustices of American slavery should we pay compensation to people of color? If so, what about the countless other injustices that have limited the lives and well-being of so many. I have no easy answer. The human intellect could attempt through enlightenment to define a societal justice that touches all. A difficult if not impossible task with so many currents and countercurrents in our society. To gain from the loss of others is a difficult tendency to overcome. We humans can rationalize any evil by defining what is and is not evil. And so, slavery was always justified as ordained by the gods or “the one true god” or by the inherent inferiority of some peoples, if at all questioned. The Confederacy had no shortage of “men of god” of various religious denominations who justified slavery as the will of the almighty. No difference in the minds of some today.

 

XVII.  WHO WATCHES OVER US IF GOD DOESN’T?

 

I fear the answer is no omnipresent being. No god, no Jesus, no guardian angels. Jesus himself as the song goes, “Jesus walked that lonesome Valley. He had to do it by himself.” And so, no matter how many love us, no matter how closely bonded we are we still walk through this life as individuals. Knowing that others care allows us to walk accompanied by the love and existence of those to whom we are linked. Still, we must rely on ourselves to primarily care for ourselves. No matter how wonderful the doctor, no matter how supporting others are for you, you still must look after yourself. We all walk on thin ice with only a fine line separating a long happy life from possible catastrophe. The Blueprint allows so many options. For-example, ocean waves may be gentle slowly rocking us to sleep in our boat. A rogue wave or tidal wave may cause destruction. A young man, the father of six children on a beach in North Carolina loses his balance when struck by a wave. He breaks his neck and dies on the spot. A young couple enjoying at national park in Canada are found brutally murdered. The circumstances which engulf humans and nonhumans alike are statistical fluxes over which we have little or no control. The best doctors make mistakes. The best hospitals, the best airlines have breakdowns of procedures and protocols. Truly, we walk this path without any divine assistance. We flow with the tide of the Blueprint going with whatever current we encounter in the Blueprint steering our course in limited fashion.

 

 

XVIII. WHY ARE WOMEN SMALLER ON AVERAGE THAN MEN?

 

The Masterplan demands reproduction. Evolution has enabled reproduction by multiple means, one of which in humans is the smaller size of the female. The larger male is enabled for the physical battles, survival including mating.  All living organisms must reproduce to propagate their lineage. The essential purpose of life is to live. All life functions are broadly sub-ordinated to the purpose of reproduction. Reproduction brings about change, in other words Evolution. While some species may appear not to evolve or change overtime, most probably changes do occur which are not readily appreciated by the humans. As with so many mammals, and non-mammalian species the male tends to be larger and stronger. A small, physically weak female is unable to deny sexual access to the large physically dominant male. Rape has been a common feature of the female/ male relationship throughout the eons and not just amongst the humans. So, we may look at the small female size relative to the male as another trait fostering reproduction. Factor into the equation the need of the pregnant female for protection and sustenance for her and her offspring.  Despite the relatively small size of the female, the Masterplan has endowed the female with an intellect the equal of that of the male although with some differences perhaps in the emphasis in some areas of intellect. This too is of essence in propagation of the species. A female of low intellect undoubtedly has a lesser capability of nurturing the successful of the next generation. As human culture has evolved in some subcultures force multiplier’s have come about of benefit to females and males. One can argue that these force multipliers have actually benefited the females more than males. These force multipliers include laws with a responsible judicial system which enables for example in the western culture, females as never before. Female suffrage, educational equality, reproductive science, firearms and a leveled financial system are other force multipliers which benefit females. I would argue that the force multipliers for women remain insufficient. Control or lack there-of, of women’s’ own bodies, reproductive rights is currently one of the great battlefields in our society. As is often the case, religious beliefs are used to foster the subjugation of women’s bodies by the male dominant society. Some women acting on behalf of their god’s intent or by the dictates of males enable this type of slavery. Group action by women who want to resist their enslavement with the assistance of similar minded males is a great equalizing trend. This struggle is strongly reminiscent of the ongoing battle against slavery. Make no mistake however, that women even in the most advanced Western society still lag behind the male in terms of power. When one surveys retro-societies such as fundamentalists and primitive, uneducated groups we can appreciate the archaic situation of women in such countries as Saudi Arabia, India and a host of smaller nations in Africa, and Asia and South America. Institutions such as the Catholic Church, fundamental Muslims and evangelical Christians all work to retard the rights that Evolution has endowed in women.

 

Summarizing the abortion fight in the USA

 

 Male physical power and female dependency led to male financial and political power from the tribal chieftains to the kings, emperors, and religious leaders in all the faiths old and new, to the dictators and politicians. Often the female has largely served the purpose of breeding stock exemplified to this day by the fundamentalist societies. In Afghanistan the female is in an enclosed cocoon, gift wrapped in cloth, uneducated to be impregnated by the powerful male reinforced by the male dominated society which is self-perpetuating and severely punitive for any female that strays.

Let me pose the question as to what is the strongest action a woman can take to reject male dominance over her mind, spirit, and body? I submit that it is to reject his offspring by preventing fertilization of her ova or destroying his offspring. So, the male dominant culture tries to prevent these female options by invoking religious, moral arguments enhanced by the submissive women who have been fed the weak pablum and indoctrinated by the male conjured religiosity. Tell me, where is this god that protects and wants to protect the sanctity of human life starting with the moment of conception. No, if there be such a caring god it is the same one that is the destroyer of untold gestations and the creator of misery. No, there is no such deity.

 

In short, the abortion battle is that of male dominant culture in the US mainly in the hands of white politicians and white religious leaders, to maintain their power, their possession over the female body. They are aided and abetted by females, and people of color who have been indoctrinated. They use their religiosity to condone their battle against female equality and freedom. This may not be something not even in their conscious awareness well masked by their religious fervor.  Ultimately, it remains with women to unite and be joined by like-minded, males not invested in the falsities of what some non-existent anthropomorphic god desires and to control their own destinies and their intellect to come full blossom.

 

When does a human life begin? I am unaware that any “holy” scriptures state that a human life, personhood begins at conception. Clearly the concept is an acquired religious belief fostered by a false piety and holiness for the most part. Sanctity of life is something we may espouse but at every level of society this sanctity takes second place to economics, political, punishment by society, religious extremism, and warfare. The reason life is not sacred? The Blueprint/ordains destruction of life from in the human example, conception to varying age determined by numerous chance factors. Suppose for a moment that there is a god. Then why would an all- powerful god who ordained sanctity of life destroy as many as 3/4th of all human embryos? Did a perfect god make so many mistakes? Regardless, that god would be far and away the greatest abortionist ever. The faithful would tell you that god works his will in mysterious ways. They use the inexplicable to explain the inexplicable.

 

 

XXI ON METRICS

 

We all have a multitude of common needs and traits as humans and living organisms yet many aspects of our being as individuals are unique. In-utero and as young children we are measured by developmental milestones in terms of our anatomy, physiology and composite function. As we go through the various stages of our life, we continue to measure ourselves and are measured or judged by others and society in general by internal and external standards. Yet, one size does not fit at all. We are each so unique that to continue to measure ourselves solely by common standards does a disservice to our individuality. Point: We must be cautious in our self-evaluations and measurements and of others.

If we use medical treatment as an example, we realize that one antibiotic doesn't cure all infections nor does one immunization prevent all illnesses.

Examining nutrition, we can appreciate that different individuals may need different mixes of nutrients. I have read and it seems reasonable that older people need more protein than younger. Conversely, people who are more active physically need more protein and a greater input of calories. Our individual need for vitamin D intake varies according to exposure to sunlight and age. Different diets have may result in greater or less or degrees of absorption of nutrients. In essence, to some degree our individual nutritional requirements needs to be optimal although finding that optimization is difficult and complex. In this regard we can be guided by standards optimal according to your personalized needs and characteristics. e.g. menstruating females need an adequate intake of iron nutrients to ensure that they do not develop anemia which can lead to a multitude of illnesses and infirmities, some manifesting early and others later in life, sapping vigor.  Likewise, as we go through life we need good sources of calcium to replenish the active metabolism which goes on in our skeleton. Calcium deficiency can bring osteoporosis. Protein deficiency is a drag on wellbeing. Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur in the older population and medications and surgeries can interfere with absorption of nutrients. The base-line essence is a well- balanced diet incorporating a wide range of nutrients. No diet fits this better than the “Mediterranean” diet. Those readers who have studied nutrition may wish to discuss details with those who have not. The Mediterranean diet can be “customized” for individual needs and preferences. A healthy diet builds a sound foundation for health and longevity. For those within the boundaries of reproduction, health of prospective mothers and fathers are a supporting foundation for healthy offspring.

 

Equally complex are the emotional needs of the human and for that matter the needs of all higher mammals. Here again, one size does not fit all.

The development of the brain while contingent upon genetics but also epigenetic modifiers such as stress, nutrition and a multitude of physical and sensory interactions may affect development. Activity and development of various portions of the brain have been directly correlated with a number of different activities. Above all, nurturing, bonding and demonstrable love are essential to all, excepting those with severe developmental cerebral aberrations which may block the effects of love and nurturing. We make a mistake when we substitute the rigid opinions of others and directives regarding our infant and childcare and human interactions. Parents, especially mothers who have bonded with their infant can and must use perceptions as to the needs and individuality of their child to supersede the one size fits all that may be promulgated by certain schools of thought. Of course, drawing on educated guides may be useful if those guides are not considered a “bible.”  In essence, sensitive parent or parents are best equipped to help bring a child to his or her greatest potential. “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Clearly, consistency is important but as the words in the “Gambler” song state, “… you have to know when to hold them and know when to fold them…”. Nothing written or spoken can supersede the intelligent mother’s (parents) instinct (note I use the term instinct, not notions or constricted patterns learned from others), sensitivity and progressive experience as to what is best for her (their) offspring without rejecting proven science such as the benefit of immunizations. Using this sensitivity allows filtering and incorporating education from others.

 

XXII DENIAL AND SELF DELUSION

 

As with so many human aspects emotions and beliefs have broad spectra within the race and within the individual. Similarly, denial can range from the simplistic lie at the conscious level to fervent belief in a correctness which belies obvious reality. Often it seems that this correctness is a self-serving mechanism to maintain an integrated internal philosophy which gives comfort and a sense of righteousness. We take comfort in denial and self-delusion. This correctness defines each of us to ourselves and to others. It enables us to relate to others and to ourselves and provides justification for our actions. Racism can be overt and accepted as was the case in the days of slavery in the Americas. Later, it is disguised by the cloak of denial and delusion, enabling a large segment of society to justify semi-covert behavior in the guise of adhering to socially acceptable mores.

 

Of course, denial can be a path to truth. To deny propaganda and lies also define the human. The ability to use intellect, incorporating our experience and that of others, and observation into a framework of reality that allows us to transcend self- delusion. Yes, to some degree we need delusion to allow us to inhabit this chaotic, unpredictable world that all too often seems to be on auto pilot with no rational control. Yet the rational control of checks and balance is inherent to everything. The control of laws and truths which allow this Universe and any others which may exist. No matter the human endeavor, the prayers, the denial and self-delusions, the Universal truths are immutable although often beyond the keenest of human intellect.

Understand too that the human brain can harbor and accept opposing ideas on a given subject.

 

XXIII. DEBT

 

What debt do we owe others? What does a parent owe a child and what is the debt of a child to a parent?  Another human quandy that is not easily answered as the emotions cloud the central question. Certainly, when the child is young, weak and unlearned in the ways of the world nurturing and sheltering is a necessity until the child is functional on her or his own. Many factors including cultural, economic, expectations and emotional determine the state of function in our society. Ideally, there is a progression through time and circumstances which enable the parent and child to march through the steps in a fair degree of unison. Yet, we know that so often the two are not synchronized in their joint dance from birth to maturity. Indeed, the relationships often falter on what constitutes maturity from the viewpoint of both. Hence, conflict and strain on the bonds of mutual love by differing perspectives and desires. So perhaps the major parental debt, assuming the child is not severely impaired in some manner, is discharged by achieving the fulfillment of a mature personal responsibility on the part of the child. This entails the need for a parent turning loose of the child. And the child must be prepared to relinquish that comfortable sweet breast which has provided sustenance. An expected healthy separate is to be applauded. At some point in my own experience time brings a mature reunion. As a corollary, in our society other issues such as assistance for higher education are perhaps best handled as a contractual business decision. Both must adhere to the terms of the contract. The debt of the child to the parent is fulfilled achieving a strong independence. Beyond the above, we can hope that bonds of love and mutual respect are nurtured by both.

 

If we are indebted, it is first to ourselves which we can repay ourselves with tranquility and equanimity. This can radiate outward to others, for example mother and child to heal the breach in an inherent love relationship suffering from wounded perceptions. Renewal of a harmonious love.

 

XXIV. Deceit; Lies, Cheating and Deception.

 

Life is in good measure dependent on deceit and lies and as such are evolutionary; part of the Masterplan. Deceit is part of the plant where carnivorous plants lure insects and other small animals to their doom with attractive scents and appearances. Flowers encourage insects to help with reproduction by attractive attributes. The animal kingdom is rife with, indeed dependent upon deceit. Think animal mimicry, camouflage where deceit is used to protect, defend and obtain prey. For animals, that is the name of the game; and without shame. No shame in avoiding being eaten by a lie or by eating because of a lie.

 

Humans however have the skill set of applied intellect which can be used for none of the direct purposes of eating or being eaten. So why do humans lie and use deceit? If we are starving, to get food. If we are being under attack, to stay intact. We will lie and cheat to protect our offspring or to attempt to advantage them such as spend thousands of dollars to bribe and get our kids into more favorable schools.  We may do so to advance our own self-esteem or bragging rights. We will accept bribes for the economic gains. For the power which may ensue. Perhaps an endocrine rush is addictive to our brains when we successfully win by any means. So, humans devise rules, regulations and laws. We define right and wrong all of which are of human intellectual origin and vary by culture and sub-culture. And as Evolution trumps all, we have work- arounds and loopholes enabling lies, deception and cheating to continue, regardless of rules, regulations and laws. Treaties and contracts are notoriously voided on pretext to further economic or political advantage. To paraphrase, a treaty between nations is only a piece of paper easily ripped up.

In the context of humans, unfaithfulness to one’s partner is evolutionary also. Laws forbidding this behavior in some cultures invoke severe penalties including death. Other cultures may have polygamy or promiscuity as norms. (what is divorce other than serial polygamy or promiscuity; annulling of long standing marriages in the Catholic church to allow a Catholic marriage). Other cultures may have laws enabling forgiveness or work arounds. All cultural, these are dependent on human intellect to allow a broad range of accepted human behavior. So, obviously of no intrinsic right or wrong. Just cultural rights and wrongs.

 

Lies and deceit permeate all human endeavors. The lie of inferiority of one culture or race relative to another to justify behavior to increase wealth and power. The common example is slavery in the Americas and all its continuing aftermath. The intellectual inferiority of women. Husbands, male siblings, male scientists claiming the achievements as their own which rightfully belonged to a woman, whether in art, music or science. And of course, the student who outshines her/his teacher only to be denied the acknowledgement and gain which would accrue.

 

A husband who can’t compete with a wife may use lying to debunk and belittle the brilliance of his partner to her and perhaps to himself. A trick used in all spheres of human endeavor. Cheat, lie, deceit to win or to enhance one’s self-esteem. To convince the other of their deficiencies. Ego, stronger in the male as the cultures generally have fostered the deceit of female ineptitude. This culture force by far has not spent itself. All the while the Blueprint has all pathways open and humankind within relatively narrow pathways uses intellect for choices individually and collectively. What after all is rationalization but use of intellect to justify a result, we desire, an evolutionary use of intellect. Lesser creatures need no rationalizing for actions taken any more than plants rationalize. Sacred writings are accepted as divine inspired but built on lies or self- deception and then propagated through the ages. Wars are begun on the basis of lies and hyperbole.