Why we like Mr. Spock

     Because he was only half human, he at times felt prejudice and was an outsider trying to fit in.  Anyone who is different in appearance or philosophy can identify.  He was an intelligent, logical scientist and seemed emotionally detached.  Those of us who favor the scientific approach over the non-scientific can identify.  His friendships were based on shared and mutual respect.
     Because he was half  human, he understood the human condition yet could give an outsider's perspective.  All of us could benefit from a perspective different than our own.  He said, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of a few.''  His wish to us was, "Live long and prosper."

The Source

     Find the original point from where the the Mississippi River flows to reach the source in Minnesota.  We trust the mapmakers and the publishers are providing the truth.  We need to do the same for the news of the day and for our ideas and opinions.   Be aware of the source of knowledge.
     When we hear or read the news, we need to consider the source of information, the fairness and reputation of the reporter, and the possibility for exaggeration and bias.  The messenger and the message should convey the truth.  Testimony from eyewitnesses helps reveal the facts.  And the facts should be distinguished from opinions.
      All ideas have a source which may originate from people living or long-gone.   We should take care about who we trust.  The reliability of ancestors, experts, scientists, scholars, publications, TV channels, and websites should be scrutinized.  Our emotions and prejudices should be set aside to come up with the facts and the truth.
      The source of  some ideas can be traced back into ancient history.  The eyewitnesses may have related their stories orally.  These stories were handed down through many generations before written language even existed.  Many religions use their scriptures as historical records based on the words of the Original Source written down by believers.
     The farther we go back into history to get to the source, the more difficult it is to understand the facts and get to the truth.  We all must take on the responsibility of finding and becoming sources of truth.

Tradition

     If it's not broke, don't fix it; however, we may be too close to realize when something is broken.  It may not be broken for us but may be broken for others or at least need some analysis and improvement.  It may have lost its usefulness or may even be detrimental for our goal.  In the extreme, it may need to be tossed out.  Tradition is a set of customs or beliefs handed down from generation to generation.
     Traditions obviously have advantages.  They seemed to have worked in the past, and many people feel they will continue to work in the future.  By keeping a tradition, we are honoring our elders, believing that what they have done should be upheld and repeated.  We become part of history and part of a group experiencing emotional attachment and nostalgia. Some people even design new activities that they hope their children and grandchildren will continue into the future to help them remember and honor their elders.
     Some people would rather stick with traditions since they have stood the test of time.  Altering or stopping traditions can seem risky.  Not altering traditions when they need it is also risky.  Pressure to continue traditions just to please others is unfair.  Repeating traditions may give honor to elders but may show a lack of confidence in newer thinking.  We shouldn't prefer the old at the expense of trying something new.
      Analyze why you do what you do.  Resist the pressures of family, society, and religion when you feel that their traditions are overwhelming you or not satisfying your needs.  Your beliefs and opinions are just as important and valid as those designed in the past.  We need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of tradition.      

Broad and Deep

     Parents try to provide a broad range of  experiences so their children will become well-rounded adults.  They make sure their kids receive a good education and are introduced to many extra-curricular activities.  The parents' own values and interests are often passed on.   At times, the child may prefer other activities.  As we offer our children many options, they should be allowed and encouraged to make their own choices.
     Elementary school students are given an introduction to all the basic subjects.  As they get older, their aptitudes and preferences will cause them to excel in some subjects and have problems in others.  They may lose interest in some activities and wish to increase their skills in others.
     Today's teens are encouraged at even younger ages to make choices regarding college majors and careers.  Schedule choices in grades 11 and 12 often reflect a focus away from a broad education to a preparation for post graduation.  Parents and counselors also add pressure to go into a career that makes for financial stability.  The broad education to develop your mind and talent is often secondary to big bucks.
     We adults often become more specialized as we deepen our knowledge and expertise in a particular subject or career.  This may produce success in our chosen profession, but we may lose sight  of the advantages of being well-rounded.  Our parents and teachers may have told us if we worked hard, we could accomplish almost anything.   But as we made choices that narrowed our world, formed opinions that narrowed our mind, and took on financial responsibilities, we may have endangered the goal of being well-rounded.
     Be careful, for as you deepen your interest in a particular activity, you may lessen the chance to broaden your opportunities.  As you become set in your ways, you may narrow your viewpoint and not see the big wide world.    
      
     

Drumbeats

     The tempo, rhythm, and drumbeat of a military band produces a feeling of patriotism and readies the soldier to march into war.  The beat of music can excite us to dance or at least to tap our toes.  A lullaby can calm and even bring sleep.  Even before that, the mother's heartbeat and the sway of her body effect the unborn child.
     The rhythms within us, our heartbeat, breathing patterns, and many other processes in our bodies sustain life.  Various cycles of life from mating to the contractions of childbirth and then for months afterward the hunger cries of the baby control our lives.
     The patterns and repetitions of jingles, theme songs, and slogans create a desire to buy products or vote for candidates.  Religious music can lead us towards contemplation, comfort, and thanksgiving while reinforcing the faith.
     The numerous drumbeats of life flood our senses.  Sometimes we need to slow down and adjust our tempos and rhythms.  We may have to resist the influence of other drummers in order to create our own drumbeat.
    

Umbilical

     When the umbilical cord is cut we are physically free, an individual separate from mother, but we humans would not survive without help from adults for food, housing, clothing and nurturing. We become emotionally and psychologically attached to our parents.  As adults, we need to finish cutting the cord.
     Of course, we remain connected through love.  We may choose to keep our parents' values, beliefs, and opinions.  In many cases, this is a good thing.  In some cases, this keeps us from developing independence.   When we value our parents' point of view to the point that we have difficulty understanding anything else, we remain a child.
     Some people become uneasy when the cord is cut.  They feel the need to be attached to someone else or something else, a mate, their own children, or religion.  They may never feel the freedom of true independence.
      Of course, everybody needs someone or something to provide comfort.  The world that sustains us can also be harsh, cruel, and mysterious.  We try to make sense of it and adjust.
     Nothing can change the fact that we are responsible for our survival.  We must rely on our own brain and make our way in the world.  By growing from dependency to independence, we can fully develop our potential and attain wisdom.

The Hand You're Dealt

     At birth, we are dealt a few cards we cannot change.  Genetics give us the condition of our body and mind, our sex, race, physical appearance, and perhaps our temperament and talents.  Our health throughout our life is, in part, due to genetics.
     Our parents and ancestors, their genetics, life experiences, and economic situations add to our deck.   Our siblings, our upbringing, and early childhood experiences are beyond our control.  Our birth date, the year and the decade, assign us to a particular time in history.  The place we were born, the country, culture, political situation (peace/war, democracy/chaos) the economic situation (prosperity/depression) all are presented to us at birth.   The condition of the physical world, the environment, and the stability or instability of people around the globe add to the hand we are dealt.
     The original deck and our past cannot be changed, but we can build on what we have and adjust and compensate.  As soon as we can make decisions, we can begin to design our own cards.  Things will still happen beyond our control, but as our mind develops, we can be more in charge and decide which cards we want to add to our deck.

If this was it

What would you do if this was it?
What  would you do if this was your last day or even your last year to live?  Bucket list, anyone?
     Tie up loose ends.  Be sure your assets, your will, your funeral plans are in order.
     Forgive and ask for forgiveness, thank those who have helped you, do more good deeds.
     Have more fun, stretch your horizons, keep on learning.
     If you are religious, witness your faith and bring others into the fold.
     If you are not religious, relate what you believe and what you think is unknowable.
What would you do if this earthly life was it?
     Instead of being a passive martyr, be assertive in order to satisfy your own needs and wants.
     Develop independence, honor everyone's right to their own opinion.
     Realize that moral behavior is best for yourself and civilization.
     Be good for goodness sake without the need for acknowledgement, thanks, or reward.
     Appreciate nature and your place in it.
We should live each day as if it were our last, make the most of the time we have.  No one knows for sure about tomorrow or beyond.