Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Curiosity

  
     Some claim curiosity kills the cat, but perhaps it actually helps to understand surroundings, broaden territory, procure food, and increase survival.  Curiosity helps everyone learn, go beyond artificial limits of tradition, and understand the world, nature, and other people.
     Curiosity also guides us toward better communication.  When we have a genuine curiosity about each other, we can share our joys and sorrows, help create solutions to problems, and feel a real connection to each other.   We discover our commonalities and differences.  We  make a friend.
     We also need to be curious about ourselves, why we think and behave the way we do, why we limit ourselves and wish to limit others.  Sometimes learning is forced upon us at school and on the job.  Other times, our curiosity can lead us to discovery and understanding.
 

Monday, July 18, 2016

Radicalized

 
      At the present time, this term describes someone who has been swayed or converted to an extreme section of a philosophy or religion, usually Islam, even though mainstream Muslims would disagree with these radical beliefs.  A  radicalized person may have been led to extreme beliefs through personal contact at home or abroad or through the internet.  They may participate in acts of violence, murder, and suicide.
     What we consider as radical can vary, but we usually don't recognize this type of thinking within our own belief systems.  Most of us consider our beliefs as reasonable and fairly ordinary.  When we place ourselves on either extreme of a controversial issue, our ideas may seem radical to many people, especially to the opposing view.  Liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican, very religious or agnostic, your opposite may consider you radical.  The more you try to persuade others to your "extreme" views by using emotional appeals with promises of rewards, the more radical you appear.  You may feel you need to radicalize others in order to change their minds, get their votes, or save their souls.
     Better to try to understand others.  Encourage them to try to understand all points of view and to aim for compromise when necessary.  Instead of swaying others with emotion to convert them to your point of view, encourage them to use rational thinking and logic.  Being radicalized reduces the ability to think clearly and act wisely.
            

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Too Quick To Judge


     Sometimes out of necessity, we have to make snap judgments for self preservation or self defense.  There may not be time to carefully consider how to react.  Other times, we may be too quick to judge; we may allow past experiences and prejudices to automatically form a first impression.  Emotional reactions of fear and anger can block logic.  We may not wait for evidence to give us the complete picture.
     At times, we can be blinded by our narrow perspective.  We more readily add to our preconceived opinions and side with people like us who agree with us. We can have negative feelings towards an individual or dislike a stereotype of a group of people. When cultures collide, we naturally favor our own.  The differences between us and them can become exaggerated.  We need to be wary of individuals who promote dislike of others in order to further their own ideas and ambitions.
     Seeing others as enemies can lead to cruel words and violent actions.  When we fear for our safety or feel powerless, we often seek help from others.  We may band together in neighborhoods, in political parties, and within our nation to preserve our lives.  We count on our police force, our military, our politicians, and our judicial system to make good decisions.  Although most members of these groups have good intentions, some do make mistakes, costly mistakes.  We need to carefully investigate the evidence and not make hasty judgments.  Don't be too quick to judge.
           

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Algorithms

  
     Some words originally used in a narrow specific context often expand into everyday vocabulary.  In the past, the term algorithm was connected to the world of higher mathematics.  As math instruction and computer science has advanced, most young students become familiar with the term and concept of algorithm.  We now hear this term used frequently to refer to any step-by-step method for solving problems, creating processes, or accomplishing goals.
    I never studied advanced math and grew up before computers were household items.  I lack any technical knowledge of algorithms but have a fascination of how language develops.  We all can benefit, however, by forming a set of steps to solve problems and complete goals: algorithms.
     First analyze the problem or goal.  Think of ways to improve the situation, then implement and experiment with some of your possible solutions.  Design a set of logical steps.  As you work your way through your steps, analyze what works and what doesn't.  Continue to do what works; redesign what doesn't.