Lucy's Legacy: Sex and Intelligence in Human Evolution (1999) is a book written by Alison Jolly (1937-2014) about that which the title indicates. Moreover, the book is one of the most intelligent, thoughtful, amusing, detailed analysis of who we are. Which begs the question: Why isn't it more widely read and cited? The answer is … Continue reading Lucy’s Legacy: A review
Category: Evolutionary Psycology
Why We Lie
is a proposition that is intriguing to me. I'm going to look closely at it and try to come up with some answers. [This post was inspired by my WordPress friend's post The Shape of Discord.] To begin, understand that I take an evolutionary and Freudian position on human nature and behavior. Benefits of lying … Continue reading Why We Lie
The Upgrade Problem
Recently I watched Out Of Africa, a beautiful film (1985, Best Picture). The movie is based on the true life adventure of the Danish (Isak Dinesen) author's time in Africa during World War I. In the movie Meryl Streep muses, "Perhaps earth was made round so we wouldn't see too far down the road." I thought, … Continue reading The Upgrade Problem
Green
Green has been my favorite color since as far back as I can recall. In other words, always. It still is. Notwithstanding, fall is my favorite season and time of year. A paradox? Green was the WordPress writing prompt for April. I get it. So here is my response, or thoughts on "Green". "Just a … Continue reading Green
The Call Of The Wild
is my calling. As well as a classic novel by Jack London. It was first published in 1903, and became the most read book of its time. The book made London rich and famous. I first read it in 1972, living in a cabin on the Poudre River. However, I likely read "To Build A … Continue reading The Call Of The Wild
Man’s Search For Meaning
is ongoing and is getting to be a very crowded space. However, this post is mostly concerned with Viktor Frankl's best selling book about the World War Two Holocaust. In addition Frankl's Logotherapy. My provider, a clinical Psychologist, suggested I read this book. Because well lately, things have been grim. What follows are my thoughts, … Continue reading Man’s Search For Meaning
Resistance to Truth
is almost always because of threat. Real or imagined to one's well-being. Naturally. Well-being being with regard to ones's health. Meaning ones's state of: 1) physical; 2) mental; 3) psychological; 4) emotional; 5) social; 6) economic. Anyone or all. Unfortunately the truth varies. There is short-term truth and long-term truth. In the short-term truth often … Continue reading Resistance to Truth
I see only what I want to see
Is lyrics to a song suggested to me via Spotify. Because I watched another 'suggestion' via YouTube. That was Jewel's live performance at Woodstock 99 of her first hit Who Will Save Your Soul. Situational depression is a state of mind I find myself in from time to time. And I was experiencing one at my … Continue reading I see only what I want to see
The Messiah Complex and the Treehouse
The messiah complex is a state of mind in which a person believes they are the savior of the world. Usually the person can be found on a street corner or a soapbox. Or in a treehouse. The Book is titled A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century, co-authored by a middle-aged married couple. Both of … Continue reading The Messiah Complex and the Treehouse
Set Yourself Free: Twelve Books to Read on Human Nature
If you've a mind to understand human nature? non-fiction may not be the best way to understand it. Or, for that matter, human behavior in general. Fiction might be more accurate. However, there is some value in science and history; and reading. Non-fiction books just might be (in some cases) more fiction, fantasy, or delusion … Continue reading Set Yourself Free: Twelve Books to Read on Human Nature