ZetaTalk: Being Human

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For those who think this example extreme, it is more common than not. Fear, in an intelligent species, can be an

unreasonable fear, and when allowed to become thus is dictating the person's life. The key to freeing oneself from such strictures is to examine the reasonableness of one's fears. What's the worse that can happen? If you make the

move, will you truly be killed? This examination separates the fear of walking off a cliff from the fear of asking for a

date or wearing a different style of clothing. After having determined that a fear is unreasonable, without a valid basis, then ignore it and proceed. The fastest way to dispel a baseless fear is to challenge it.

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ZetaTalk: Dangers

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ZetaTalk: Dangers

Note: written on Jan 15, 1996

The human body, like all life on Earth and elsewhere, is in a catch-22. Humans require food yet ingest poisons even

while eating the most natural of foods. Sunlight breaks chromosomes yet lack of sunlight creates depression and soft

bones. Crevices both natural and man-made, such as basements, offer protection from high winds and the elements,

but collect pools of radon gas. Exercise is necessary for a healthy body, but puts one at risk of injury beyond what the

couch potato is exposed to. Travel and outings broaden but lay one open to being mugged, raped, or kidnapped. The

miracle of controlled electron flows creates a modern life surrounded by communication and entertainment and labor

saving devices, but can slightly damage the human nervous system if exposure to an intense electrical field is

prolonged. What to do?

The best course is to focus on goals, and bear in mind that one lifetime is but a chapter in a continuing saga. You will

die, in any case, and a life well spent is better than one prolonged an instant longer by being put in a box.

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ZetaTalk: Self Destructive

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ZetaTalk: Self Destructive

Note: written on Nov 15, 1995

Drunk every day, gambling the nest egg away, recklessly careening down a winding road, insulting the boss, or eating

high cholesterol foods - why do people do this to themselves? Such self destructive behavior often has a motive behind

it that is not recognized, just as suicide does. Where suicide to end a life of chronic physical or psychological pain is understandable, many suicides seem without purpose. People in the prime of life, or young people with their whole

lives before them will either attempt suicide or engage in self destructive behavior sure to leave its mark.

Since maiming oneself or one's reputation is so lacking in benefit, the purpose of this behavior puzzles many. The

answer to this puzzle lies in whom the actor wishes to punish, and what avenues are open to the internal rage that

drives this behavior. Perhaps mother only noticed the child when the hospital called, or the only way to escape an

unwanted obligation was to be disabled. Look behind the behavior to the dubious benefit, and address this when trying to help those who would be self destructive. Anger vented in the right direction may make all the difference, allowing

those who are self destructive to stop using their bodies and reputations as a bludgeon.

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ZetaTalk: Killer Instinct

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ZetaTalk: Killer Instinct

Note: written on Jun 15, 1997

Carnivores kill to live, and the instincts that allow true carnivores to survive include the killer instinct. This is more than lack of empathy for the prey, it is joy in the hunt. The thrashing agony of a dying gazelle in the mouth of a lion

touches not the heart of the lion, who is focused on his hunger and what is known as the thrill of the hunt. Without this thrill, carnivores would be less likely to survive, as the fatigue that comes from relentless hunting trips, most often

unsuccessful, would overcome hunger. Thus, for carnivores, the killer instinct is inborn, natural, and therefore more easily forgiven. Carnivores that hunt to live are unlikely to kill strictly for sport, as when satiated they lie about

sunning themselves. However, the killer instinct adds excitement to the long and frustrating hunts, so once up on their

feet and hunting, carnivores are motivated to keep going until they come home with the catch.

The killer instinct has often been ascribed to humans, to explain human behavior that most find shocking. Beyond

sadism, some humans kill just to run up the numbers, casually, for trifling reasons, and without a backward glance or

twinge of remorse. This is romanticized into something called the killer instinct, akin to the noble lion or savage

stalking tiger. How else to explain a human who casually kills others? This is akin to suicide, developing a casual

attitude toward life because there is a desire for death. Many who want to die lack the courage to enter into the final fray, not so much due to anticipation of the final agony, but fear of living through the attempt, maimed and out of

control, unable to finish the job. Casual killers are simply hoping that someone will return the favor, and eventually,

someone does.

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