On April 27th, 2007, a book named the 4-hour work week was published by Tim Ferriss. This was during the time when the Dow Jones Industrial Averages were still above 13,000 and everyone was working. The book was very well received but most people had difficulty applying it.
That same year, renewed printings were circulated by mass email and links posted on the internet on the following critical view about today's human society (link). The original work began in 1995 from Dr. Bob Moorehead's collection of prayers, homilies and sermons used in his sermons and ministry, "The Paradox of Our Age" in Words Aptly Spoken:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We conquered outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less.
We plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait.
We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality,
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years.
One night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
On March 6th, 2009, when the global financial system came to a stop, many wondered if the sun would come up again the next day. Today, small business owners struggle, harmful microbes get increasingly stronger, unemployment is high ... US Congress is in discussions about healthcare reform and globally we are concerned about reforming pollution levels at Copenhagen.
So if you brought up the concept, 'Cheers, Chill out, or Relax and Don't Worry' -it is unlikely to be well received by many.
So should we relax and think about how short life is? Or should we work 7 days a week and dig ourselves out of this mess before we lose out on the opportunity to have retirement?
As a Christian scientist and writer, I've been asked to do a discussion on "How To Balance" for Christians. I've posted a modified version here for all secular and non-secular readers. It is separated into 3 parts. Part 1 is whether or not relaxation and rest is necessary and defined in the Bible? Part 2 analyzes disorders of the brain and asks whether or not relaxation or balance is possible? Part 3 looks into the technological solutions because as a society we have failed to be able to accomplish Part 1. We may want to think about what, why and how it has happened but also how do we come out of the darkness?
Part I: Balance and Rest as found in the Holy Bible
The Sabbath was instituted by God's own example:
" And on the seventh day God ended his work which He had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made" (Genesis 2:2-3).
The very God of the universe chose to cease from His labor. He did this not because He was tired (Isaiah 40:28), but because He wanted to set an example for all of humankind. He specifically blessed and made holy the seventh day as a Sabbath, a day of ceasing, greater than two millennia before the time of Moses and the Old Covenant. Exodus 20:11 gives testimony to this fact:
"For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: Therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
Jesus Himself, during His earthly ministry, declared that the Sabbath was made for man (that is, humankind), not just for the Hebrews (Mark 2:27). The Sabbath was not a mere Mosaic statute (Definition: Of or relating to Moses or the laws and writings attributed to him) given only to Israel under the Old Covenant. It was set apart at the beginning, as a memorial of God's creative power. The "Day of Rest" - it was ordained by God's own example as a blessing for all mankind. This reason alone should be sufficient for those who seek to do God's will.
Part II: Disorders of the Brain, can we be balanced?
Many examples of pathological disease of the brain leading to a mental disorder can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. To psychiatrists, psychologists and medical practitioners it is better known as the DSM IV.
The following disorders have become well known due to media and film:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) -DSM IV Code: 314.01
Autism -DSM IV Code: 299.00 (less known subtype Asperger syndrome)
Narcolespy -DSM IV Code: 347.00 (characterized by chronic daytime sleepiness)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) -DSM IV Code: 309.81 (characterized as a severe anxiety disorder)
but clearly there are many more examples that are not found in the DSM-IV:
If you watch a C-SPAN discussion on Holocaust Denial Syndromes, you'll also see a discussion where both the listener and the speaker are not communicating. The answers and the questions become mixed and the commentator attempts to moderate.
Road rage is a commonly seen example on the highways.
Video:
Relationships ranging from domestic violence to publications on relationship enhancing approaches have crept up in bookstores, film and even youtube.
Video:
Given the depth of destructive behavior that is wide ranging and the lack of individuals willing to agree upon a combined purpose helps to explain the numerous social media, religions and other ways of life that look to solutions.
Part III: The Answers Are Within Us (We just need to take a peek inside):
Homosapiens have a very destructive pattern of behavior. Researchers are finding that the answers lie within our minds. The brain which is supposed to protect us from fear and hurt is the same brain that has become diseased due to our societal advancements.
We have come a long way as a society and now we can "live happily ever after" with DSM IV and non DSM IV type problems because our brains don't work that way. The Holy Bible talks about a day of rest and we all understand have understood the importance of balance.
Yet we cannot achieve it because we no longer know what rest is.
Is it a day of sleeping? Sleep too much and you have a disorder.
Is it trying different relationships until you meet the right one?
Is it trying different jobs until you find the right job?
What if it is the right one, the perfect match and we don't even know because we don't realize it?!
Example:
You touch hand onto a hot stove and burn your finger.
The brain receives the dangerous input and then creates a reaction that pulls the hand back from the pain to reduce the trauma and damage.
Your hand still hurts and you anguish in pain.
For some people under pain, they desire comfort.
For others under pain, they desire to be left alone.
Some who experience pain will want to substitute with more pain.
And still others who experience pain will want to inflict and deflect the pain to another victim.
What is the right answer? Are these simply survival skills? Should we for the sake of freedom of choice, let all the DSM-IV individuals, road ragers and others loose on the streets?
Research on artificial intelligence is finding that certain parameters outside of normal is unsafe. These parameters when left unchecked and further damaged can create dangerous behaviors that build upon itself. Aggression has been known to be additive and can even be trained.
Society has generally been accepting of disorders because freedom has been a greater desire. However, as dangers become technically advanced and an increasing level of threat where it can bring irreparable damages, governments and the people will be looking to limiting the chance of great catastrophe.
The era of enforcement has arrived and the tools and technology that allow detection of outliers is now possible. Researchers are finding that individuals like a Bernie Madoff and suicide bombers have a certain correlated patterns of thinking that can be destructive.
Neuroscience has removed the fiction from science fiction into actual science of brain scanning. The following video from 60 Minutes is a real story on some earlier breakthroughs.
DNA testing has been allowed.
Hair sampling has been allowed.
Brain scanning will eventually become a courtcase ruling that will indicate it has not violated human rights.
In the meantime, you can start imagining if the brain pattern for "kindness, love and affection" can be measured how much you have, you could self improve or self-limit such actions.
The painful hand could be cured by seeing which areas contributed to pain inside the brain and essentially be turned off using therapy or medicines. Imagine that?
On your select day of resting, you could even check to "see" inside your own head if you're relaxing or fooling yourself into and have underlying stresses about work, relationships etc.
In the next five years, brain chemistry, scanning and solutions will become as known as Google, Microsoft or Hewlett Packard at the business level. And within the next decade, it "could" become commonplace for laypersons.
Some people will feel disturbed by this article and others will embrace it. Feel free to express your thoughts. It is a greater decision that we as a human race must make as a whole and to consider the consequences, risks and rewards.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Meaning of Life?
I was just asked again, what is my favorite book and when I said The Holy Bible ... The next question is what did you like about it, what part?
Has a lot really changed? If you look at 1997, the Dow Jones Industrial Averages was also around 8,000. I was just starting out into the workforce. Little did any of us know that 12 years later, we would be back at 8,000! And in 1997, we unemployment was much lower than it is now. And when people ask can it go lower? Perhaps reading the whole book of Ecclesiastes will help you determine that answer ...
Wisdom Is Meaningless
I love every part of it!
I do have two books that I particularly like: The Book of Ecclesiastes and The Book of Psalms.
The book of Ecclesiastes are writings from a real historical man named King Solomon (son of King David) who had everything you could possibly imagine! I've been amazed at the depth and meaning each time I pick them up and read them!!
The Book of Psalms is incredibly soothing and one of my favorites is Psalm 23.
King David's words are often used in movies, theatricals, funerals and you read them in your spare moments. I've always read these words before any major event or appearance.
I've included the full copy of my first international paper submitted over a decade ago. It shows you that no matter what walk of life you come from the Bible's words are applicable and quite amazing. I learned to speak a different language understood by only my scientific community. My feelings of excitement were difficult to describe as a young man. I could call up my high school friends and family in Asia but they wouldn't really know what I had to do to get here. It didn't matter, I was overjoyed. But this would be a fleeting moment, like all the material things that get stashed into corner. 1997-1998 was a like a blur to me. Everything was happening so fast!
Has a lot really changed? If you look at 1997, the Dow Jones Industrial Averages was also around 8,000. I was just starting out into the workforce. Little did any of us know that 12 years later, we would be back at 8,000! And in 1997, we unemployment was much lower than it is now. And when people ask can it go lower? Perhaps reading the whole book of Ecclesiastes will help you determine that answer ...
I wonder what other religions say ...
King Solomon had studied all kinds of religions in his life and came to this conclusion.
How interesting! =D
Psalm Chapter 23 (Ref: New International Version):
A psalm of King David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Ecclesiastes Chapter 1 (Ref: New International Version):
Everything Is Meaningless
1 The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem:
2 "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."
3 What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?
4 Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.
5 The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.
6 The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.
7 All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.
8 All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.
9 What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.
10 Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.
11 There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.
2 "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."
3 What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?
4 Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.
5 The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.
6 The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.
7 All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.
8 All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.
9 What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.
10 Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.
11 There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.
Wisdom Is Meaningless
12 I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13 I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men!
14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
15 What is twisted cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted.
16 I thought to myself, "Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge."
15 What is twisted cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted.
16 I thought to myself, "Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge."
17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.
18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.
18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Video: "I Have A Dream" Full Version Click Here
Dr. King's Last Speech:
Most people only 'know of' the Christopher Columbus Day or Martin Luther King Jr Day (parade) as a federally observed holiday. Few notice that only three federally observed holidays Washington, Columbus and Martin Luther King are observed with an individuals' name.
Some people are outraged and are out to "un"celebrate Martin Luther King Day due to the evidence that is stacked before them.
(1) Stanford University's 1984/86 Martin Luther King's Papers
(2) University of Nebraska -Lincoln's Professor of Chemistry: Gerard Harbison and doctorate of Harvard University is enraged, publishes (link) and joins the "un"celebration team and does not revere Dr. King.
(3) Alan Stang leads the charge against Dr. King's credibility.
(4) Was Senator John McCain avoiding this controversial point? He comments that he did not know enough about Martin Luther King's contributions when he voted against the observance as a national holiday at 47 years of age (Youtube recap).
(5) http://www.martinlutherking.org/
Nobelaureate: Martin Luther King Jr. was born in a time of great controversy. His attempts at resolving peace through nonviolence would lead to significant changes in view towards racism. If you look beyond "man-made" education and ivory tower distinction of degrees and start to put yourself in the context of living together in harmony, you start to see what kinds of people would argue points 1-5. There is a higher level of accomplishments that make Dr. King's life worth noting.
According to a recent Goldman Sachs article, in the not-so-distant future, fighting over natural resources is sure to return. If the economic recovery takes hold and demand returns, there will once again be a fight over who owns the land, who owns the natural resources.
Like Martin Luther King Jr., the Chinese who have continued to work hard and persevere have come under much discrimination and hatred attacks.
Over dinner, I overheard someone comment that the reason for the economic crisis is the Chinese culture's frugal spending habits. The remark was "those damn Chinese who eat their own children are ... " The rest of the guests were shocked at the dinner table. The strangest thing was they were at a Chinese restaurant!!
If China was not working with the United States on spending to stabilize the global crisis and financial tsunami then what is the nearly 600 billion USD stimulus plan about (News article 1)?
These titles lead to more hatred and fears about the Chinese:
(1) Can China save the Global economy?
(2) Walmart Equals China
(3) Children posting Youtube comments on Chinese & Eating Fetuses
(4) Clinton turns to China Bashing (News article 2)
For the Chinese in China and around the world, we have amassed an incredible growth surge in wealth by embracing sacrifice, hardwork and perseverence. Every difficulty thrown at us, we have bent like a blade of grass. Cases like the 2008 Olympics tensions increased between Chinese activists and Carrefour are bound to return in the future.
In my own observations, numerous Chinese researchers and postdoctorates remain degreeless and bounded by universities because their work is "unfinished" and they are not U.S. citizens. When I was younger, comments flourished that Chinese are like monkeys. They do the work.
Even in 2009, for the Chinese we keep quiet. If we get laughed at, we try to roll with the punches and make the most of things (i.e. William Hung, Bruce Lee's initial USA film career).
Somehow, you could just feel the anger and hatred in gentleman's words at the Chinese restaurant. He was enraged against the Chinese for doing well and blaming them for his and the world's problems. And so his words were chosen to describe all Chinese in a context of barbaric in nature based on these news articles (Chinese/English).
Just like the life of Martin Luther King Jr and the arguments that continue today, discrimination exists in all parts of the world. A student who earns better grades will be looked upon differently than one who struggles. A person who has worked in corporations such as Bear Sterns will appear more special than one who works at a small bank. God has a strange way of setting things right again (in His own timing).
Dr. King's Last Speech:
Most people only 'know of' the Christopher Columbus Day or Martin Luther King Jr Day (parade) as a federally observed holiday. Few notice that only three federally observed holidays Washington, Columbus and Martin Luther King are observed with an individuals' name.
Some people are outraged and are out to "un"celebrate Martin Luther King Day due to the evidence that is stacked before them.
(1) Stanford University's 1984/86 Martin Luther King's Papers
(2) University of Nebraska -Lincoln's Professor of Chemistry: Gerard Harbison and doctorate of Harvard University is enraged, publishes (link) and joins the "un"celebration team and does not revere Dr. King.
(3) Alan Stang leads the charge against Dr. King's credibility.
(4) Was Senator John McCain avoiding this controversial point? He comments that he did not know enough about Martin Luther King's contributions when he voted against the observance as a national holiday at 47 years of age (Youtube recap).
(5) http://www.martinlutherking.org/
Nobelaureate: Martin Luther King Jr. was born in a time of great controversy. His attempts at resolving peace through nonviolence would lead to significant changes in view towards racism. If you look beyond "man-made" education and ivory tower distinction of degrees and start to put yourself in the context of living together in harmony, you start to see what kinds of people would argue points 1-5. There is a higher level of accomplishments that make Dr. King's life worth noting.
According to a recent Goldman Sachs article, in the not-so-distant future, fighting over natural resources is sure to return. If the economic recovery takes hold and demand returns, there will once again be a fight over who owns the land, who owns the natural resources.
Like Martin Luther King Jr., the Chinese who have continued to work hard and persevere have come under much discrimination and hatred attacks.
Over dinner, I overheard someone comment that the reason for the economic crisis is the Chinese culture's frugal spending habits. The remark was "those damn Chinese who eat their own children are ... " The rest of the guests were shocked at the dinner table. The strangest thing was they were at a Chinese restaurant!!
If China was not working with the United States on spending to stabilize the global crisis and financial tsunami then what is the nearly 600 billion USD stimulus plan about (News article 1)?
These titles lead to more hatred and fears about the Chinese:
(1) Can China save the Global economy?
(2) Walmart Equals China
(3) Children posting Youtube comments on Chinese & Eating Fetuses
(4) Clinton turns to China Bashing (News article 2)
For the Chinese in China and around the world, we have amassed an incredible growth surge in wealth by embracing sacrifice, hardwork and perseverence. Every difficulty thrown at us, we have bent like a blade of grass. Cases like the 2008 Olympics tensions increased between Chinese activists and Carrefour are bound to return in the future.
In my own observations, numerous Chinese researchers and postdoctorates remain degreeless and bounded by universities because their work is "unfinished" and they are not U.S. citizens. When I was younger, comments flourished that Chinese are like monkeys. They do the work.
Even in 2009, for the Chinese we keep quiet. If we get laughed at, we try to roll with the punches and make the most of things (i.e. William Hung, Bruce Lee's initial USA film career).
Somehow, you could just feel the anger and hatred in gentleman's words at the Chinese restaurant. He was enraged against the Chinese for doing well and blaming them for his and the world's problems. And so his words were chosen to describe all Chinese in a context of barbaric in nature based on these news articles (Chinese/English).
Just like the life of Martin Luther King Jr and the arguments that continue today, discrimination exists in all parts of the world. A student who earns better grades will be looked upon differently than one who struggles. A person who has worked in corporations such as Bear Sterns will appear more special than one who works at a small bank. God has a strange way of setting things right again (in His own timing).
And speaking of God's timing, tomorrow is a very special event that will change history forever. It is the official inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama to be the 56th President of the United States (video of construction site).
We need to put aside our differences and realize our similarities as human beings. Only then can we advance ourselves as a civilization. While we continue to fight and argue, our planet is dying with an exponential elimination of other species and vegetation. Just like African classroom (see below), let's do our best to play nicely with harmony, peace and understanding.
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