I return to this subject over and over because is a matter of life and death for our species as humans The story of our origin as a species is not a long one by geological standards. We started our journey in this planet, about 6 million years ago along with similar species to ours,…
We, as a nation of over 300 million people do not really have a “gun problem” — whether as “protectors” of the second amendment or the “gun control people.” Instead, we have an obsession interwoven with racial tension and fears, and insecurities (the mythical “to defend myself”). Other developed nations, especially in Europe, own almost…
Nations, like humans as a group, pressuring and being pressured by leaders, often resort to foolish decisions which are not to their self-interest but are self-harming. A classic example for my readers is the impending exiting of the United Kingdom from the European Union passed by elections by an extremely small margin made up mainly…
All the doctors through the centuries have known it and they used it. We still do, but in a different way now. In the past we would give literally a pill of a harmless powder to our worrying patients and tell them that they will feel well by the next day. The pill was harmless…
Some Thoughts Regarding the Recent Tragic Events in Charlottesville, Virginia By Nicholas Pediaditakis, MD On my way to the farm where I raise Black Angus cows as a hobby, I asked my frequent companion, grandson Igor, who is a biochemist in Duke University, “What do you think of the state of our modern world?” He…
The ancient Greeks, as usual, had a word for it, ου με πείσεις καν με πείσης — “You are not going to persuade me, even if you give me evidence to persuade me.” Established beliefs bring comfort and a sense of emotional certainty. They persist long after proven false and harmful by new evidence. Here are…
Humans are tribal creatures. Our phenomenal success on this planet depended on it. Still does. As Tribal animals, we form mutually interdependent groups, sharing matters of faith and beliefs which help with cohesiveness, meaning, and sense of belonging. We cooperate and display loyalty for the tribe we belong too. We express altruism with readiness to assist…
We humans are social beings. We cooperate, have altruism, empathy, eagerness to excel, and solicit the admiration and approval of our tribe/nation/group. We also share heroic narratives and faith along with a pride for the “specialness” of our group-tribe in which we live. At the same time, we have a tendency and even eagerness to look down…
The amazing fact is hiding in plain sight, and yet we have ignored it completely! A minuscule number of murderous fanatics insure their success by recruiting our own irrational tribal traits. They manage to play havoc to our societies and they are doing it with our help! Think of it; please, rationally this time. One…
Modernity brought changes such as rapid dissemination of information along with equally rapid dissemination of technological innovations and scientific knowledge, mutually beneficial inter-dependency in trade, massive traveling and inflow of immigrants, and most importantly the emergence of a global sense of citizenship in addition to the local tribal loyalties we express. These developments are making…
Chroniclers of the Soul 