This week our subject is the genie within. If you look at Goodreads for quotes from authors, the first one you find under my name says this, “The absolutely awesome incredible power of belief is the genie in your life.” Indeed, in my book, “I Believe: When What You Believe Matters,” the bottom line take-away after examining all of the science can be stated this way, “Everything you believe matters!” Negative Spiritual Beliefs Imagine this: within you there is an awesome force with a potential creative power that can express ... Read More
In this week’s spotlight I wish to discuss the power of authority. We are all educated to respect authority. In our early years failing to do so can lead to serious repercussions. We first learn that declining blind obedience to our parents and custodians can lead to punishment, humiliation and more. We then enter school where once again the authority has a remarkable fist held over our heads. If we refuse to respect this authority we can be failed and even expelled. By the time we reach Middle School the ... Read More
This week I would like to draw your attention to the herd mentality. We are all herd animals and we often behave accordingly without paying any attention to the provocation, or stimuli, provided by the herd’s behavior. This is so hard wired into our very nature that a skilled manipulator can easily and surreptitiously take advantage of how we’re all wired. We can see this done with groups as well as with an individual. Interrogators will often use neuro linguistic programming techniques to guide a subject into a confession. We ... Read More
This week I want to direct your attention to another interesting and subtle form of propaganda. Recently I spotted an ad on Reddit that read, “Science AMA Series: We are physicists Rush Holt and Frank von Hippel, here to answer your technical questions on the Iran Nuclear Deal (and anything else) AMA!” Wow—think of it. When I clicked the link this is what I read: The Authority Speaks We recently co-authored an open letter to President Obama, which was signed by several dozen prominent scientists, supporting the nuclear deal with Iran. ... Read More
This week I would like to spotlight the approaching political arena. Regardless of your political orientation, all of us are about to hear more and more about the stuff we get and the stuff we should fear—and our vote may be the deciding factor. Fear Mongers We will hear fear mongers warn of dooms day events if we fail to elect certain candidates, and we will hear of a cornucopia of freebies and other gifts that we might receive if we but vote the right way. Unfortunately, politics today is ... Read More
