Happy Days

Why do humans have such a strong need to express their opinion? What core element of the human brain is geared to oppose others, and verbally, and sometimes physically, defend against another humans remarks and/or beliefs? How did humans evolve to be so reactionary?

There is no pretense here that the answer is obvious, subtle, or researched to a conclusion; the questions posed above unto themselves bring forward enough food for thought to build a series of observations.

During recent conversations with a group of strangers at a meetup.com group, whose intention is simply to gather around the need for intelligent conversation in San Diego County, I realized what I wanted and needed to enrich my current life. Talking about current hot topics, exchanging philosophies about how we got here and where we are going, and speculating on the possibilities, acts like a transfusions of energy for me.

Viewing life balance as a three legged stool, work, home, and creative expression have become a necessity for this life form. The search has ended for the allusive "hobby." Writing posts in this Blog and  discovering meetup.com I am linking to my world globally and locally.

Along the way, I had to figure out what was at the root of my needs, and also how to gain satisfaction and enjoyment out of new outlets to maintain harmony. Thanks to Zoey of zoey.com for encouraging me to realize I am expressive.

Lesson #1  -   I just need to write without ultimately caring if anyone reads what I have to say, or if they respond after they have read it.

Lesson #2  -  Have interesting conversation with people who don't want to argue their point or have a need for acknowledgement and support. Talk to people who like to hear the thoughts of others, can easily move from one topic to another, are open minded, and who don't get stuck.

Now I can take you back to the beginning of this circle; Happy Days. The fantasy/reality of my youth in the 1950's is that civility, respect, courtesy, manners, and other restraints that were built into this society "back in the day", had very few people outwardly/publically insulting others. (I am not blind to the fact that people in private have always "hated" on others due to bigotry about race, religion, economic status, social class, etc., etc. And yes there have always been hate crimes.)

Sure there was a Fonzie or two in most High Schools around the country, but polite society listened to each other, and our political leaders were able to create big programs with our tax $$ for the benefit of all; build and maintain our infrastructure, education systems, and emergency services. They agreed to disagree on many things, but generally focused on moving forward ,with compromise and compassion.

Fear and greed have risen exponentially over the past 50 years, and this finds us adrift, shipwrecked, and drowning; miles away from the shore of our core values. The good news is that most of us would say that their are more good and kind people amongst us, than bad; and human interest stories flood the media highlighting the incredible giving nature of millions of our fellow citizens.

The real division between the "haves" and the "have-nots", and today's leaders vs. the followers, is the basic elements of purpose and accountability, and ultimately the lost focus on what is most important for the good of all. The original reason for suppressed, over taxed Europeans creating this America, was to create a new nation dedicated to: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.