Terry Lloyd's Blog, page 16
October 30, 2022
Mindfulness
When it comes to wellbeing, there are a host of strategies focused on improvement for both the mind and body. What you think about your health is critical to how it affects the physical day to day capabilities that you exhibit. It is a proven fact that the mind triggers the body to reflect what you believe. Recently for me, a new insight into relaxation and awareness has been the practice of mindfulness. It is a simple strategy that anyone can use and a discipline that has far reaching benefits.
There are many detailed works that explain the process of mindfulness but I like to think of the practice as a gentle extension of potential through appreciation and acknowledgement. Mainly it is becoming aware of the moment and not thinking of the past or future. It is important not to be judgemental. Just accept things for what they are. Be aware of feelings and explore reactions to physical objects and allow yourself time for an expression of emotions related to ideas.
Some of the benefits people remark on when practising mindfulness is a new sense of calmness and improved attention to detail. Mindfulness is useful to the physical wellbeing of the body as it can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, reduce pain and improve sleep.
Why should thinking about things in a detached way produce so many desirable results? I think it could be a resetting of the way we react and perceive the world around us. There are usually multiple concerns, strains and heightened activity going on in everyday life and quite easily issues can increase or even threaten to overwhelm people. Perception and response of both mind and body can greatly influence a state of health.
One final important point refers to the fact that although the mind can influence the body, the body can also influence the mind. If you take something simple like breathing, but focus on doing it repeatedly, breathing in without equal time for breathing out will put the mind into a panic state. This negative state of wellbeing can be rectified by slowing the breathing down and taking slightly longer time for breathing out.
Finding solutions and implementing a positive strategy that helps wellbeing can be extremely influential in someone’s outlook and outcome of ability, not only for now but also for the potential implications of a healthy future. Mindfulness can be practised relatively easily but it has the benefit of producing hugely, impressive outcomes. Regardless of age, gender or physical capability, it is a discipline that offers improvement in terms of mind and body health.
There are many detailed works that explain the process of mindfulness but I like to think of the practice as a gentle extension of potential through appreciation and acknowledgement. Mainly it is becoming aware of the moment and not thinking of the past or future. It is important not to be judgemental. Just accept things for what they are. Be aware of feelings and explore reactions to physical objects and allow yourself time for an expression of emotions related to ideas.
Some of the benefits people remark on when practising mindfulness is a new sense of calmness and improved attention to detail. Mindfulness is useful to the physical wellbeing of the body as it can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, reduce pain and improve sleep.
Why should thinking about things in a detached way produce so many desirable results? I think it could be a resetting of the way we react and perceive the world around us. There are usually multiple concerns, strains and heightened activity going on in everyday life and quite easily issues can increase or even threaten to overwhelm people. Perception and response of both mind and body can greatly influence a state of health.
One final important point refers to the fact that although the mind can influence the body, the body can also influence the mind. If you take something simple like breathing, but focus on doing it repeatedly, breathing in without equal time for breathing out will put the mind into a panic state. This negative state of wellbeing can be rectified by slowing the breathing down and taking slightly longer time for breathing out.
Finding solutions and implementing a positive strategy that helps wellbeing can be extremely influential in someone’s outlook and outcome of ability, not only for now but also for the potential implications of a healthy future. Mindfulness can be practised relatively easily but it has the benefit of producing hugely, impressive outcomes. Regardless of age, gender or physical capability, it is a discipline that offers improvement in terms of mind and body health.
October 23, 2022
Halloween
There are some events that arguably brighten the year, such as Halloween. It is for many a seasonal juncture and a time that signifies a shift in season. It can be one of those calendar represented events that contains childhood memories and mystical significance.
Often celebrated by parties and young children playing Trick or Treat, Halloween can be an internationally acknowledged occasion. While many know it for a bit of a spooky get together or dressing up event, there is however a history that started by Pagan ritual to note the passing time of the year from dark to light. On the 31st of October it was believed the spirits and ghosts were aroused for one night. When Rome adopted Christianity as its social faith Halloween became associated with All Saint’s Day on the 1st of November.
An influx of Irish immigrants to the USA brought the celebration of Halloween to those shores.
It has now become a major event and universally practised with enthusiasm. Part of its popularity has been greatly boosted in films of suspense and ghostly activity.
When there is an opportunity to join socially with neighbours or acquaintances and celebrate an event, even if it is a little macabre, I think the joy on children's faces when offered treats makes the activity worthwhile.
A personally known of incident comes to mind when thinking about Halloween. It was very late on the night itself in October and as the inhabitants of a property were getting ready to retire, there was one last knock at the door. Anticipating yet more young Trick or Treaters, the door within seconds was opened but there appeared to be no one there. About to close the door and the family heard loud sounds of footsteps running and children's laughter echoing but there was nothing in front of them to visually see. I should tell you that property had a full aspect from whereby to see from and a vantage point that would have usually revealed all, but not on that Halloween. Now that is certainly spooky enough for me!
Often celebrated by parties and young children playing Trick or Treat, Halloween can be an internationally acknowledged occasion. While many know it for a bit of a spooky get together or dressing up event, there is however a history that started by Pagan ritual to note the passing time of the year from dark to light. On the 31st of October it was believed the spirits and ghosts were aroused for one night. When Rome adopted Christianity as its social faith Halloween became associated with All Saint’s Day on the 1st of November.
An influx of Irish immigrants to the USA brought the celebration of Halloween to those shores.
It has now become a major event and universally practised with enthusiasm. Part of its popularity has been greatly boosted in films of suspense and ghostly activity.
When there is an opportunity to join socially with neighbours or acquaintances and celebrate an event, even if it is a little macabre, I think the joy on children's faces when offered treats makes the activity worthwhile.
A personally known of incident comes to mind when thinking about Halloween. It was very late on the night itself in October and as the inhabitants of a property were getting ready to retire, there was one last knock at the door. Anticipating yet more young Trick or Treaters, the door within seconds was opened but there appeared to be no one there. About to close the door and the family heard loud sounds of footsteps running and children's laughter echoing but there was nothing in front of them to visually see. I should tell you that property had a full aspect from whereby to see from and a vantage point that would have usually revealed all, but not on that Halloween. Now that is certainly spooky enough for me!
October 16, 2022
Mastering Economics.
At this present time for many people, there can not be a more important subject than economics. It influences trade on a global scale, determines how well huge and much smaller companies can do in their chosen business, dictates the potential to lead the markets, grow financial relations internationally, right down to the cash individuals carry in their pockets or contain in electronic form.
Quite simply, in order for a stable growth of the economy, people in charge of vital indicators to international money markets must know what they are doing. If they show strong vision, backed up by research and evidence, then successful transactions are far more probable to follow. However, trying to implement an ideology without due diligence or responding adequately to the negative response to it, will most likely have long term damage as a result.
How long that damage might last surely depends on how quickly trust can be regained. Economics is as much about forward planning, insight and contemplation of reaction as it is basic financial sense. Can international confidence be regained again and if so, when? I think this is only possible, if reversal of every single cause for concern takes place. If leadership has a clear proven plan for future development with economic stability as its main aim then this needs to be adequately publicly demonstrated.
Mastering economics is not an easy task, as every financial action can cause changes in other areas. You need to react and respond sufficiently and timing can be everything. You have to balance individual actions with the total consequences and of course bear in mind outside financial reaction to your economic plan. It can be volatile but it is imperative that mistakes of the past be a reason for wise decisions and astute handling of any plans for the future economy.
Quite simply, in order for a stable growth of the economy, people in charge of vital indicators to international money markets must know what they are doing. If they show strong vision, backed up by research and evidence, then successful transactions are far more probable to follow. However, trying to implement an ideology without due diligence or responding adequately to the negative response to it, will most likely have long term damage as a result.
How long that damage might last surely depends on how quickly trust can be regained. Economics is as much about forward planning, insight and contemplation of reaction as it is basic financial sense. Can international confidence be regained again and if so, when? I think this is only possible, if reversal of every single cause for concern takes place. If leadership has a clear proven plan for future development with economic stability as its main aim then this needs to be adequately publicly demonstrated.
Mastering economics is not an easy task, as every financial action can cause changes in other areas. You need to react and respond sufficiently and timing can be everything. You have to balance individual actions with the total consequences and of course bear in mind outside financial reaction to your economic plan. It can be volatile but it is imperative that mistakes of the past be a reason for wise decisions and astute handling of any plans for the future economy.
October 9, 2022
Leadership
Leadership is an important subject. So much can depend on the right person with the appropriate qualities. Both character and education can be influential deciders, but also crucial is a personality that is charismatic with good communication skills. Everybody’s ideal will probably be different but I have cast my mind over some outstanding historical figures who were inspirational leaders.
The first democratically elected black president of South Africa deserves a mention. Nelson Mandela, after being held captive for 27 years for opposing apartheid, was able to negotiate a change of power that brought a particular kind of epic disruption to an end in that country.
Protecting people's liberty and freedom is an area that is arguably rich in outstanding leaders.
In a sense of justice and equality, in championing women's rights, there is no more famous figure than Emmeline Pankhurst. Someone who devoted her life to the cause of women's emancipation. In the middle of the nineteenth century women had no political right to vote and Emmeline Pankhurst organised women to use defiant, militant tactics to address a terribly dominant masculine motivated situation.
A notable leader, who had a far reaching influence on the liberation and social outlook of the population in India was Mahatma Gandhi. He was a solicitor, who through peaceful, non cooperation was able to bring about India's independence from British rule. He led the Indian National Congress. He worked persistently to expand people's rights and importantly further the liberation of women in many areas of life. He chose to wear a loin cloth and a robe, and in later years he walked with the aid of a staff. I remember seeing a captivating newsreel of Gandhi when he visited London to speak with sir Winston Churchill.
In amongst most small groups of people that are set a task, it is usual to nominate a leader by seeing who has some knowledge or experience that could be helpful in completing the task. It is only after the project begins, that it can be seen if the leader has the absolute qualities or the right amount of what it takes to make a success of the project.
The first democratically elected black president of South Africa deserves a mention. Nelson Mandela, after being held captive for 27 years for opposing apartheid, was able to negotiate a change of power that brought a particular kind of epic disruption to an end in that country.
Protecting people's liberty and freedom is an area that is arguably rich in outstanding leaders.
In a sense of justice and equality, in championing women's rights, there is no more famous figure than Emmeline Pankhurst. Someone who devoted her life to the cause of women's emancipation. In the middle of the nineteenth century women had no political right to vote and Emmeline Pankhurst organised women to use defiant, militant tactics to address a terribly dominant masculine motivated situation.
A notable leader, who had a far reaching influence on the liberation and social outlook of the population in India was Mahatma Gandhi. He was a solicitor, who through peaceful, non cooperation was able to bring about India's independence from British rule. He led the Indian National Congress. He worked persistently to expand people's rights and importantly further the liberation of women in many areas of life. He chose to wear a loin cloth and a robe, and in later years he walked with the aid of a staff. I remember seeing a captivating newsreel of Gandhi when he visited London to speak with sir Winston Churchill.
In amongst most small groups of people that are set a task, it is usual to nominate a leader by seeing who has some knowledge or experience that could be helpful in completing the task. It is only after the project begins, that it can be seen if the leader has the absolute qualities or the right amount of what it takes to make a success of the project.
October 2, 2022
Generosity.
What triggers people's generosity is a fascinating subject. Have you ever thought about what motivates you to give or even share?
In an intriguing social experiment involving what instigates people to give to people collecting money in the street, there was a surprising result. One smartly dressed man had a sign claiming that he was collecting funds in order to get a Lamborghini car. On the other side of the street was a young, plainly dressed girl, with a sign saying she wanted money for food. After one hour the girl had two donations and the man had received seven. Clearly things do not make sense for me. How can somebody's ambition to indulge their fancy of ownership trump that of giving for the necessities of sustaining life.
A heart warming experiment involved a homeless man, living on the streets, who was given one hundred dollars to see how he would spend the money. The organiser of the experiment was a little concerned, when the first place the recipient visited was an alcohol establishment but a short time later the recipient went into a general store and came out with lots of shopping. The recipient then returned to the area where there were other homeless people. He began handing out food and drink. This act of generosity moved the organiser to reward the homeless person with a further one hundred dollars, which he said should be spent on himself.
It is interesting to look at oneself and see what your first reaction is to someone asking for money. Of course even the decision about any money given could be dependent on the safety and authenticity of a given situation. Generosity has its own reward, is one of those ideas whereby actions can become highly influential and consequential.
There are many thoughts about generosity, but for me, often this quality is not only limited to human beings. On many occasions animals have shown other animals and even humans, generosity. Firsthand I have witnessed a monkey going to the trouble of securing some food and then sharing that banana with another pregnant monkey. Provoking and poignant reminders, of that need to look out for each other can come about because of generosity. I think that our ability to show compassion, albeit in a carefully considered way, is imperative to an expression about who people are and what it is that they want to achieve through their actions.
In an intriguing social experiment involving what instigates people to give to people collecting money in the street, there was a surprising result. One smartly dressed man had a sign claiming that he was collecting funds in order to get a Lamborghini car. On the other side of the street was a young, plainly dressed girl, with a sign saying she wanted money for food. After one hour the girl had two donations and the man had received seven. Clearly things do not make sense for me. How can somebody's ambition to indulge their fancy of ownership trump that of giving for the necessities of sustaining life.
A heart warming experiment involved a homeless man, living on the streets, who was given one hundred dollars to see how he would spend the money. The organiser of the experiment was a little concerned, when the first place the recipient visited was an alcohol establishment but a short time later the recipient went into a general store and came out with lots of shopping. The recipient then returned to the area where there were other homeless people. He began handing out food and drink. This act of generosity moved the organiser to reward the homeless person with a further one hundred dollars, which he said should be spent on himself.
It is interesting to look at oneself and see what your first reaction is to someone asking for money. Of course even the decision about any money given could be dependent on the safety and authenticity of a given situation. Generosity has its own reward, is one of those ideas whereby actions can become highly influential and consequential.
There are many thoughts about generosity, but for me, often this quality is not only limited to human beings. On many occasions animals have shown other animals and even humans, generosity. Firsthand I have witnessed a monkey going to the trouble of securing some food and then sharing that banana with another pregnant monkey. Provoking and poignant reminders, of that need to look out for each other can come about because of generosity. I think that our ability to show compassion, albeit in a carefully considered way, is imperative to an expression about who people are and what it is that they want to achieve through their actions.
September 25, 2022
Beliefs.
So many societies search for the meaning of life, and to that end, will happily support the belief that seems to have all the answers. Once chosen, supporters of the chosen creed might commit all their own reason to this way of thinking and hotly defend against any counter views. When gathered together, followers can feel empowered with the surge of unity and greater conviction that their belief is the only one and true path to knowledge.
Unity and common purpose can be a positive spur to social well being and a great many acts of kindness and generosity may result. For a true picture of unity one cannot ignore the dark side of human behaviour that results in harm to those that are deemed a threat to the establishment.
There is arguably at times, a mob mentality that drives individual possible good people to act without compassion for their fellow human beings.
The truth of the belief is rarely critically examined by followers and to do so might be considered
a failing of faith. In addition, a change of belief could result in drastic consequences, apart from of course any retribution received by faithful followers.
For me there is a theme that suggests many ideas of a belief start with the assumption that what there is must be intended and unchanging. Studies of cosmology show the physical world is constantly changing and without intention. I think that beliefs are personal and can indicate a healthy need for emotional expression and mental stimulation. Beliefs can be wide and varied and extremely positive, if followed alongside independent thought.
Unity and common purpose can be a positive spur to social well being and a great many acts of kindness and generosity may result. For a true picture of unity one cannot ignore the dark side of human behaviour that results in harm to those that are deemed a threat to the establishment.
There is arguably at times, a mob mentality that drives individual possible good people to act without compassion for their fellow human beings.
The truth of the belief is rarely critically examined by followers and to do so might be considered
a failing of faith. In addition, a change of belief could result in drastic consequences, apart from of course any retribution received by faithful followers.
For me there is a theme that suggests many ideas of a belief start with the assumption that what there is must be intended and unchanging. Studies of cosmology show the physical world is constantly changing and without intention. I think that beliefs are personal and can indicate a healthy need for emotional expression and mental stimulation. Beliefs can be wide and varied and extremely positive, if followed alongside independent thought.
September 18, 2022
Keeping In Touch.
At one time considered a luxury, the telephone is an invention that has definitely progressed and adapted astonishingly over time. Only used in emergencies or as a social innovation, the telephone was historically thought of and used as a very different application and extension to everyday life.
Who would think that the very early telephone handset, once only known as a landline could become cordless, handsfree and smart. Previously solely a mode of audible communication, this same invention is today an essential, technical addition that can perform multiple tasks. Cameras, game devices, note takers and information providers, often people are in deep conversation with this technical wizard for numerous applications. Stylish and compact, it has even become a status symbol to own the latest version of a phone.
In a practical sense, taking a picture of an incident can quickly inform the world what has happened. It can make the difference in a disputed situation and in an emergency having a telephone on you, could be life saving.
Of course like many things, phones can be used in positive or negative ways. Holding the telephone in hand when driving is a highly dangerous habit and now it is against the law to do so, yet some people persist in this behaviour, regardless of the danger to themselves and to others. It can be extremely immersing an experience to engage in chatting, texting or screen calling but annoying to others when people are being served and at the same time they are carrying on a telephone conversation.
Keeping in touch is no longer the same concept. Phones have become mobile and people are motivated to use them in increasingly advanced ways. I think in many scenarios it has lessened the generational age gap as people become increasingly aware of options available to them to make socialising and life that much easier.
No longer heavy or tethered, phones have evolved to meet the demands of a device conscious society, who need to access fast and on the go answers. It has meant that people are far more prone to literally carrying their lives in their hands but with it, security concerns can simultaneously grow. Paying, playing and passing more time on our small but significant screens can mean that keeping in touch is not the priority of our phones anymore.
Who would think that the very early telephone handset, once only known as a landline could become cordless, handsfree and smart. Previously solely a mode of audible communication, this same invention is today an essential, technical addition that can perform multiple tasks. Cameras, game devices, note takers and information providers, often people are in deep conversation with this technical wizard for numerous applications. Stylish and compact, it has even become a status symbol to own the latest version of a phone.
In a practical sense, taking a picture of an incident can quickly inform the world what has happened. It can make the difference in a disputed situation and in an emergency having a telephone on you, could be life saving.
Of course like many things, phones can be used in positive or negative ways. Holding the telephone in hand when driving is a highly dangerous habit and now it is against the law to do so, yet some people persist in this behaviour, regardless of the danger to themselves and to others. It can be extremely immersing an experience to engage in chatting, texting or screen calling but annoying to others when people are being served and at the same time they are carrying on a telephone conversation.
Keeping in touch is no longer the same concept. Phones have become mobile and people are motivated to use them in increasingly advanced ways. I think in many scenarios it has lessened the generational age gap as people become increasingly aware of options available to them to make socialising and life that much easier.
No longer heavy or tethered, phones have evolved to meet the demands of a device conscious society, who need to access fast and on the go answers. It has meant that people are far more prone to literally carrying their lives in their hands but with it, security concerns can simultaneously grow. Paying, playing and passing more time on our small but significant screens can mean that keeping in touch is not the priority of our phones anymore.
September 11, 2022
Expanding A.I.
The idea of artificial intelligence opens up, for me, so many questions. The primary thought and the question at the forefront of many minds must be that of, can a robot surpass the intellect of humans?
It is a strange yet almost instant compulsion to want to measure a robot by human standards. Intelligence and intellect are important issues to think about when comparing a human’s behaviour and potential to that of a robot. Could this new and exciting A.I. race that has internationally advanced in recognition, capability and aesthetics, grow and even overtake the capacity of human beings? At one time the general belief was no. Yet the advances in technology are increasing the capability and potential uses of Artificial Intelligence.
What was once considered the stuff of science fiction has now an absolute real presence in many aspects of society. Future plans to have robot staff in care homes precisely handing out the medication and handling residents’ emotive needs through visual displays of their families and friends are becoming far more real possibilities. In other areas of life, such as transport or the daily commute, robotic technology might also be far more drastically implemented. However when it comes to trusting the technical wizard as it steers your car or even controls your plane, I have nightmares imagining all the possible things that can go wrong. Is that only the human in me, or am I too used to the one being in total control of my own vehicle?
Recently the amazing ability of A.I. has been used to shorten the time necessary for finding and developing an effective vaccine for Covid 19. Instead of years, in a matter of months, a successful result had been found. Part of its success is due to learning from mistakes, and developing possible combinations to counter the resistance of the virus to the vaccine.
The film A.I. stretches the imagination, when a human looking boy is programmed to love and is adopted by a couple who work for the robotic production company. For me, there are many heart searing scenarios involved in emphasising what A.I. could potentially become, both the positive or negative aspects and it asks how as humans, we could or should comprehend and interact with the technology of our own making.
Is it possible for a machine to have emotions such as empathy, jealousy and honour? In such technology that is built to become so initiative so as to listen in the background and subsequently anticipate our every whim and want as a human, there are examples when it would appear that the answer to this question is affirmative.
A.I. is expanding in use, capability and sophistication. I believe it is vital that possible development of super robotic creations are limited to respect the autonomy of all human life. Robots like Five Alive would almost have no problems assimilating into a sense of community and society but take the power crazed machine from I, Robot and I think we would all have trouble then.
It is a strange yet almost instant compulsion to want to measure a robot by human standards. Intelligence and intellect are important issues to think about when comparing a human’s behaviour and potential to that of a robot. Could this new and exciting A.I. race that has internationally advanced in recognition, capability and aesthetics, grow and even overtake the capacity of human beings? At one time the general belief was no. Yet the advances in technology are increasing the capability and potential uses of Artificial Intelligence.
What was once considered the stuff of science fiction has now an absolute real presence in many aspects of society. Future plans to have robot staff in care homes precisely handing out the medication and handling residents’ emotive needs through visual displays of their families and friends are becoming far more real possibilities. In other areas of life, such as transport or the daily commute, robotic technology might also be far more drastically implemented. However when it comes to trusting the technical wizard as it steers your car or even controls your plane, I have nightmares imagining all the possible things that can go wrong. Is that only the human in me, or am I too used to the one being in total control of my own vehicle?
Recently the amazing ability of A.I. has been used to shorten the time necessary for finding and developing an effective vaccine for Covid 19. Instead of years, in a matter of months, a successful result had been found. Part of its success is due to learning from mistakes, and developing possible combinations to counter the resistance of the virus to the vaccine.
The film A.I. stretches the imagination, when a human looking boy is programmed to love and is adopted by a couple who work for the robotic production company. For me, there are many heart searing scenarios involved in emphasising what A.I. could potentially become, both the positive or negative aspects and it asks how as humans, we could or should comprehend and interact with the technology of our own making.
Is it possible for a machine to have emotions such as empathy, jealousy and honour? In such technology that is built to become so initiative so as to listen in the background and subsequently anticipate our every whim and want as a human, there are examples when it would appear that the answer to this question is affirmative.
A.I. is expanding in use, capability and sophistication. I believe it is vital that possible development of super robotic creations are limited to respect the autonomy of all human life. Robots like Five Alive would almost have no problems assimilating into a sense of community and society but take the power crazed machine from I, Robot and I think we would all have trouble then.
September 4, 2022
Animal Aware.
Sometimes it is a pleasure to note an improvement in something that is so vital to conservation and the environment. The condition and environment that wildlife is subject to is critical for their wellbeing and it is with some relief that I have seen there is a vast positive alteration in thinking about how animals are kept and treated. There have been numerous enrichment and dedicated projects aimed at maintaining animal survival and welfare, with dramatic changes for living conditions and health care, being at the forefront of this radical improvement.
I remember as a child being taken to a zoo and at that time I was left in a shocked condition after seeing animals exhibited in cramped cages and showing utter boredom. They relentlessly paced side to side gnawing the bars or self harming by relentlessly licking themselves. I, at that time, left the zoo with a sick feeling and felt a deep sympathy for how the wild animals were being treated.
Now you can visit a safari park which covers several acres and from inside your vehicle view animals that are free to roam about and engage in natural behaviour. Animals are made a priority and given a focus for a potentially better future.
There are many TV programs that detail the practices and actions of breeding alongside encouraging a thriving of natural social behaviour. It is with interest that certain comparisons and contrasts are made between that of many animals and humans. It can quite often be easily seen within primates that there is a group psychology on deciding the leader of a troop.
Of course language may appear to denote civilisation until many animals can be shown as being able to express their own intentions through defined relationships and a new kind of communication is brought into the equation, that of a keeper and their animals.
It is such a joy to highlight something in the present that is an improvement on how things were in the past. There is not usually such a chance to improve and make way for an enhancement of thought, action and consequences. It is true that the situation is not the same everywhere and economy is a huge moderator in such a subjective area, but the thinking, subsequent inclination and impression has experienced a definite improvement.
I remember as a child being taken to a zoo and at that time I was left in a shocked condition after seeing animals exhibited in cramped cages and showing utter boredom. They relentlessly paced side to side gnawing the bars or self harming by relentlessly licking themselves. I, at that time, left the zoo with a sick feeling and felt a deep sympathy for how the wild animals were being treated.
Now you can visit a safari park which covers several acres and from inside your vehicle view animals that are free to roam about and engage in natural behaviour. Animals are made a priority and given a focus for a potentially better future.
There are many TV programs that detail the practices and actions of breeding alongside encouraging a thriving of natural social behaviour. It is with interest that certain comparisons and contrasts are made between that of many animals and humans. It can quite often be easily seen within primates that there is a group psychology on deciding the leader of a troop.
Of course language may appear to denote civilisation until many animals can be shown as being able to express their own intentions through defined relationships and a new kind of communication is brought into the equation, that of a keeper and their animals.
It is such a joy to highlight something in the present that is an improvement on how things were in the past. There is not usually such a chance to improve and make way for an enhancement of thought, action and consequences. It is true that the situation is not the same everywhere and economy is a huge moderator in such a subjective area, but the thinking, subsequent inclination and impression has experienced a definite improvement.
August 28, 2022
Morality.
I found morals an interesting subject as a child, or perhaps I should say as a young adult. Maybe the first thing I should do is to define what morality might mean. The dictionary statement refers to the ideals or principles of what is judged to be right or wrong. It would thereby infer right or wrong would depend on an accepted goal for comparison.
A major point that comes to my mind when musing on this topic is setting a target in itself is only half the job, as it is only after the consequences of a certain action are considered, that a complete view of morality can take place.
An objective moral principle might be not to lie. Lying in a certain scenario, might be the difference between somebody losing their life or not. Should one try to weigh up the possible result of always telling the truth or remain steadfast on the side of a conviction of consistency?
I personally feel that without a subjective consideration of all possible outcomes, to any given situation, a correct moral judgement can not be found. The details matter and so do the consequences.
It could be argued the first seeds of morality can be traced back four hundred thousand years ago when mankind cooperated in organised action. Subsequently, the Greeks and Romans around the eighth century BC have a long history of mythology that contains moral stories.
The East has a formal system of ethics that is represented by many wise leaders who have followers that try to live a life guided by their advice. The roots of Eastern ethics date back to about the sixth century BC. The Eastern morality is arguably much more concerned with the group responsibility for doing the right action.
I can not leave the subject without mentioning Aesop's fables, as that for me vividly highlights so many amusing and interesting examples of morality in action.
Finally, what keeps people behaving in a moral way? Many moral principles are reinforced by
state laws. However without the law would people not agree with set social ideals and respect the purpose that they stand for within a collective history and culture? I think morality can motivate and inspire, it can be about so much more than a rigid conviction. Morality for me, is about compassion, thought and a sense of what can bring about the best outcome.
A major point that comes to my mind when musing on this topic is setting a target in itself is only half the job, as it is only after the consequences of a certain action are considered, that a complete view of morality can take place.
An objective moral principle might be not to lie. Lying in a certain scenario, might be the difference between somebody losing their life or not. Should one try to weigh up the possible result of always telling the truth or remain steadfast on the side of a conviction of consistency?
I personally feel that without a subjective consideration of all possible outcomes, to any given situation, a correct moral judgement can not be found. The details matter and so do the consequences.
It could be argued the first seeds of morality can be traced back four hundred thousand years ago when mankind cooperated in organised action. Subsequently, the Greeks and Romans around the eighth century BC have a long history of mythology that contains moral stories.
The East has a formal system of ethics that is represented by many wise leaders who have followers that try to live a life guided by their advice. The roots of Eastern ethics date back to about the sixth century BC. The Eastern morality is arguably much more concerned with the group responsibility for doing the right action.
I can not leave the subject without mentioning Aesop's fables, as that for me vividly highlights so many amusing and interesting examples of morality in action.
Finally, what keeps people behaving in a moral way? Many moral principles are reinforced by
state laws. However without the law would people not agree with set social ideals and respect the purpose that they stand for within a collective history and culture? I think morality can motivate and inspire, it can be about so much more than a rigid conviction. Morality for me, is about compassion, thought and a sense of what can bring about the best outcome.
