Hi Bill. In light of your theory, certain events of my life are playing through my mind with a brand new perspective. Particularly in regard to my dad. Leonard was a big bear of a guy - loved by many, loved and feared by his kids. Often compared to John Wayne in appearance, so you get the picture. Basically, the 7 of us kids were conditioned to see him as emotionally inept and unreachable, and throughout life, at times blamed our emotional problems on his handicap. But this guy took us to the library on a regular basis - encouraging us to bring home the limit and selections tougher than we thought we could handle. He was practical and a tough disciplinarian. College was encouraged and expected, but knowledge for the sake of knowledge alone was not tolerated with respect. You had to have a plan to use it. My siblings, for the most part, achieved a lot. There's a judge, West Point cadet, nurse administrator, architect, and then me and one dear sister who gets by but has emotionally suffered most of her life. We lost a brother tragically in 1970 from a brain aneurysm - he was only 19. We were lower middle class, so these achievements were thought pretty cool. My dad didn't get much credit for setting us on a steady path. Folks would say "out of adversity comes greatness". Mom's contribution was based on the premise that love is the most important thing, and she'd acknowledge her weakness (alcohol and pharmaceuticals), consistently stating and demonstrating her love. Gratefully, she achieved sobriety more than 20 years before she died. Unfortunately, dad didn't fare as well and succumbed to cirrhosis from alcohol in '95. So that's probably more than you needed to hear, but maybe not a boring story at least. I'm considering that the force of emotional control imparted by my parents - even though it was an inadequate amount and level - actually had a very helpful impact. I think recognizing this, in a way, helps build a platform for one to believe in the potential benefits of emotional control.
I have personally witnessed organized education fail miserably when dealing with brilliant students who think differently and question things in a manner not in line with the teaching method currently in style. Thank you for sharing your beautifully logical theory.
Your link to societal responsibility for the suppression of emotional control is significant as well. It's perfectly in line with what we know has always made the 'world go round' - sadly - money and power. In his book "The Mindbody Prescription," Dr. Sarno describes how the incidence of people with gastric ulcers decreased in popularity when this malady was found to be driven by stress and unconscious emotional distraction. I would say this mass statistical change demonstrates the impact of societal influences.
Thank you very much, Bill.
I have personally witnessed organized education fail miserably when dealing with brilliant students who think differently and question things in a manner not in line with the teaching method currently in style. Thank you for sharing your beautifully logical theory.
Your link to societal responsibility for the suppression of emotional control is significant as well. It's perfectly in line with what we know has always made the 'world go round' - sadly - money and power. In his book "The Mindbody Prescription," Dr. Sarno describes how the incidence of people with gastric ulcers decreased in popularity when this malady was found to be driven by stress and unconscious emotional distraction. I would say this mass statistical change demonstrates the impact of societal influences.
Thank you very much, Bill.
