Chaos and Our Minds

Neurophysiological research shows that our minds are naturally chaotic. Our neurons respond to small changes in big ways. Of course our reactions vary. Nevertheless, when an unpredictable event occurs, the mind responds with a degree of chaos, and with the exception of those addicted to chaos, attempts to right itself to a calmer state (like an overturned turtle). (In this regard, I find classical music, pets and the tranquility of the NY Society Library helpful in restoring stasis.)

Nature is both chaotic and predicable. The drive to control our environment has led to many discoveries, including the ability to build earthquake-proof buildings. We now control many aspects of human and other animal reproduction.

Each of us has a Chaos Quotient: that is, the amount of disorder and unpredictability that we can tolerate. In part, this tendency is related to our past experience, the degree to which we’ve experienced disorder in our early life.

The word “chaos” has surfaced often since the surprise election of Donald Trump to the presidency. When reporters noted that chaos surrounds him, he seemed to relish the observation, claiming, “I am the Storm.” Indeed, he has been christened, “The Emperor of Chaos.” Unfortunately, as a result, many of us experience a disturbing sense of unease.

One kind of chaos occurs when a person’s actions do not follow his words; the disconnect between Trump’s words and his actions is one way in which he induces chaos.  Listening to a series of non sequiturs can throw us into a state of anguish. Extreme chaos can lead to hopelessness and paralysis. Here’s how some people I’ve encountered have dealt with the problem in personal ways.

For some individuals suffering from an inner state of confusion, chaos in the environment can reassure. Mr. B., for instance, discovered that watching violent movies allayed his anxiety. However when he gained insight and understood the conflict that had racked his mind, he outgrew his need to view the shootings and lootings in these films.

To combat the chaos that Mr. K. perceived in his environment, he wrote a daily journal. In essence, writing helped him sort out the external chaos from the confusion in his mind.

In the fictional realm, Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s book Where the Wild things Are tells the story of Max who caused a rumpus and was sent to his room. There in solitude, he created an imaginary kingdom where wild beasts roamed. Once he tamed them, he emerged triumphant, a calmer child in charge of himself.

Acknowledging our own inner conflict can dismantle chaos as if it were a baited trap about to snap.

Conclusion: Clearly, our brains contain many wild thoughts. A lifelong goal is to gain an accurate picture of which monsters reside within and which outside our minds.

Dear Reader, Please share your opinion(s).
jsimon145@gmail.com

Despair, a Widening Sea

Despair is an aspect of the human condition. At some point in our lives, any one of us may experience moments of hopelessness.  We’re vulnerable to a vast variety of forces, from family matters to economic problems, from things within our control to realities that extend beyond us, like our country of origin and the century into which we’re born.

A recent article in the Washington Post reports on the research of Princeton professors Ann Case and Angus Deaton, who, since they began their study in 1999,  have noted rising suicide rates among white, non-Hispanic Americans. By contrast, the rate has decreased among blacks, Hispanics and Europeans.

In rural areas, specifically outside the cities and big-city suburbs, the rates are higher.  They also find a correlation to educational level: People with only high school diplomas are at greater risk than those with college degrees. 

What had been true in the past—the ability to move up the ladder with a high- school education and on the job training—no longer applies. While working class whites expect to do at least as well as their parents, they fall short of achieving a comfortable life style and experience a sense of hopelessness and failure. Dashed expectations lead to frustration, family problems and addictions. (By contrast, compared to their parents, the quality of life among blacks, Hispanics and Europeans has improved.)

The authors don’t speculate further, but here are some thoughts.

City-dwellers have many diversions, while people who live in the country are more likely to suffer from lack of stimulation. As a result, frustrated country dwellers may be more likely to turn to addictions and become further alienated from family and friends. 

The diversity of cities demands less conformity with greater inclusiveness that lessens isolation. Cities also provide more opportunities for treatment of depression and addiction.

Conclusion:  Working class Americans without college degrees increasingly suffer from despair and suicide as a result of dashed expectations and the isolation of rural life.

Dear Reader, I welcome your thoughts. jsimon145@gmail.com