Comment Re:"Epidemic" is the key (Score 1) 909
Free will is largely an illusion; our behavior results because it is the only possible option. Choice, or the illusion of choice, is just a delusion our brain makes up to explain reality... kinda how we made up god to explain life.
WHat results in behavior, is the way our brain is wired (genetics/experience), influenced by the sum of our experiences to that point (our knowledge, learning). The only way to change behavior is to affect either the way it's wired (drugs) OR what it has learned (education).
Being a "bum" doesn't cause alcoholism, it results form alcoholism. Being a "gluttonous fat sloth" doesn't cause obesity, it results form obesity. The psychological traits of some obese people (addiction to junk food, not dealing with problems in life, over eating, lack of activity)... these are affected by hidden, but no less real changes in the brain and metabolism.
Sometimes, recognizing your own power is all you need, but rarely is a change that simple... and one thing is consistently shown that stigmatizing and berating these people (whether they are alcoholics or obese) tends to just make them more stressed, overwhelmed, therefore unable to make any permanent change in their lifestyle.
WHat results in behavior, is the way our brain is wired (genetics/experience), influenced by the sum of our experiences to that point (our knowledge, learning). The only way to change behavior is to affect either the way it's wired (drugs) OR what it has learned (education).
Being a "bum" doesn't cause alcoholism, it results form alcoholism. Being a "gluttonous fat sloth" doesn't cause obesity, it results form obesity. The psychological traits of some obese people (addiction to junk food, not dealing with problems in life, over eating, lack of activity)... these are affected by hidden, but no less real changes in the brain and metabolism.
Sometimes, recognizing your own power is all you need, but rarely is a change that simple... and one thing is consistently shown that stigmatizing and berating these people (whether they are alcoholics or obese) tends to just make them more stressed, overwhelmed, therefore unable to make any permanent change in their lifestyle.
