h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hello Paul. just dropped in to say hello. Enjoy your posts, and am really iterested in your bit about the reptilian part of the brain. I'm guessing that some people use that bit more than others. Maybe it's global,or maybe it's just where I am, but there seems to be a proliferation of people behaving badly in about the last 5 years. I'm completely perplexed by it and preoccupied with the causes. Other than that bit of the brain, have you got any other ideas?
I've got some vague idea about a domino effect.i.e. One person acts badly and that seems to justify the victim acting badly and so on. Also this ridiculously money oriented culture. I'm really trying to get to the bottom of it. Lots of people say it's just more out in the open now, but I don't quite believe that.
Be interested in your thoughts Vi

P.S. Concerned about your mobile home. Do check,you might've noticed something and not taken it in

Obsessions with money, Violet? At least there used to be money to be obsessed about. We will likely see some mind-boggling nastiness if we sink into a full-fledged depression. We could also see some heroic and altruistic behavior as well.

I'm most concerned about children, who often bear the brunt of bad economic times (why is it some of the poorest families are also fairly big?). At the other end are many elderly, who are falling between the cracks now. Among those declaring bankruptcy, those over 65 are disproportionately represented, with bankruptcy rates going up the more elderly they are.

I can actually find some reasons for hope, though. In communities that have always been poor, you are apt to see spiritual resources and a sense of people helping each other. And, there have been studies of people who grew up in dysfunctional families, to see if they were able to compensate as they grew older. Apparently, the people who were in the study did well, being remarkably normal by the time they were in their 50s. Resilience comes with the package you are born with. It may lie dormant for a while, but it'll emerge sooner or later.