Genetics

Post Reply New Topic

Mal, my friend, you proceed from a false assumption. You assume that genes for depression, bipolar disorder, et al., cannot exist in animal populations, when in fact they can. Their numbers are fewer in animals due to the uniqueness of the human social construct - we protect and defend our "weaker" members, where with most animal species, the "weak" are left to fend for themselves. (Note: the word "weak" is placed in quotes because it is in fact a term of convenience. It does not necessarily reflect the worthiness of an individual to survive, it merely reflects the fact that for such individuals, survival is more difficult without the support of a larger society.)

This fact of human nature underlies a common assumption in hard science fiction - the idea that once a species achieves technological civilization, it ceases to evolve, as it protects all of its members, not just the strongest. (Again, this is not necessarily a bad thing - perhaps once a species achieves technology, it no longer needs to evolve, as it becomes capable of shaping its environment to suit itself, rather than the other way around. An example of this is the development of equipment enabling human survival in Antarctica - the harshest environment available on this planet. Another example is the development of spacegoing technologies, enabling survival in the harshest environment possible.)

However, this fact does not mean that animals don't experience what we would term "mental illness". It is harder for us to detect such illness in animals, as they lack our comparatively sophisticated methods of communication (I have yet to hear whales, musical as they are, score a symphony); however, such things can be detected, once one gets to know the animals well enough. That's how researchers bred rat populations with weaknesses for such things as schizophrenia and depression (after all, it's considered unethical to vivisect actual living human schizophrenics, to examine their nervous systems...).

That's why part of my brother-in-law's next project will involve attempting to breed a rat population that displays autistic tendencies, so he can investigate certain neurochemicals.

Danielismyname, there is room in modern society for an underdog/scapegoat to write their own rules. To live peacefully and to even be a success.

I'll list 3. I could list 10. I could find 100. Tens of thousands exist. Millions await being invented. I'm not noted for over exagerating. Ask for further details on any that are interesting.

1. Run a vending business. I did this. Walk in, count the contents, refill, empty the change. Top up the coin return. repeat weekly.
2. Make and sell a craft. Jewelry is a really good one. Women always want more, and there isnt enough mens stuff. Its an under supplied market.
3. Programming. Work by yourself. Its pure logic. You can stay home.

Note that no laws were broken in this list. All work is done solo, and any interaction can be done by proxy. All three can be started with 0-100 dollars, with current standing conditions for anyone reading this.

There is a site that I found when I was researching ADHD and AS in children. I don't know if I put the name of the site here but view neurobiological deviances in children as the next step in the chain of evolution. They call these children "indigo children".

**If you are of religious mind you may want to stop reading here!*****


Basically, the man who has been studying these children has noticed that a great many of them talk about visions, and predictions. These are intelligent, sane kids who are given the chance to talk freely of what they see and experience. Many young children talk of these things,, but of course it is taboo to do that in most homes in our society. My own children and I have experienced many of these things and I normally do not talk about them. I'm sure there are many on WP who have also experienced such things as children.

From reading about the theories expressed there and reading what the members of this site say, I don't know that it is such a far-fetched theory. If a normal, NT, person only utilizes approx. 10% of the human brain, and genius 20%, wouldn't it stand to reason that removing the emotional and social aspects of the mind to make room for intellect and logic makes sense from an evolutionary stand point. And if the emotional and social are out of the way wouldn't the psychic ability that most humans have the possibility of be easier to nurture and use?

There is a shift in the thinking of the human race that is leaning more and more toward spiritual enlightenment. I don't mean the religious kind. I mean the kind that embraces the true potential of the human mind and soul. As more and more neurobiologically diverse people are born ( I produced 3 myself) our way of being will become more and more the norm and at one point we will all "fit" in society. There are many articles about how more and more children of computer technicians and scientists are being dx.ed as autistic because people with the genes and autistic personality are having children together. Some call it an epidemic, but what if it isn't? What if it is how the evolution of humans needs to be in order to progress?

Just a little something to think about :D

I've often wondered this. Your viewpoint is not at all offensive to me.

I am who I am
since I was dubbed son
it only exists to me when it’s fun
everything else is like trying to extinguish the sun
spear in hand, feet on ground and mind upon the land
“artificial” light is this man’s blight
no society to distinguish and determine propriety
no verbal needed to get my point across
drifting how I've always drifted; wandering how I've always wondered
everything here is my plight
nothing is my respite

When my love is gone...I'll be gone.