Things to think about 06-16-11

If one can say unequivically that everything is interconnected the following quotations take on profound meanings when examined in relation to each other...Cy

"The convoluted wording of legalisms
grew up around the necessity to hide from ourselves
the violence we intend toward each other.
Between depriving a man of one hour from his life and
depriving him of his life there exists only a difference of degree.
You have done violence to him, consumed his energy."
-- Frank Herbert
(1920-1986)
Source: Dune, 1965
http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/quote_blog/Frank.Herbert.Quote.406D


For the eminent psychotherapist, Carl Rogers,
most problems of human suffering are caused by a lack of self-regard.8
Self-regard is natural, argued Rogers; it is there from birth. However,
our problems stem from living in a world where others’ regard is always
conditional. “I love you only if you do...” In a world where conditions are
placed on our value, we come to evaluate ourselves conditionally, proposes
Rogers. The result is constant self-doubt, an inability to be open and loving with others, and the erection of numerous defenses. The therapist’s task is primarily that of giving the client unconditional regard. By prizing the client in spite of failings, he or she will be restored to fullness. Much the same message is evidenced in the longstanding


From a study unit on the biological Making of Individual Differences, “The developing organism is nudged onto different developmental paths by the environment in which it finds itself.”

FiOs.

Today's Completed Reading - June 9 2011

I worked my way through two texts today...one of which I've read before but thought I'd review it once more.

Full text: Supra Earth affairs, by Mazlan Othman
Text type - Discussion:
o Mazlan Othman
Supra-Earth affairs Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A February 13, 2011 369 (1936) 693-699; doi:10.1098/rsta.2010.0311
o Abstract
o Full Text
o Full Text (PDF)
o Audio Supplement

The abstract states the following about the full text:

The United Nations briefly considered the issue of extra-terrestrial intelligence at the 32nd session of the General Assembly in 1977. As a result, the Office of Outer Space Affairs was tasked to prepare a document on issues related to ‘messages to extra-terrestrial civilizations’, but this area has not been followed through in more recent times. This discussion paper describes the United Nations’ activities in the field of near-Earth objects in some detail, and suggests that this might be used as a model of how Member States could proceed with dealing with this issue in case the existence of extra-terrestrial life/intelligence is established.

******

The second text is as follows:

Martin Dominik andJohn C. Zarnecki
The detection of extra-terrestrial life and the consequences for science and society
Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A February 13, 2011 369 (1936) 499-507; doi:10.1098/rsta.2010.0236
Abstract
Full Text
Full Text (PDF)
Audio Supplement

The abstract states the following about the text:

Astronomers are now able to detect planets orbiting stars other than the Sun where life may exist, and living generations could see the signatures of extra-terrestrial life being detected. Should it turn out that we are not alone in the Universe, it will fundamentally affect how humanity understands itself—and we need to be prepared for the consequences. A Discussion Meeting held at the Royal Society in London, 6–9 Carlton House Terrace, on 25–26 January 2010, addressed not only the scientific but also the societal agenda, with presentations covering a large diversity of topics.