Bullying Description

Bullying can be described as aggressive behaviors toward others that are unwanted, repeated, and that can result in physical injury, social and emotional distress, illnesses, self-harm, high stress, and even death. Bullying behaviors are intentional and repeated attempts to cause another person to experience discomfort, fear, or injury. Due to their need to control and to feel powerful, perpetrators try to threaten and intimidate weaker individuals with the goal of humiliating them. Bullying behaviors can be overt or covert, witnessed or clandestine, identified or anonymous, so subtle that they pass unnoticed or dramatically staged. Perpetrators may bully in person or through electronics and social media. They may target others because of their appearance, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, politics, perceived wealth or poverty, disability or mental disorder, or due to envy and jealousy. Typically, there is a perceived imbalance of power, but not always. If manipulation is present, the bullying behaviors are considered abusive.

Bullying 101

 I thought bullying was behind us. Is it really still a problem? Does it still exist? What type of brain bullies others anyway? I

Bullying behaviors may be used in an attempt to destroy the credibility and reputation of other individuals. Perpetrators may feel threatened by their target’s giftedness, integrity, confidence, popularity, or success. Each perpetrator has their own unique style with preferred tactics to intimidate and control their targets. They may work hard to make friends with their victims, all the while planning to jerk the rug out from under them or find a way to stab them in the back. Some historians think that Julius Caesar was assassinated because of his earlier bullying behaviors toward Roman senators. Bullying behaviors negatively impact everyone: the perpetrators, the targets or victims, families and close friends, anyone who witnesses bullying behaviors, and sometimes even those who simply hear about the events. Bullying can increase the risk among targets or victims for anxiety, depression, poor academic achievement or work performance, and suicide attempts.

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Homographs & Heteronyms, 3

Homographs are words that are spelled the same but that have more than one meaning. Heteronyms are homographs that although they are spelled the same are pronounced differently.

• A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
• When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
• I did not object to the object.
• The farm was used to produce produce.
• The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
• We must polish the Polish furniture.
• There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
• They were too close to the door to close it.
• The buck does funny things when the does are present.

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Intellectual Humility Clarification

Intellectual humility differs from general humility, modesty, perspective-taking, and open-mindedness. General humility involves how people think about their shortcomings and strengths. Modesty emphasizes increased social awareness and not wanting to monopolize the spotlight or draw too much attention to one’s accomplishments. Perspective-taking is the ability to recognize and understand alternative points of view. Open-mindedness refers to unbiased or fair consideration of different views regardless of one’s beliefs. None of these, however, may consider the limitations of one’s own knowledge or beliefs. Intellectual Humility is the is the ability to recognize shortcomings or potential limitations in one’s own point of view and identify one’s own ignorance and intellectual fallibility.

Porter, T., Elnakouri, A., Meyers, E.A. et al. Predictors and consequences of intellectual humility. Nat Rev Psychol 1, 524–536 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-022-00081-9  September 2022 

Intellectual Humility Confusion

An article published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin reported on investigations of what the researchers labelled Cognitive and Interpersonal Features of Intellectual Humility. There is some confusion about what is healthy and desirable in terms of Intellectual Humility. In part, this is because the concept of humility has been perceived by some as representing unassertiveness, servility, lack of appropriate personal pride, submissiveness, a healthy level of self-esteem, and so on. Especially in developed countries, these words rarely are seen as representing desirable characteristics. Rather they describe a persona that, as one individual put it, “everything that I do not want to be.” Recent studies have helped reduce this confusion, because that is what it represents in my brain’s opinion: confusion. People can suffer due to confusion.
 

Intellectual Humility & Talent

Humility can be described as a recognition that although some have amazing talents and skills that differentiates them from others, it does not make them innately “better than” others. Or that less gifted individuals are "less than" human. High Intellectual Humility is evidenced by a consistent and courteous respect for the humanity of others. Professor Mark Leary has been quoted as saying: “If you think about what’s been wrong in Washington for a long time, it’s a whole lot of people who are very intellectually arrogant about the positions they have, on both sides of the aisle. But even in interpersonal relationships, the minor squabbles we have with our friends, lovers and coworkers, are often about relatively trivial things where we are convinced that our view of the world is correct—and their view is wrong.” What is dangerous is a free society (so called) are individuals who not only believe they know what is best for everyone, but are hell-bent on forcing others to believe that. It's how a would-be dictator becomes a "Hitler," and ruins the lives of millions as well as an entire country.

Intellectual Humility Research

According to the research, Intellectual Humility has huge and far-reaching implications. It may be “The Perfect Personality Trait For Intelligent People!” Studies have revealed that being aware you could be wrong is a fundamentally important personality trait; perhaps the most fundamentally important personality trait for a thoughtful person. People who are intellectually humble are better able to assess evidence, tend to stick to their principles once established, and show more integrity. According to Professor Mark Leary, lead author for a study on Intellectual Humility, “There are stereotypes about conservatives and religiously conservative people being less intellectually humble about their beliefs. We didn’t find a shred of evidence to support that.” The research showed that in terms of politics, there was no difference between liberals and conservatives. There are individuals ‘on both sides of the aisle’ who come across as very intellectually arrogant, who think they really ‘know.’ Not being afraid of being wrong—that’s a value, and I think it is a value we could promote.”

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Intellectual Humility – a wide net.

Intellectual Humility throws a wide net. It is interesting to observe its presence—or absence—in education, politics, religion, government, sports, business, gender relationships, and families (to name just a few). It is exacerbated and compounded by the presence or absence of high levels of EQ or Emotional Intelligence. Just notice the ancient and continuing animosity between evolutionists and creationists; the endless racial intolerance—even though human brains are all are the same color; the ongoing ecclesiastical disputes about the position of females in religion and the “ordination of women;” to say nothing of the rigid certainty that “marriage” must be between a 46-XX and a 46-XY chromosomal pattern only—despite the fact that chromosomal patterns ranging from 45 to 49 chromosomes at least have been identified.

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Intellectual Humility & Leadership

Intellectual humility is positively associated with knowledge acquisition, learning and educational achievement. Those who are intellectually humble tend to be more motivated to learn and are more knowledgeable about general facts. Highschool and university students who ae intellectually humble tend to expend greater effort when learning difficult material, are more receptive to assignment feedback, and earn higher grades. Studies have shown that individuals who are intellectually humble tend to be more curious, make more well-informed decisions, appear more open to cooperating with those who held differing views, and were better liked as leaders. Recent studies have shown that leaders who are higher in intellectual humility are also higher in Emotional Intelligence, which helps them to avoid assuming that what they think they know or believe is 100% accurate in every aspect. That validates my own observations that those with high EQ are more likely to exhibit intellectual humility as compared with those who have low-to-no EQ.

Intellectual Humility Described

Intellectual Humility can be described as the ability to recognize shortcomings or potential limitations in one’s own point of view. It involves a recognition that no one knows everything, nor does it assume that your current beliefs or level of knowledge is absolutely correct. Think of it as a virtual balance between overvaluing (intellectual arrogance) and undervaluing (intellectual diffidence) one’s beliefs. There seems to be some consensus that intellectual humility necessarily includes recognizing the limits of one’s knowledge and being aware of one’s fallibility. It may be the polar opposite from Dunning-Kruger Syndrome in which individuals believe they know everything about everything and are likely quite infallible.

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Intellectual Humility

Sometime in 2017 (I think) you shared some information about Intellectual Humility. I had never heard of it before and found it interesting and enlightening. Can you revisit this topic? Is there anything new?

Yes and yes. Intellectual humility is an interesting concept. Early brain-function research indicated that each brain only has its own opinion. Sometimes that is a unilateral view; sometimes it is a view that has been adopted from someone else. Early research on Intellectual humility prompted me to include these phrases in my vocabulary: “In my brain’s opinion,” or “My brain’s opinion is …” They were designed to express that no brain can “know” everything much less “know” what it knows with infallible accuracy. What a brain doesn’t even know it doesn’t know can be lethal. New research on this topic was released in 2022, which I am happy to share with you. It reinforces that these phrases are meant to reflect personal intellectual humility. 

Benefits of Resistant Starch

Are there benefits to a human microbiome by using Resistant Starch or Retrograde RS?

Resistant Starch and Retrograde RS feeds the good bacteria in the microbiome of the colon. Studies have shown that this, in turn: 

• Supports a healthier colon and microbiome
• Decreases blood insulin spikes after meals
• Decreases appetite
• Decreases inflammation
• Decreases fat storage in fat cells
• May help avoid colon cancer
• May increase metabolism
• May improve stress resistance
• May help achieve a more balanced gut microbiome,

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Sources of Resistant Starch

Can you give me examples of Resistant Starch?

I can do that. Here are some examples:  brown rice, beans, whole-grain bread and pasta, quinoa, cashews, lentils, plantains, green (unripe bananas), oats, potatoes, and raw seeds. There is also Retrograde RS, a type of resistant starch that is created when specific foods are cooked, cooled, and then eaten cold or reheated at low temperatures (less than 140^o F). According to Amy Nett, MD, examples include cooked and cooled parboiled rice, cooked and cooled potatoes, and cooked and cooled (soaked or sprouted) legumes. Both Bob’s Red Mill and Anthony’s have Resistant potato starch (not potato flour). A TBSP in a smoothie works well.

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Resistant Starch (RS)

My health coach recently told me that my “colon microbiome” would be much healthier if I regularly fed it “resistant starch.” Well, that went right over my head and subsequent explanations were even at a higher altitude. Can you help me understand what this is?

Resistant Starch (RS) is a complex carbohydrate that “resists” being digested in your stomach and small intestine. It passes straight through to your colon or large intestine. There it provides food for your trillions of “good” bacteria, part of your microbiome. In the colon, “good” bacteria help with digestion and also help to rein in “bad” bacteria. A type of prebiotic, Resistant Starch (RS) does not spike blood glucose or insulin after being eaten and provides fewer calories. According to NIH studies, RS reaches the colon intact where it is consumed by good bacteria. It not only decreases the blood glucose levels at the time it is eaten, blood glucose and insulin levels after a subsequent meal also rise less than would otherwise be expected. 

Differences in Approach to spiritual & physical modes

 

Do males and females approach spiritual and physical modes the same?

Males tend to relate to the world primarily through a physical mode (e.g., objects that are perceived through the five senses) or an intellectual mode (e.g., thinking, imagining, attitudes, viewpoint, inventing). Therefore, males tend to translate spiritual information either into a physical mode (e.g., building cathedrals, creating statues or art work, designing flags or icons or other symbolic objects) or into an intellectual mode (e.g., dogma, rituals, philosophy, doctrine, rules, regulations) as well. Typically, males assume that females also speak from a physical or intellectual mode, as well, even when they are discussing topics involving spiritual or religious concepts. Females can relate via physical or intellectual modes, but they can also respond through direct feeling states that are outside physical language and intellectual definition. They can experience a spiritual relationship with a Higher Power directly through emotions and feelings without having to translate it into either physical or intellectual modes. When females speak directly from a feelings mode, males may misread or misunderstand what the females are saying because, typically, males avoid venturing into the more nebulous realms of feelings.

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Prebiotics

Are prebiotics just an alternate spelling of probiotics? I’m a bit confused. If not, then what are prebiotics?

Good question. No, prebiotics is not a misspelling of probiotics. Prebiotics are indigestible carbohydrates and fibers that feed healthy microorganisms in the colon or large intestines. There are healthy foods that naturally contain prebiotics. Typically, these include whole fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains (e.g., wheat, oats, and barley), and resistant starch.

 

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Microbiome & Antibiotics

Are antibiotics bad for the human microbiome?

 According to NIH studies, antibiotics have saved many lives since they were first discovered and have revolutionized the treatment of infectious diseases on a global scale. However, their overuse and misuse in human and veterinary medicine have resulted in the current global antibiotic-resistance crisis. A study published in the journal Lancet reported that drug resistance was responsible for more than one million deaths in 2019. A single course of antibiotics was found to alter the gut microbiomes of healthy volunteers, and it can take months to years to recover the original desirable species. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections but are often given to prevent a growth of bacteria that can follow a viral illness. According to research at University Hospital Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona, Francisco Guarner was reported as pointing out that antibiotics can destroy some healthy bacteria and allow other microorganisms to overgrow. This alters the healthy balance. Microorganisms that become resistant to antibiotics can even “teach” other organisms to also become resistant. 

Human Microbiome

I know what the human genome means; I do not understand what the human microbiome means.

According to the National Human Genome Research Institute (genome.gov), the term human microbiome is typically used to describe the trillions of microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea (one-celled organisms without a cell nucleus)—that live on the skin, in the mouth, in the urogenital system, and in the gut. Your microbiome is dynamic, meaning that it can change for better or worse (e.g., ratio of desirable organisms getting out of balance with undesirable organisms) based on many environmental factors. These can include lifestyle choices such as exercise, food and beverage intake, medications, antibiotics, and other exposures.

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Homographs & Heteronyms, 2

Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have more than one meaning. Heteronyms are homographs that although they are spelled the same are pronounced differently. These types of words may contribute to making English a challenging language to learn for some individuals.

•  The bandage was wound around the wound.
• He could lead if he would get the lead out.
• The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
• Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
• A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
• Upon seeing the tear in the painting, she shed a tear.
• A row erupted when the row of paintings was uncovered, and two patrons wanted the same painting.
• It was my task to subject the subject to a series of tests.
• How can I intimate this to my most intimate (are pronounced differently)

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Divide & Rule

I have a boss that seems to lead by Divide & Rule." The boss rarely calls a group together to vote on a matter unless each individual has been spoken to separately in advance. We sometimes found out later that individuals may have received differing information. How is this helpful?

It's obviously helpful for the boss's agenda or the behavior likely would not be repeated. The goal of divide and rule is to program each individual separately and in advance so that when a vote is taken on a problem or issue, the boss reasonably can expect that a majority will vote the outcome he or she wants. It involves positing to each individual in a “this is just between us” style, what the boss believes will get that person on board with the desired solution. This may include omitting some of the details, embellishing others, or addressing the other individual’s fears, concerns, or weaknesses. Unfortunately, this can be a difficult style of “leadership” to deal with. When the committee eventually meets and the boss says, “To save time, I’ve met with each of you individually. If (so and so) will move to approve the solution I discussed with each of you, we can vote and get on with the next agenda item.” As long as the boss gets a majority vote, there is no general discussion where each individual can ask questions in the group setting. Eventually, this style can lead to an environment of distrust and even to questioning the level of honesty. 

Alternative Questions

Asking a “why question” of an adult narcissist typically guarantees walking on egg shells and potentially injuring your own feet. Their reactivity tends to be set in stone, one reason that this mental disorder is often referred to as an extremely difficult behavior to deal with, much less to recover from. Even with professional help, they tend to believe that the problem is always—repeat ALWAYS—someone else’s problem and never theirs. For a teenager, try open-ended questions rather than anything starting with the word “Why.” For example, “What was your brain thinking when you decided to drink and drive?” “What could you do next time to remember to turn in your homework?” “How could you remind yourself the night before to put out the garbage?” “What prompted your brain to punch your little brother?” “Is there something I can do to help you realize the value of telling the truth and building a reputation for honesty?”

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Narcissists & “Why”

In addition to typical teenagers, narcissists are notorious for balking at being asked “why.” They tend to rage, attack, stonewall, deny, and ghost. They are poor at reflecting on their inner self and motivations  and may act out combatively, verbally and physically. They typically exhibit JOT behaviors (Jump to Conclusions, Overreact, Take things personally. They hate personal accountability and are exhausting to be around or deal with. If these individuals do not grow out of narcissistic behaviors, you have to deal with a “forever kiddo” who always needs a nap, a diaper change, and a box of juice after having tantrum meltdown—unless, however, you have the option of distancing yourself from them. Typically, this also includes many teens who are quite narcissistic until and unless they get some maturity and are helped to put “it’s all about me” into a balanced perspective. My brain’s opinion is that this is where parents, teachers, and coaches, can play a huge role in helping teenagers to grow out of their narcissism. 

"Why" Questions

Why do people go ballistic when they are asked a "why" question?

I could ask, "Why do people continue to ask 'why' questions when they rarely receive cogent cognitive answers?" Many human beings do not like being asked a “why” question, adolescents and Narcissists especially. “Why did you do that?” is likely to be answered with “I don’t know” or “Get off my back!” or “I’m out of here,” unless they just ghost you and badmouth you to others. In all probably they likely do NOT know as it takes some maturity and high Emotional Intelligence skills to attempt to identify contributing factors for an exhibited behavior, especially those involved with brain function. Indeed, a “why” question does often sound accusatory: “Why did you drink and drive?” or  “Why didn’t you turn in your homework,” or “Why didn’t you put out the garbage for pickup,” or “Why did you punch your little brother,” or “why did you eat half the cherry pie that you knew was for dessert tonight,” or “Why do you always lie,” or “Why didn’t you call me back?” or “Why did you cheat on me?” or ad infinitum.

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