Negativism              

 I am often amazed at the spirit or attitude of negativism that often prevails. In society, in government, in politics and even in families.

 “These are the worst times ever,” so say many. Crime is on the increase. Poverty and sickness afflict the world. As well as economic dilemmas.

 Moaning and groaning is reflected in the media-newspapers, TV, and radio. It makes little difference the sources; whether they be conservative or liberal, rich or poor, uneducated or educated, racially diverse.

 From whence does negativism come? Is it hereditary? Is it an ethnic thing? Does environment play into it? I’d like to say “no” to all of these, but I’m really not sure.

 St Augustine and his sympathetic religionists blamed it and more on “original sin.”   People are born bad, evil a negative. Not just a few but all of us. A newborn baby has it too.

 Everyone is born with the tendency to do wrong or to behave good. Much of conservative religion endorses this view. Incidentally, this theological concept reflects the thinking of St. Paul and the Greek philosopher, Plato.

 Another prevalent source is to blame our environment. The child is conditioned by the parents and family. Horace Bushnell created the battle between “nature and nurture.” He was on the side of nurture as the most important.

 The question often arises, why does a person raised in a negative environment sometimes become very positive. And also the reverse. Humanistic psychologists talk and write a great deal about choice and free will. Either an emotional or intellectual  experience occurs that stimulates change.

 Charles Manson chose to become a murderer. His personal traumas contributed to his decisions. Billy Graham credits his evangelical fervor to being a born-again Christian. They made choices.

 “There is nothing as powerful as an idea whose time has come,” said Victor Hugo. That’s descriptive of the human intellect. Influenced by a book, a poem, a movie or a conversation. Even a sermon or lecture can trigger a response.

 I believe the decisions we make are dependent on the benefits received. Consequences are always the motivations. For example. Negative attitudes bring a feeling of superiority. They can also engender excuses-of all kinds.

 If you don’t know the name George Carlin, you will not appreciate his article as much as I do. Enjoy anyway. A fitting answer for negativism. His article follows.

 The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

 We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

 We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

 We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. . We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done large things, but not better things.

 These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight; bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. . .

 Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.  Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

 Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent.

 Remember, to say, “I love you” to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

 Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

 AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:  Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

 

WORDS TO THINK ABOUT

G. W. Abersold Ph.D.