Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 12. Source pages: 14.
From Amazon to our credit scores, Deep Learning is already influencing our lives. Very soon indeed, its methods will be used to drive our cars, select what we eat, compose what music we listen to, and even make medical decisions for us.
For Psychologists, as for many professionals, Deep Learning may well make much of what we do irrelevant, unless we change our practice model.
A great introduction to the topic is Professor Terrence Sejnowski’s recent semi autobiography and history The Deep Learning Revolution.
Sejnowski, the Francis Crick Professor at The Salk Institute in La Jolla, California, is a pioneer in the field of computational neuroscience. His extraordinary research in computer modeling of the brain has combined the elegance and rigor of cellular level precision with a systemic understanding of global brain functioning.
Reminiscent of Hans Eysenck almost three generations ago, his contributions are astonishing for their variety, breadth, and richness. Equally like Eysenck, his writing style is succinct and highly convincing, though without the polemics. He can almost effortlessly make complex topics understandable and Deep Learning is pretty darn esoteric!
If you are at all interested in what the world will be like in ten years and the person who made it possible, read this book. It will leave you somewhat satisfied but admittedly unsettled.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 12. Source pages: 14.
At holiday time, I enjoy reading holiday-theme mysteries. I have a fondness for reading what are referred to as “Cozy Mysteries.” There is even a web site devoted to this genre www.cozy- mystery.com. According to this web site, Cozy Mysteries “usually take place in a small picturesque town or village with characters who I could envision having as neighbors or friends.”
These mysteries typically appeal to women and are often published in series. The Cozy Mystery web site allows you to search for books in a variety of ways such as by author, by holidays, by the occupation of the protagonist and by other themes such as hobbies. I highly recommend this site. I am currently finishing A Catered Thanksgiving by Isis Crawford which involves two sisters who are caterers and solve murder mysteries on the side. They end up being snow bound at a gloomy mansion where they are catering a Thanksgiving meal.
Some of my favorite Cozy Mystery authors who have Christmas theme mysteries are Nancy Atherton, Leslie Meier and Joanne Fluke. It will be hard to decide which one to pick for my next book.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 12. Source pages: 15.
A book I read this year which I found particularly timely and thought-provoking was No Matter How Loud I Shout: A Year in the Life of Juvenile Court (Simon & Schuster), by Edward Humes, written in 1996, with an update in 2015.
The author is a journalist who taught a writing class in the Los Angeles juvenile justice system, which is the subject of the book. In the 1990s juvenile crime had been rising, and all experts were predicting (wrongly) that there would be an explosion of violent juvenile crime in the years to come due to ever-increasing numbers of what were termed "superpredators". There was clearly far too little justice in the juvenile justice system, with a great many cases never being pursued at all, or prosecuted only after lengthy delays and wholesale plead-downs, with inadequate followup by overworked probation officers. The quality of legal defense was remarkably poor for the most part. A critical factor for many juvenile offenders was the calendar. Was the offense committed before the defendant's sixteenth birthday, or after? In the latter case trial as an adult could be expected, with correspondingly more severe penalties.
The book looks at the issues through the eyes of police, probation officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victims, and defendants. Regardless of whatever mostly-ineffectual measures were implemented to get juvenile offenders back on the right path, about 16% would go on to commit serious, repeat offenses. Should the system focus on early- intervention measures to help prevent this escalation, or concentrate on identifying and removing from society the sixteen percent who would become major offenders? The afterword provides some basis for very cautious optimism, with lower-than-expected crime rates, and with some young offenders making good in spite of their circumstances, and of themselves. But there is no mistaking how big a problem juvenile justice is in the United States. A disturbing and thought-provoking book.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 12. Source pages: 15.
“A Simple Act of Gratitude,” emphasized that when one focuses on giving thanks, even for the ‘smallest’ things, over time positive changes will occur internally, which then makes for external transformation of how you see your life, and the world around you.
Another one I had forgotten is “Acts of Faith,” by Eboo Patel. It’s the story of an American Muslim, his struggles to integrate both his home culture and beliefs, with being raised in the U.S. There’s a lot on tolerance, faith, and trying to live one’s truth in a pluralistic society.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 12. Source pages: 15.
Drs. Siegel and Bryson have done it again! The Yes Brain is their latest illustration of the exciting applications of the science of “interpersonal neurobiology” to parenting.
And it is another rallying call for a paradigm shift in how parents discipline their children. Siegel’s “interpersonal neurobiology” posits that the human brain is a highly social organ that is neurologically “wired” through everyday parent-child interactions from infancy to react/respond either positively (Yes!) or negatively (No!) in social situations. Unfortunately, traditional parenting practices have placed a heavy emphasis on No! Brain approaches, such as threats and/or external punishments and focusing mainly on extinguishing misbehavior. No! Brain approaches often stimulate anxiety, anger, resistance or passive submission rather than teaching the child self-discipline, which, after all, is the goal of discipline. In contrast, the Yes! Brain approach, based on our growing understanding of how core brain circuits (e.g., limbic system and prefrontal cortex) develop and integrate with repeated parent-child experiences, emphasizes “parenting from the inside out,” and views each disciplinary event is a “teachable moment” for “skill building” that promotes insight, self-regulation, empathy and resilience (the four chapters of the book). A core feature of the positive, Yes! Brain approach is to teach and empower children to operate from their internal zones of emotional regulation (aka underlying autonomic fight-flight-freeze system and pre-frontal executive system). Children are taught strategies that help them to expand and to remain in their green zone (flexible, adaptive), and how to pause, self-calm, and to choose behaviors when they get into their red zone (angry, rigid) using instructional parent-child dialogues rather than “carrots and sticks." This new book will surely be inspiring reading for both parents and professionals working with parents/children. Do I highly recommend it for holiday reading? Well, that’s a No! brainer. Yes!
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 12. Source pages: 15.
Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, by Robert Sapolsky, now in its third edition, is an excellent book for those interested in learning more about the field of health psychology and how the biopsychosocial model explains the relationship between the mind and body.
Although most people believe stress is unhealthy for the body, stress isn’t necessarily harmful for us. The human brain is actually well- developed for coping with and responding to acute, short-term stressors that have a clear beginning and end, such as situations that are threatening or dangerous. However, the nature of today’s stressors in the modern world is such that there often is no clear beginning, or at least there is no clear end, such as stressors that are more chronic. Dealing with on-going financial issues, relationship problems, conflicts at work, unemployment, illness, and poverty are examples of chronic stress that the brain is not well developed to respond to, and prolonged stress is what is harmful to most of the organ systems in the body. Even childhood traumatic experiences put individuals at risk for health problems in adulthood.
This book offers a concise and practical illustration of how, really, there is no separating the mind from the body. Enjoy!
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 11. Source pages: 7.
Gov. Edwards Announces First Round of Reinvestment Grants from Justice Reforms
On October 17, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that Caddo and East Baton Rouge Parishes will receive the first round of reinvestment funds realized through savings from the Justice Reinvestment legislation he signed into law in 2017. Caddo Parish will receive $912,568 and East Baton Rouge Parish will receive $1,631,521. Overall, the reform efforts are expected to save the state more than $262 million over the next decade and mandate that 70 percent of the savings be reinvested into programs that reduce recidivism, support victims and improve public safety. In the first fiscal year, the savings totaled $12.2 million, double the initial projections.
Caddo Parish will receive $912,568. Examples of grants are: Community Incentive Grants – $388,068-Louisiana Parole Project (community reentry program) $22,433 and -United Way of NWLA $365,635. Local Programs – $374,500. Under the reform measures, the last two years of incarceration will be spent at a local facility in close proximity to the inmate’s home parish. Programs will include education, decision making and technical training, anger management, substance use treatment, housing and job placement. East Baton Rouge Parish will receive $1,631,521 and examples are: Community Incentive Grants -$407,021, The Life of a Single Mom (life skills, mentoring and peer support) $57,529, Capital Area Human Services- $327,059, Louisiana Parole Project- $22,433, and Family Justice Center – $750,000. The center empowers victims of family violence with resources necessary to maintain safety and stability for themselves and their families.
Local Programs – $424,500
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 11. Source pages: 7.
Act 655 Establishes a Citizens Complaints Process for State Boards
A measure authored by Sen. Milkovich took affect in August and requires that boards and commissions accept complaints from licensees and the general public, and report those complaints to the Committee on House and Governmental Affairs, or the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs as appropriate. The boards are also required to submit quarterly reports to the appropriate legislative oversight committees and to contain information about number of complaints received regarding board actions or procedures. A summary of each such complaint and the disposition of each complaint is to be included, while protecting the confidential information of the person complaining. The boards will also be required to post the message for citizens making complaint outlining the procedures and actions allowed and how to file the complaint and who with.
The state psychology board has posted this information on its website.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 11. Source pages: 2.
by Times publisher, J. Nelson If you haven't had a chance to catch the movie The Martian on Netflix, be sure and see it, especially if you're sci-fi enthusiast.
During a space mission to Mars astronaut Matt Wanley, played by Matt Damon, is separated from his team, presumed dead, and left alone on Mars with few resources. With almost no hope of surviving, it is a high-tech story of man against nature and man against himself, of courage, determination and science.
"If the oxygenator breaks down," he says, "I'll suffocate. If the water reclaimer breaks down, I'll die of thirst. If the hab breaches, I'll just kind of implode. If none of those things happen, I'll eventually run out of food and starve to death. So, yeah… "
One of the fan's most popular quotes is (and Neil deGrasse Tyson really likes it too): "In the face of overwhelming odds, I'm left with only one option, I'm gonna have to science the shit out of this."
Looking at the complex factors around Louisiana's health and health care issues, and the bottom rank we've had for years, suggests some concern with our problem-solving methods.
Perhaps there's an issue in the way we're going about it.
When solving problems, it is critical that you figure out what problem you are solving, so you don’t wind up working on the wrong problem or trying to solve a symptom of the real problem. This thing that happens to a lot of us –solving symptoms of problems– is so common a mistake that we have a name for it – the medical model. Much of medicine has developed excellence in treating symptoms. Another thing to remember when solving complex problems is not to allow your team to grow much larger than 5 or 6 people. Some of these task teams are loaded with twenty or more people.
If you are going to have any hope of a high-functioning team, this is critical. If you are unlucky enough to be assigned a large group and told to manage some sort of problem-solving process, and there is absolutely no way you can get out of it, then you must have a facilitator or two, and everybody must be assessed for cognitive style, conflict style, leadership style, and so on.
Avoid compromise and other shortcuts to bad decisions. Compromise has somehow gotten unwarranted positive press, probably because most people don’t know that compromise is only a bad solution in disguise. Another bad idea is majority rule voting. “The measure passed by X votes.” This means it was a poor decision to begin with, but nobody knew what else to do, they were all probably worn out, blood sugar was tanking, and it was time for lunch. Compromise and majority rule result in halfway, mediocre decisions, that only a percentage of people even like.
Perhaps one of the worse things about bad decisions is that they lull people into thinking that they actually have an adequate solution, went they don’t. People stop searching for the best ideas, or even just a better one. Some of what happened in Representative Norton's bill, seems to fit that issue.
Watney summed up a wonderful problem-solving method, at the end of the story. What to do when faced with the odds. "At some point, everything's gonna go south on you… everything's going to go south and you're going to say, this is it. This is how I end. Now you can either accept that, or you can get to work. That's all it is. You just begin. You do the math. You solve one problem… and you solve the next one… and then the next. And If you solve enough problems, you get to come home."
Psychology is science too, and one that has many good answers to important questions.
[Julie Nelson is a licensed psychologist, journalist, and organizational consultant, and publisher of the Times. She also holds other various positions in the community. However, her opinions here are those of her own, and do not represent any group or association. She and the Times receive no compensation other than paid advertizing. Email her at drj@drjulienelson.com, ––she welcomes feedback.]
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 11. Source pages: 3.
Governor's Office Announces Various Appointments to Boards/Commissions
On October 19 and 26 the Governor's Office announced appointments for a number of Boards and Commissions. Capital Area Human Services District––The Capital Area Human Services District directs the operation and management of community- based programs and services relative to public health, mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services for the parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana. Amy P. Betts, of St. Francisville, was reappointed to the Capital Area Human Services District. Betts is the CEO of Bettlam Global Solutions and a former Supervisor of Special Education for the West Feliciana Parish School system. As required by statute, she was nominated by the West Feliciana Parish Council. Gerri J. Hobdy, of Baton Rouge, was reappointed to the Capital Area Human Services District. Hobdy is the Director of Community Relations for Baton Rouge Community College. As required by statute, she was nominated by the City of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish. Louisiana Rehabilitation Council––The Louisiana Rehabilitation Council's duties include reviewing, analyzing, and advising the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services within the Louisiana Workforce Commission regarding the performance of its responsibilities relating to eligibility, extent, scope, and effectiveness of services provided. The Council also reviews functions performed by state agencies that affect or that potentially affect the ability of individuals with disabilities in achieving employment. Megan N. Thompson, of Baton Rouge, was appointed to the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council. Thompson is a program consultant for the Louisiana Department of Education and will serve as the representative of the state educational agency responsible for the public education of students with disabilities. Louisiana D.A.R.E. Advisory Board––The Louisiana Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Advisory Board is charged with developing, promoting, monitoring, and evaluating the D.A.R.E. program.In this respect, the Board serves as an advisory body to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice.
Carroll J. Stelly, of Rayne, was appointed to the Louisiana D.A.R.E. Advisory Board. Stelly is the Chief of Police for the City of Rayne. He will serve as a member of the Louisiana Chiefs of Police Association.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 11. Source pages: 5.
Gov. Edwards Declares October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in La
On October 15 the Governors Office released a statement saying that Gov. Edwards had proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness month in Louisiana. In addition, the Governor’s Mansion was also lit purple October 15-22 to raise awareness about this violent crime which impacts over four million Americans every year, said the announcement.
“It is shocking but true, Louisiana ranks third nationally when it comes to domestic violence and we should all be moved to bring an end to this senseless act,” said Gov. Edwards. “Research shows that nearly half of all children who are exposed to domestic violence can experience lifelong trauma. It impacts every race, gender and income level, which is why it is incumbent upon all of us to become educated about it and work together to help survivors and their families.”
According to the statement, women in Louisiana are killed by men at a rate of 2 per 100,000 females and children whose mothers are victimized are 50 percent more likely to have traumatic repercussions that last a lifetime.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 11. Source pages: 6.
Veterans Day "Wall That Heals" Arrives in Franklinton, Louisiana, November 13
The Wall That Heals, a ¾-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., is coming to the Washington Parish Fairgrounds in Franklinton, Louisiana, Nov. 15-18. The exhibit, which displays the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who gave their lives during the conflict, will be open 24 hours a day and is free to the public.
The exhibition will include a mobile Education Center that tells the story of the Vietnam War, the Memorial and the era surrounding the conflict, designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in an historical and cultural context.
"Everyone I have spoken to about The Wall That Heals visit has been elated to have it coming to Franklinton," said state Sen. Beth Mizell, who was instrumental in bringing The Wall to Louisiana. "A Vietnam veteran who visited my office expressed a heartfelt desire for our local vets to see The Wall and the application for our area to host was spurred by his visit. There were over 100 requests to host The Wall in 2018, and ours was one of only 38 selected. This opportunity will be an unforgettable experience for area residents and visitors to our community."
The Wall That Heals will arrive on Nov. 13 and be escorted to the Fairgrounds by the Louisiana State Police. The Wall will be assembled on Nov. 14 and public viewing will begin at 5 p.m. Thereafter, the exhibit will be open 24/7 until closing ceremonies at 1 p.m. on Nov. 18. Numerous school field trips are scheduled and more are expected. A ceremony honoring Gold Star Families will be held Nov. 17 at 11 a.m., and a 6 p.m. candlelight vigil and reading of the names will occur later that day. Volunteers are still needed, and those interested can also register on the website, www.thewallfranklinton.com/volunteer.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 11. Source pages: 6.
From the Minutes Selected Items from August 24 Discussions of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of psychologist posted their August 24, 2018 minutes approved to September 24 and October 24.
The Board reviewed and discussed the meeting minutes from June 22, 2018. Dr. Henke moved to table approval until the July meeting due to the absence of a quorum of the members who were present at the June 22, 2018 meeting who could affirm the accuracy of those minute.s
The Board reviewed the Minutes of June 22, 2018, Dr. Boggs moved to approve the minutes of June 22, 2018.
The Board reviewed the Minutes of July 20, 2018, Dr. Boggs moved to approve the minutes of July 20, 2018..
The Board reviewed the Minutes of August 3, 2018, Dr. Boggs moved to approve the minutes of August 3, 2018.
Complaints Committee: - Dr. Lambert reported that the Ad Hoc Complaints Committee workgroup will be meeting one last time before presenting draft rules to the board for review and consideration.
Long Range Planning (LRP)/Awards Committee – The board reviewed potential discussion items for the LRP meeting and set a date for the LRP meeting on November 29 and 30, 2018. Dr. Lambert requested to add LRP agenda items to discuss masters level licensure and specialty designations vs. HSP/non-HSP.
Expedited Military Application – Senate Concurrent Resolution 83 of the 2018 Regular Session urges and requests every occupational and professional board or commission in Louisiana to prominently display a link to licensing information for military-trained applicants and their spouses on the website, prompting a review of current processes and procedures of the board. The Board discussed revising application instructions and procedures to improve the expedited military applications for active military service men and women and their spouses. Dr. Boggs agreed to review the current procedures make recommendations for proceeding.
4. Rulemaking 2018-19: a. Telepsychology – the Board discussed rule making for telepsychology. Dr. Lambert agreed to take the lead on drafting rules for consideration by the board. b. Chapter 15. Rules for Disciplinary Actions – the Ad Hoc Complaints Committee continues to work on a draft for presentation to the board. c. Chapter 1: (ALL NEW) SUBCHAPTER B: Administrative Procedure and Authority (Sections 150 – 199) – Ms. Newton presented a draft of the required rulemaking required under R.S. 49:962, with regard to the adoption of rules and declaratory orders and advisory opinions. Dr. Gormanous moved in favor of approving the language as amended for promuglation. Lambert – YEA, Boggs – YEA, Henke – YEA, Crouch – YEA, Gormanous – YEA.
8. Policy and Procedures: a) Accounting: Section 2000; b)Board Structure: Section 1013; c) Media/Public Information Policy: Section 8000; d) Emergency Operation Policy: Section 5000:
The Board reviewed and considered revisions to the policy and procedures related to accounting, structure, public speaking and emergency operations.
Dr. Gormanous moved in favor of the revisions to policy and procedures related to accounting, structure, public speaking and emergency operations including the following:
a. updating the accounting policy to reflect current staffing model;
b. moving policy related to drug free workplace from Board Structure to General Operations; updating definitions, roles and authority complaint committees, including the following: To provide for delegation to the Executive Director to assign a committee to each complaint; To provide for a means for the complaints committee to propose rules, policies and procedures related to the complaints process; To provide that in accordance with the LA Administrative Procedures Act a policy pertaining to ex parte consultations or communications; To provide for the authority of the complaints committee to investigate complaints, conduct informal face to face meetings, make recommendations to the LSBEP for dismissal, negotiate consent orders or other informal resolution; To initiate formal hearing proceedings before the LSBEP including the signature authority on the formal administrative complaint; To oversee compliance with individuals engaged in Impaired Psychologist Procedure Agreements or Consent Orders; To provide for the initiation of emergency summary suspension proceedings before the LSBEP;
c. to require attestation and disclosure by board members when engaged in public speaking activities not related to board duties; and
d. updating emergency operations and policy for deploying emergency temporary registrations.
The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote as follows: Lambert – YEA, Boggs – YEA, Henke – YEA, Crouch – YEA, Gormanous – YEA. The final draft to be presented to the Board at their next regularly scheduled meeting.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Psychologists aiming to reboot the well- respected, regional journal, from the 1980s, The Southern Psychologist, are planning a December launch, said Dr. Bill McCown, co- editor and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Business and Social Sciences at the University of Louisiana– Monroe (ULM).
McCown is a Co-Editor along with Drs. MKay Bonner and Burt Ashworth, also with University of Louisiana at Monroe. The working title is Contemporary Southern Psychologist.
“The journal is coming along as scheduled,” said McCown. “We are now getting funded from Burt Ashworth's endowed chair in Gerontology. That means that the first issue has to primarily be dedicated to–well–gerontology! But we have six articles as well as an introduction to the direction of the journal. Most are empirically-based, which is exciting.”
“We are aiming for a release of around December 1,” said McCown, who is the 2018 Louisiana Psychological Association’s Distinguished Psychologist, and also Coordinator of the Psychology Department at ULM. “Our University has actually purchased software for the journal…,” he said. “While not quite turn-key, it is pretty close.”
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 9, No. 10. Source pages: 2.
Next week is National Newspaper Week, an event sponsored by the national association of newspaper managers to help promote and celebrate the contributions of journalists. They send us some art, banner logos, and some editorials.
This year’s editorials included some bitter complaining about the “fake news” label being used by the President, and how this damages the journalism brand.
Puzzling. The newspaper industry has been well aware for two decades of the serious slide in the public’s trust.
Before Trump was elected, Pew Research reported that only 27% of liberals and only 15% of conservatives felt that information from national news organizations was “very trustworthy.”
In two years, little has changed. Currently, only 35% of liberals agree that news organizations are very trustworthy. For conservatives, only 12%.
Nor does the public think that the national news media does a very good job at keeping them well informed. For liberals only 28% in 2016 and only 27% in 2018 agreed that national journalism was doing their job well.
The picture is worse for conservatives. In 2016 only 24% felt the national outlets kept them well informed and in 2018 this fell to 11%.
It seems that the only remaining thing that the two parties can agree on is how abysmally bad the national news media is.
Complaining about Trump’s “fake news” label seems to be a post hoc error––Trump came after low trust in journalists. Maybe it is reversed, maybe the journalists caused Trump.
Gone are the days of Walter Cronkite journalism–“The most trusted man in America.” I grew up in the newspaper family with two real, true journalists and I now think that those days, the 1950s and 1960s, might have been a golden age for journalism. My work with the Times has been a lovely echo of that past, a faded melody of the intersection of high ideals, information and the human condition. Perhaps an illusion, but a nice one.
It was in the 1970s, while in graduate school at LSU, that my major professor, Don Glad, exposed me to systems theory. Like most systems theorists Don loved the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics.
The Law says that in a closed system, information and structure degrade (entropy) and, eventually the system dies. Steven Pinker describes it this way: “…the second law defines the ultimate purpose of life, mind, and human striving: to deploy energy and information to fight back the tide of entropy and carve out refuges of beneficial order.”
Evolutionary psychologists John Tooby and Leda Cosmides write “The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics is the 1st Law of Psychology.”
Don Glad was a newspaperman before he became a clinical- community psychologist and university professor. After Don died, Ralph Dreger called him an “irascible genius,” who applied that genius to “the most pressing problem of the times…” Ralph was referring to race relations in the south in the 60s. “There was no single individual more influential in bringing about communication in days when there was transition from segregation to desegregation and integration…”, Ralph said about Don.
Today also, we are in very strange times. The system is perturbed. Fast think reigns. We are in a slow boil. The usual majority rule is now unworkable–we are split down the middle. Subgroups are over-boundaried. No valid information flow. Not much likelihood of a true consensus.
There is plenty of entropy these days. And psychology has some of the best ideas around for helping our communities and nation.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.