Impulse response and discovering human structure

and part 2: three simple ideas that can improve civilization and your quality of life

Strike a bell and listen to its characteristic frequency.. This is about as simple an example of 'impulse response' as I can identify in common terms.. There is a core notion extremely valuable from systems theory: the impulse response of a linear system belies its structure. An immediate hand is raised in objection about the pervasiveness of linear systems.. But I contend most addressable systems are structurally slowly varying linear approximable. Regardless, the notion is extremely valuable in terms of analyzing human systems. What's an example? Consider Jane Goodall observing chimps in the wild, our closest animal relative. If we erect a trough-feeder with a seemingly infinite supply of bananas for one troop, we have introduced the consumption-equivalent of an impulse input to the 'troop system'. Jane observed some violent behavior in response to this input which belies our relatives' aggressive and violent tendencies: it's in their/our DNA.

I'm not a Christian but let's suppose for a moment Jesus was/is the 'son of God' – an instance of the Divine.. His appearance in human history could be thought of as an impulse input to the human system. What did we do? We killed It. 'Great response' – chalk one up for violent humans.. ;) Ah but this ignores the transient responses.. The strongest most powerful religion today is Christianity 'thanks' to Paul.. Personally, I resent his pushy attitude about the divinity of Jesus but we must accept the historical consequences.. From one humble Arab came the world's presently most powerful religion. What does this tell us about human structure?

1. the fact we killed Jesus shows we're afraid of any divinity

2. the fact we martyred him indicates guilt issues and more fear of punishment

3. the fact we built the most powerful religion around him indicates a willingness, at least superficial, to 'obey' divinity

4. we're a very conformist species with occasional bursts of 'rebellion'

I have previously argued Jesus was murdered specifically because he 'betrayed' Jewish expectations about liberation from Rome. But this view puts too much blame on Jews which is the culture from which he sprang. If we look at other examples of divinity throughout history: Socrates, Gandhi, Kennedy,.., we killed them too. Good men blown away.. What IS it with human beings?! We can't handle a rebellious leader? ^^ Ah but I sidetrack myself.. My point above is that if there were no redeeming traits of the human species, I'd pretty much agree with the 'Armageddon types' we deserve it. Thank God for our: curiosity, creativity, compassion,.. If it weren't for those and Inspiration, I'd say “chalk one up for the Devil” (another damned planet).. Spirituality aside, whether or not Jesus was the actual 'Son of God', we treated him as such – at least his memory (again, 'thanks' to Paul) with powerful and pervasive consequences.. Those consequences are very telling about our species .. It's too bad we cannot seem to tolerate/accept a modicum of diversity in perspective such as this one.. Because Socrates has been my lifelong mentor, I've half-expected my own poison brew to be waiting for me 'just around the corner'.. ^^ The Socrates of this generation and those that follow must pull together and recognize each other.. In the very least, we need to See one another. It is our obligation as guardians of civilization..

part 2: three simple ideas that can improve civilization and your quality of life

1. you get what you give (you reap what you sow)

2. give what you want

3. turn the other cheek (no, not butt-cheek :P)

1. codifies karma, 'what goes around comes around', work and study ethics, and accountability. In other words – fulfillment and satisfaction in life. There are always consequences for your actions, words, and thoughts.

2. talks about preferences or what makes you happy. You should not expect what you're unwilling to give. Be aware of your expectations.

3. For those who are happy with violence, subjugating, or exploiting others, we NEED this statement. It is perhaps the most important Christian concept if we allow forgiveness as a part of it. We need this to stop the 'infinite loop' (unending cycle) of revenge.

These three principles are minimally sufficient for an improving civilization because they require individual awareness of consequences, expectations, and forgiveness – which is a divine quality. A fair definition of Awareness, the archetype, is these three kinds together.

As you can put these three principles into practice in your own life, even though it's 'only' one life, realize your life-path touches many others.. Many many others.. If we only have a few people practicing these three principles conscientiously, we can change the world over time.. It is my faith, we will.

Rarely will I give 'homework' but this is 'one of those times'.. Look into your life and heart and find those who need your forgiveness – there are many. Forgive them. Open your heart to life and love. Learn how to forgive by forgiving. Make it a way of life.. If you want love, give love. If you want compassion, give it. If you want patience and understanding.. ;) And please be aware: you get 'out' what you put 'into' something.. If you're taking a class, you get out of it – what you put into it.. If you're working hard or hardly working ;) If you care, again, you get out of it – what you put into it.. And especially about your relationships (ALL of your relationships): you get what you give. Be Aware of your life.

In True-Love, sam