negative reasoning (brief)

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Democracy should empower citizens equally 

Positive Reasoning: In this website, democracy is for the people by the people. So, positive reasoning is logic that is used in the best interest of people, where citizens have an equal share of power in the decision-making process (one person, one vote). Consider this: If human life matters, positive reasoning depends on people, wildlife, and the earth, benefiting all.

Geocracy extends democratic principles to include stewardship of the planet 

Positive reasoning must also include the earth, wildlife, and its people because people and wildlife are dependent on a healthy world.  I'm calling this a Geocracy that emphasizes stewardship of our planet, which involves making choices that align with the well-being of wildlife, biodiversity, and the earth or positive outcomes for people, wildlife, and the earth.  That's also my definition of mindfulness.

Root causes of negative Reasoning

*** Must read: It is important to understand the root cause of reasoning problems in childhood by following this link for details!

As infants, we relied on emotional expression without words, learning to communicate through modeling and feedback from caregivers. This early emotional reasoning influenced our language development, even before formal logic and reason were introduced.  Everything we learned encompassed a collection of behaviors, reasoning, positive and negative emotions, and communication pragmatics (communication, language, ethics, and behaviors).  Most of our communication, emotions, reasoning, and behaviors can be traced back to childhood, as well as to our cultural, societal, and ancestral roots.

1. Innate Emotional Reasoning: Initially, we expressed emotions freely, using cries and laughter as communication.
2. Self-Expression and Impact: Growing up, we learned to temper our emotions, realizing their impact on others, yet emotional reasoning persisted.
3. Education and Formal Logic: Formal education introduced logic, but our emotional foundations remained.
4. Fear of Self-Exploration: Many avoid facing emotions due to vulnerability, affecting communication.
5. Impact on Communication: Emotional weight in words like "I'm fine" reveals our inner world despite attempts to hide feelings.
6. Anger: Negative emotions trigger the amygdala, leading to a series of neurological and chemical reactions that reduce forebrain reasoning and prepare the body for fight, flight, or freeze reactions or actions, leaving the person less apt to recognize possibilities or alternative actions. 

• Language as a Record: Our language reflects early experiences and influences from others, shaping our emotional and behavioral responses. It is possible to analyze and understand the roots of language to understand how words and language are used (pragmatics).
• Emotional Attachments: Words like "love" and "hate" carry emotions, influencing our perceptions and experiences.
• Subjective Reality: Language constructs reality, with phrases like "glass half full" reflecting perspectives.
• Cultural Influence: Language reflects cultural norms and values, such as the Inuit having multiple words for "snow."
• Limitations and Expansions: Language can limit or expand our thinking; new words like "mindfulness" help express concepts.
• Shared Understanding: Language allows shared experiences but with nuances in perception.
• Changing Perspectives: Conversations challenge language, promoting reflection and detachment from emotional labels.

Mindful language use fosters greater awareness, empathy, and positive change.

Understanding the Formation of Habits

During our early developmental years, the environment and people around us heavily influenced our learning. This included all aspects of our behaviors, such as reasoning, communication, and reactive actions. Every fear we experienced, along with all our happy and pleasant moments, were learned and stored in our brains as habit patterns.

These habit patterns became deeply ingrained, making them difficult to break later in life. The roots of these patterns lie in the consistent repetition of behaviors and experiences during our formative years. Because these patterns were established so early, they often feel automatic and natural, which is why changing them can be a challenging task.

To illustrate:

1. Reasoning and Communication: How we rationalize situations and interact with others was shaped by the examples set by our parents, teachers, and peers, those around us.
2. Reactions: Our immediate responses to stress or joy were modeled by those around us, teaching us how to react in similar situations.
3. Fears and Joys: Specific experiences—both negative and positive were stored as memories that guide our future behavior. For example, a child who grew up in a loving, supportive environment is more likely to develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Breaking these established habits requires deliberate effort and often intervention, especially if the patterns are negative or harmful. By understanding the deep-seated nature of these behaviors, we can better address the challenges in changing them.

Breaking the habit: 

Old habits are hard to break, as shown in studies on negative reasoning, communication development, and recidivism(repeat offenders). Changing behavior later in life is difficult, costly, and often unsuccessful, especially with criminal behavior. Research shows that positive health habits are more effective and promising when ingrained in children early on. Unfortunately, unhealthy parents often can't teach these habits due to their own behaviors.

Many groups focus on positive change for human well-being and the environment. However, the lack of mindfulness impacts all these groups. Improving mindfulness can positively affect all these areas, making efforts more efficient and effective.

Studies have shown that mindfulness can enhance mental and physical well-being, improve performance, and foster positive behaviors in various fields. Here are some key findings:

1. Psychology and Psychiatry: Mindfulness-based interventions have been effective in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
2. Education: Implementing mindfulness practices in schools has been linked to improved attention, emotional regulation, and academic performance among students.
3. Business: Mindfulness training in the workplace can lead to better stress management, increased job satisfaction, and improved overall productivity.
4. Healthcare: Mindfulness practices have been shown to reduce chronic pain, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall physical health.
5. Social Work and Caregiving: Mindfulness can enhance empathy, compassion, and the quality of care provided by professionals in these fields

1. Early mindfulness training for children fosters healthy lifestyles, well-being, societal harmony, and environmental stewardship. Remember, being mindful goes beyond mere politeness.
2. Promoting mindfulness training for leaders in positive groups can be a highly effective way to influence and improve outcomes across various disciplines.
3. Form a local group that is founded on principles of mindfulness, not politics, religion, or any other group founded on mindfulness principles

The ripple in the process

The Ripple in the Process

Over two decades of learning from parents, teachers, and others, we've developed positive and negative attitudes toward various actions and thoughts. These experiences affect how we perceive challenges and successes. Words like politics, sex, and religion shape our ability to communicate mindfully.

• Guidance and Authority: Some find freedom in clear instructions and guidance from mentors or authority figures.
• Mindful Listening: Others associate freedom with absorbing information and growing without resistance.
• Resisting Authority: Some view freedom as the right to question authority and seek independent paths.
• Beneficial Words: Words carry different impacts; context matters. Parental advice, for instance, can be nurturing or constraining.

Freedom is a complex interplay of individuality, context, and personal growth, encompassing the right to choose, listen, and question.

1. Attachment/Motivated Reasoning: Attachment to ideologies or habits can lead to biased reasoning.
2. Communication Errors/Fallacies: Avoiding communication errors is crucial.
3. Conformity/Groupthink: Group dynamics influence personal reasoning.
4. Knowledge and Information: Accuracy of information is key. 
5. Organization: Organizing knowledge free from emotional reasoning is essential.
6. Intention: Choosing a positive path over negative behaviors is vital.
7. Fear: Managing fear-driven behavior is critical to avoid the outward ripple effect of spreading negative reactive perceptions and actions

Despite our knowledge of psychology, sociology, and communication, we face political division, war, and ecological issues, often due to an inability to reason beyond fears and motivated reasoning from leaders.   Amygdala hijacking refers to an overwhelming emotional reaction triggered by the amygdala, often used to distract or manipulate through language, words, or actions in propaganda. 

Ethical decisions are often driven by emotions rather than reason. Negative emotional reasoning, or negative bias, leads to cognitive distortions, while negative bias is likely due to evolutionary survival mechanisms. Our brains are wired to prioritize potential threats, leading to a focus on negative information. Distinguishing between emotional reasoning and fact-based reasoning is crucial for positive outcomes.  Understanding negative emotional reasoning helps in developing positive solutions and mindful reasoning.

Conformity Is the tendency to align attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with those of a group. It often starts in childhood and strengthens with age, driven by a genetic need to belong. Conformity can provide a sense of belonging and identity, aiding communication and social norms. However, it can also stifle creativity and lead to destructive behaviors and group biases.

• Provides a sense of belonging and security.
• Helps with communication, interactions, and following social norms.

• Stifles creativity and leads to destructive peer pressure.
• Creates outgroups and negative attitudes towards those outside the group.
• Can lead to mob mentality, terrorism, and war.

• Stanford Prison Experiment: Demonstrated how roles can lead to cruel behavior.
• Milgram Experiment: Showed obedience to authority despite moral conflicts. The study has been replicated.
• Asch Conformity Study: Revealed the power of social influence over individual judgment. The study has been replicated.

• Jonestown Massacre: Mass suicide/murder under cult influence.
• Rwandan Genocide: Mass killing incited by propaganda.
• Abu Ghraib Scandal: Abuse by US soldiers due to group dynamics.

• Leads to social cascades where group beliefs influence individual actions.
• Can reduce critical thinking and individuality.
• Creates cultural pressures to conform, varying by region.

Teaching critical thinking and understanding groupthink is essential for healthy development and societal benefit. Encouraging mindfulness and independent reasoning can help mitigate the negative effects of conformity.

1. Implicit racial bias, which operates unconsciously, is a well- documented, amongst people who say they reject racism. Throughout history, the dehumanization of other races has been used as a pretext for unequal treatment, ranging from police brutality to genocide.

2. Evidence shows that immigrants have a lower crime than U.S. born citizens and can actually improve security.

3. Evidence shows that authoritarian leaders often rely on scapegoating racial groups to consolidate power, divert attention from broader issues and justify oppressive policies.

4. The Due Process Clause applies to non-citizens as well as citizens.  The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution state that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

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Social media has facilitated group polarization, making it easier for people to be radicalized and to participate in like-minded thinking, potentially leading to extremes. Cass Sunstein noted, "With the Internet, it is exceedingly easy for us to find like-minded types."

• Myanmar: Facebook spread disinformation and hate speech against the Rohingya, contributing to their genocide.
• U.S.: Social media was used to organize the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
• India: Platforms spread rumors inciting mob violence against accused kidnappers and cow slaughterers.
• Nigeria: Amplified #EndSARS protests but also spread misinformation fueling tensions.
• France: Radicalized and recruited ISIS members for terrorist attacks.

Critical thinking involves analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information objectively and rationally. It's essential to avoid groupthink, gangs, terrorism, mob behavior, and war by recognizing all available options.

Groupthink occurs when a group of well-intentioned people make irrational decisions due to the urge to conform. It can lead to a loss of critical thinking and rationality.

• Cognitive Dissonance: The discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs, leading to rationalization or behavior change.
• Groupthink Hysteria: Extreme groupthink involving collective fear and panic. A more intense reaction is herd mentality or mob behavior.

• Believing the group is invincible or morally correct.
• Self-censorship to avoid disrupting consensus.
• Quashing dissenting opinions.
• Shielding leaders from dissent.
• Illusion of unanimity.
• Negative attitudes towards out-groups.

• Milgram Experiment: Demonstrated obedience to authority even when harming others.
• Asch Conformity Study: Showed people conform to group opinions even when they are incorrect.

To reduce groupthink, encourage dissent, and allow ample time for discussion.

For more information on conformity studies: Frontiers | Social Conformity in Immersive Virtual Environments: The Impact of Agents’ Gaze Behavior

Critical points to understand:

Groupthink is the cohesion within a group that pressures members toward harmony and conformity, discouraging creative thinking and leading to irrational decisions. This contrasts with the "Problem-Solving Model," which advocates for brainstorming and exploring all possibilities. The more a group conforms, the less likely critical thinking will occur, potentially resulting in extreme behaviors.

Group polarization is when group members adopt more extreme positions than they would individually. This is driven by personal experiences, the need for social acceptance, and the influence of like-minded peers. It mirrors mob behavior and can lead to significant social and political implications in a more extreme form.

• Social Comparison: Adjusting beliefs to fit in and gain approval.
• Persuasive Arguments: Reinforcing initial positions with supportive arguments.
• Social Identity: Adopting group values as part of self-concept.
• Informational Influence: Learning new insights that reinforce existing views.
• Diffusion of Responsibility: Feeling less accountable in a group, leading to extreme actions.

Cults are groups led by charismatic leaders, often displaying classic groupthink behavior. Warning signs of unsafe group leaders include:

• Absolute authoritarianism without accountability.
• No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.
• No meaningful financial disclosure.
• Unreasonable fear about the outside world.
• Former followers are always wrong in leaving.
• Documented abuses and grievances by former members.
• Followers feel they can never be "good enough."
• The leader/group is always right and the exclusive means of knowing "truth."

"When you have been prepared in the right way by the radios and the official advice, you obey more easily, even if the order is to kill your own neighbor." Cass Sunstein "Going to Extremes. Extremist groups often bond through emotional ties rather than reasoning. As they move toward extremist views, they may lose members, but those who remain form stronger cohesive bonds.

• Encourage respectful, empathetic communication.
• Provide balanced resources and perspectives.
• Foster a culture of tolerance, diversity, and critical thinking.
• Use silent ballots before discussions to avoid conformity pressure.
• Reflect on values before discussions to reduce bias.
• Choose words carefully to avoid triggering emotional reactions.

A mob is a disorganized group with a common cause, leading to herd mentality and potential violence. Mob behavior can occur in protests, riots, sports events, or disasters, driven by social norms and the desire to fit in.

People often conform to religious community expectations for belonging and fear of dissent. Religious groupthink involves strong group identity, emotional appeal, opposition to criticism, reliance on authority figures, and suppression of dissent.

Leaders of hate groups exploit members' vulnerabilities using collective fear and insecurity.

• Just-World Reasoning: Belief that people get what they deserve.
• Fallacy of Composition: Assuming what's true for one part is true for the whole.
• False Equivalencies: Equating very different things.

• Conforming to group norms without critical examination.
• Ignoring evidence that contradicts beliefs.
• Suppressing dissent and persecuting challengers.
• Engaging in harmful actions in the name of religion.

Religious beliefs and practices are often tied to social and cultural factors, influencing political and social attitudes.

A gang is a cohesive group sharing common interests, identity, and purpose, often engaging in violent activities with a sense of invulnerability. Adolescent biological and psychological changes, influenced by hormones, brain maturation, personality, and environment, can lead to increased risk-taking, impulsivity, and emotionality. Gang activity, primarily involving young males, is driven by peer pressure, social context, cultural norms, and economic conditions, resulting in violence, aggression, and crime, but also social bonding and identity formation.

• Adolescent Development: Influences behavior and cognition, leading to risk-taking and impulsivity.
• Social and Cultural Factors: Peer pressure, social context, and cultural norms drive gang behavior.
• Gangs vs. Terrorists: Gangs operate locally, while terrorists have political or religious motives and a broader reach. Religion can influence both.

Summary:  Fear, like a demon, can overtake an individual's mind, leading to a fight, flight, or freeze response with negative consequences. In a group, this fear can grow like cancer, feeding on anger and justifying mob behavior or herd mentality. This can lead to harm, abuse, riots, destruction, and even genocide by gangs, terrorists, mobs, vigilantes, organized crime, tribes, or armies. 

Tribalism and Groupthink podcast from psych bytes

When hate rhetoric garners widespread acceptance, there are often deeper sociocultural and emotional forces at play. Here are some possibilities to consider:

1. Identity and Belonging: Humans have an innate desire to belong to a group. Hate rhetoric often creates a “them versus us” narrative, fostering a sense of identity within the "us." This tribal instinct can lead people to support divisive rhetoric because it reinforces group cohesion and shared identity, even if it’s based on negativity.
2. Fear as a Motivator: Fear is a powerful emotional driver. Hate rhetoric often exploits fear of "the other" or fear of loss—whether it’s loss of resources, jobs, cultural identity, or security. Fear creates urgency, and in that state, individuals may cling to simplistic narratives that blame others, rather than grappling with complex realities.
3. Echo Chambers and Media Influence: With social media and selective news consumption, people often find themselves in echo chambers where their views are reinforced and opposing perspectives are dismissed. This constant exposure to similar rhetoric can normalize hate and amplify anger, making it seem rational or even virtuous.
4. Emotional Resilience and Frustration: In times of economic, social, or political frustration, people may feel powerless or unheard. Hate rhetoric provides a vent for these frustrations, targeting an identifiable “culprit” and offering an illusion of control or agency.
5. Psychological Comfort: Paradoxically, anger and hate can provide a sense of certainty and meaning. They simplify the world into “good” and “bad,” which can be psychologically comforting during uncertain or chaotic times.
6. Intergenerational Influence: Prejudice and divisive thinking can be passed down through families and communities. When hate rhetoric aligns with long-standing beliefs, it can feel less like a new idea and more like an affirmation of deeply rooted narratives.

Political groupthink can lead to poor decision-making and a lack of critical thinking. Prioritizing truth and the best interests of the people over party loyalty is crucial. Encouraging critical thinking, seeking diverse perspectives, and fostering accountability can mitigate groupthink. Valuing different viewpoints is essential.

• High Stress and Time Pressure: Crisis or deadlines requiring quick responses.
• High Group Cohesion and Loyalty: Strong identity and commitment to group goals.
• Isolation from External Information: Limited exposure to opposing views.
• Lack of Diversity and Expertise: Homogeneous backgrounds and perspectives.
• Dominant Leaders: Strong influence and authority.
• Organizational Culture: Rewards conformity and punishes dissent.

• Illusion of Invulnerability: Overconfidence and risk-taking.
• Collective Rationalization: Ignoring warnings or contradictory information.
• Illusion of Morality: Believing decisions are morally superior.
• Excessive Stereotyping: Dehumanizing opponents.
• Pressure for Conformity: Silencing dissent.
• Self-Censorship: Withholding doubts and objections.
• Illusion of Unanimity: Assuming unanimous agreement.
• Mindguards: Protecting the group from adverse information.

• Poor Decision-Making: Based on incomplete or inaccurate information.
• Irrational Actions: Acting impulsively or emotionally.
• Ethical Violations: Breaking laws and norms.
• Strategic Failures: Failing to achieve goals and facing resistance.

• Encourage critical thinking and dissent.
• Seek diverse and independent information.
• Establish transparent decision-making processes.
• Create a culture of learning and accountability.
• Foster ethical and moral awareness.

The 2020 election was the most secure in history:

This was supported by the Brennan Center of Justice in an article dated  December 11, 2020, and according to the Department of Homeland Security (CISA). The 2020 US election was “the most secure in American history" according to , CBS,CNN, Fox and Homeland Security.  The Elections Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council and the Election Infrastructure Sector Coordinating executive committees also issued a joint statement that this year’s election (2020) marked “the most secure in American history” The statement was made in response to baseless claims of widespread voter fraud in key battleground states by President Trump. They further added there was no voting system “deleted or lost votes, changed votes, or in any way compromised.” Add to that there were 60 court cases, the Supreme Court, Mitch McConnel, Bill Barr, the Department of Justice confirmed that there was no evidence of problem with the 2020 election.

The Washington Post: In response to an article by the Post "voter-fraud overwhelmingly targeted minorities and democrats,

 “Lorraine Minnite, a Rutgers University professor who has written a book on voter fraud, said she was unsurprised there have been so few convictions, since studies, election audits, and reporting have consistently shown that voter fraud is rare.”

“At best, these ‘election integrity’ units, are for show, designed to placate far-right election denialists in the conservative base,” Sawyer said. “At worst, they are used to justify new voting restrictions (1,230 proposed restricted laws listed below) and to intimidate people especially racial minorities from exercising their right to vote.”

Why was there a sudden change after the 2020 election in proposed voter laws?

Proposed voter restriction laws increased from 2020 to 2021 by 7.72 times.

10/23 - 325  restrictive voting bills have been introduced in 45 states by 10/23.  "More restrictive laws have been enacted in 2023    

                       than in any year of the last decade except 2021". 

12/22 - 408 restrictive bills were considered by lawmakers in 39 states, while lawmakers in at least 27 states introduced 151 election 

                     interference bills in 2023.

12/21 - 440 Bills with provisions that restrict voting access have been introduced in 49 states in the 2021 legislative sessions.

12/20 - 57  Legislators have introduced at least 35 bills that would restrict access in 15 states. Thus, when combined with bills carried over from last year, the- 57re are currently 57 in 2020 

Clearly, that did not happen accidentally.

voting rights timeline

The most notable periods of voting rights suppression and resistance are: The Jim Crow era (1877-1965), the women’s suffrage movement (1848-1920), The Native American voting rights struggle (1924-present), The immigrant voting rights challenge (1790-present).

The most recent wave of voting rights restrictions began after the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder Supreme Court decision, which invalidated a key provision of the Voting Rights Act that required certain states and jurisdictions with a history of discrimination to obtain federal approval before changing their voting laws. Since then, many states have enacted laws that make it harder to vote, such as requiring voter ID, reducing early voting, purging voter rolls, and closing polling places.

Why are people unaware or support voting restriction and suppression when democracy is counting every vote? Restrictions reduce human rights. They don't encourage and promote human rights and counting every vote.

A.I. suggestions for the problem:

The impact of these bills on voting rights is mostly negative, especially for voters of color, disabilities, and low literacy levels. These bills make it harder to register, vote by mail, or in person, and have one’s vote counted. They also increase the risk of voter suppression, intimidation, and disenfranchisement.

Possible solutions to protect democracy include electoral college reform, a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United, reducing barriers to voting, holding social media platforms accountable for spreading misinformation, strengthening civic education, and promoting bipartisanship and dialogue.

Conspiracy Beliefs and Groupthink

People may believe in a "climate cult" conspiracy due to lower analytic thinking, open-mindedness, and greater intuitive thinking. Conspiratorial thinking is driven by:

• Epistemic Motives: Need for certainty and information, often relying on social media.
• Existential Motives: Feeling powerless, seeking security and autonomy.
• Social Motives: Boosting self-esteem, feeling unique, and supporting an ingroup.

• Confirmation Bias: Seeking information that confirms beliefs.
• Attribution Bias: Attributing causes based on internal or external factors.
• In-group/Out-group Bias: Favoring one's group and devaluing others.

Groupthink in the military prioritizes consensus over critical thinking, leading to poor decisions and ethical violations. Historical examples include the Battle of Little Bighorn, Gallipoli, Dien Bien Phu, and the Iraq War.

• Encourage respectful, empathetic communication.
• Provide balanced information and perspectives.
• Foster a culture of tolerance and critical thinking.
• Use silent ballots and reflective writing to reduce bias.
• Choose words carefully to avoid triggering emotional reactions.

Systemic reasoning:

 Systemic reasoning involves examining how system parts interact and considering the consequences of changes. It helps address complex challenges by understanding the whole system and its dynamics.

• Whole-System Thinking: Considers interactions and consequences of changes within a system.
• Influence of Ancestral and Personal History: Our past shapes our thinking and behavior, which may not suit present needs.
• Mindfulness and Flexibility: Challenge assumptions, and be open to new ways of working with each other and the environment.

Past systemic reasoning didn't prepare us for modern issues like famine, ecological destruction, and societal collapse. Teaching mindfulness and collective action is crucial for survival.

• Self-Worth and Independent Thinking: Avoid conformity by fostering self-worth independent of group norms.
• Credible Information: Seek reliable news sources and avoid blindly following social media.
• Critical Thinking: Encourage independent, positive reasoning and critical thinking skills.

James Madison's advocacy for the Bill of Rights highlights the importance of protecting individual liberties and encouraging independent thought to prevent conformity and promote democracy. By fostering a sense of self-worth that is independent of the group, individuals may be more likely to think critically and independently 

 Attachment Theory

Attachment theory explains how emotional bonds formed in childhood impact relationships throughout life. It addresses the genetic and biological need for safety and psychological security. Studies show that institutionalized children with disrupted attachments face cognitive, motor, and socio-emotional delays.

• Attachment Behaviors: Observed in humans and primates, highlighting the importance of caregiver responsiveness.
• Impact: Secure attachments lead to healthy development; failures result in behavioral issues later in life.

The Speculative Attachment Model incorporates the Buddhist concept of Aparigraha (non-possessiveness or non-attachment), suggesting that attachment manifests in various forms like money, property, ideologies, and groups. This model examines how attachment influences self-worth, self-centeredness, and awareness of humanity and the environment. I am attached to my beliefs, and my way of life or material values is the same as cognitive bias supported through confirmation bias.   Despite our modern-day terminology, Aparigraha can be found in early Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, attributed to the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdeva, who lived around the 8th century BCE. Again, it is demonstrated that the knowledge and understanding of human attachment to ideas, groups, and materials has been observed for centuries.

• Positive and Negative Bonds: Rated from +10 to -10, influencing support or opposition to various categories (e.g., groups, environment).
•   Examples:
      High in-group attachment may lead to conflict with out-groups. 

                   Low attachment to people may lead to demonization, and the environment may result in indifference to ecological issues.

Attachment theory helps us to understand human conflicts and cooperation. Emotional bonds to valued entities (e.g., baby, money) trigger strong reactions to perceived threats. Positive attachments motivate protection and support. Strong attachment to self or ideologies can lead to rejecting inconvenient truths or solutions for broader issues like sustainability.

Many humans are naturally self-indulgent, similar to animals. Historically, survival of the fittest was essential. I dream of a world where humans are mindful of each other and the earth, rather than being oppositional and destructive. Mindfulness involves understanding the seeds we plant in children's minds. Are we teaching them to be mindful of each other and the earth?

1. Purpose of Weapons: Weapons are designed to kill, shaping children's understanding negatively.
2. Children’s Maturity: Children lack the reasoning and maturity of adults, making them impulsive and reactive.
3. Early Adulthood: Negative energy in early adulthood can lead to harmful paths. Positive seeds are crucial for well-being.
4. Beyond Visuals: Consider maturity, life experience, and emotional management. Self-defense cases are statistically rare.
5. Shift in Focus: Emphasize positive reasoning, mindfulness, and understanding for a harmonious existence.

Gun training doesn't address positive psychology. In 2021, over half of gun-related deaths were suicides, with 415 child deaths in 2023. History of violence and abuse predicts future violence more than mental health issues alone. Groupthink about the 2nd amendment doesn't negate the need for positive reasoning and addressing these concerns.

Statistical facts:

1. Frontal lobe maturation 25 -28 yrs. for males and prefrontal cortex into the 30s

2. “The adolescent brain undergoes profound development.”

3. “The environment, including teaching can and does shape the developing adolescent brain.

4. Military recruitment targets young people, including adolescents who, based on general observation tend to follow rules without question, have less fear, and take more risks, while believing in their own invincibility. 

5. In Montana 84% of gun deaths are suicides.

6. Boys, for example, accounted for 83% of all gun deaths among children.

7. Those aged 12 to 17 accounted for 86% of all children gun deaths. 

8. Gun deaths among children rose 50% in 2 years.

9. The 10 -25 yrs (adolescent phase) is seriously challenging with pressure for many young adults. 

10. Mortality rates (15–24 yr) triple the mortality rates of middle school children.

11. Hormonal changes occur during adolescence that significantly impacts emotion.

12. Adolescents rely more on an emotional brain than adults, which explains quick intense feelings.

13. Under conditions of high arousal and intense emotion, teens make poorer decisions. 

14. It’s more difficult for teens to think through potential outcomes and understand the consequences of their decisions. 

15. Adolescents are more vulnerable to nicotine, alcohol, and drug addictions because the limbic brain regions that govern impulse and  

     motivation are not yet fully developed.  

16.  Children and teens, homicide accounted for 60% of gun deaths. 

17. 26.3 million individuals have established a strong connection between guns and suicide.

18. In Montana, 84% of gun deaths are suicides.

19. Depression impacts 20.1% of the U.S. population ages 12 to 17yrs (16-17yrs-26.8).

20. Montana is 8 highest on the list of gun deaths/per capita.

21. Guns cost $1,296 per person/yr or 1 billion in Montana. Don’t complain about your taxes. complain about the cost and harm to your 

    kids from guns. 

22. Top 10 states with the highest number of deaths from guns are red states except NM.

 Upon realizing that there is more to the world beyond our immediate survival concerns, negative biases, and fears, the next crucial step involves embracing Positive Reasoning, Self-Learning, and, most importantly, the Environment.