At the back of most people’s mind lurks a dark fear: that of being both seriously ill and totally alone. Indeed, we spend much of our lives trying to avoid such a fate. It explains why people rush into bad marriages, for example, have children they may not really want and put up with friends they no longer like. Abandonment People who never married, or never had children, assume that those...
The discovery of genes and DNA looks sure to revolutionize society. Given this, ignorance is no longer acceptable. As with most difficult subjects, it is best to start at the very beginning. Darwin, Evolution and the Problem of Heredity In 1859, Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species. This new theory of evolution was based on several observations. First, that animals and plants...
At the back of every parent’s mind lurks a dark fear. They bring a child into the world, watch it grow, and love it more than they can bear. And yet they also know that as the years pass that child will move further out into the world, a world in which assault is a real possibility. Different Forms of Assault Assault takes many forms. The most obvious example is school bullying. In some...
Most parents worry that their child will experiment with drugs. But you mustn’t overreact. Countless teenagers go through a drug’s phase and emerge unharmed. If you’ve discovered a cannabis joint or bag of cocaine, you aren’t the first and you won’t be the last. Initial Reaction Imagine the scene. You are hoovering your daughter’s bedroom and accidentally knock...
C. S. Lewis once remarked that the greatest change in all human history came with the birth of modern science. But Lewis had more in mind than the ideas and discoveries. He was referring to the new way of looking at, or perceiving, the world. It is claimed that this scientific worldview replaced the religious, which may be true. But religion is ultimately a branch of mythology. As the American...
Going bankrupt is not only scary but humiliating: shattering self-esteem, affecting relationships and even triggering depression. But it needn’t be the end. On the contrary, it can mark the beginning of a new life – sometimes a better one. The Circumstances Of course, people go bankrupt for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is self-inflicted, sometimes not. Sometimes they deserve their...
In most relationships, a major question is whether or not to have children. Usually the couple are in agreement from the start: both either want them or do not. Sometimes, however, this is not so, and the situation needs to be handled with care. Understanding Your Partner First, you need to understand why your partner feels this way. Remember, the reasons they give may not be the real reasons...
The fear of cancer hangs over most of us like a black cloud. Indeed, almost everyone has seen a friend or relation struggle with the disease. When it finally strikes, however, most of us are still shocked. A New Life Cancer patients will often tell you that their diagnosis marked a watershed in their life. Things that once seemed important no longer matter, while those they took for granted...
When looking for ways to deal with physical or mental illness, it is good to keep an open mind. And this is especially true of something like Taoism. After all, such practices do not survive for 2,000 years unless they have something to offer. Taoism Taoism is a blend of religion and philosophy. Indeed, some argue that it isn’t a religion at all. Lao Tzu is often cited as the founder, but...
Starting again demands courage, energy and optimism. No matter what your circumstances, how you approach your new life will shape the experiences you have. Remember, the world is hard on everyone, but it is merciless on those who give up. Reasons People Start Again People start again in many ways and for many reasons. And they may do so at any time of life. As medical advances push the average...
Mark Goddard, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and a consultant specializing in the social-personality psychology. His publications include magazine chapters, articles and self-improvement books on CBT for anxiety, stress and depression. In his spare time, he enjoys reading about political and social history.
*The views expressed by Mr. Goddard in this column are his own, are not made in any official capacity, and do not represent the opinions of his employers.