In My Hands Today…

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Humankind: A Hopeful History – Rutger Bregman, translated by Elizabeth Manton and Erica Moore

If one basic principle has served as the bedrock of bestselling author Rutger Bregman’s thinking, it is that every progressive idea — whether it was the abolition of slavery, the advent of democracy, women’s suffrage, or the ratification of marriage equality — was once considered radical and dangerous by the mainstream opinion of its time. With Humankind, he brings that mentality to bear against one of our most entrenched ideas: namely, that human beings are by nature selfish and self-interested.

By providing a new historical perspective of the last 200,000 years of human history, Bregman sets out to prove that we are in fact evolutionarily wired for cooperation rather than competition, and that our instinct to trust each other has a firm evolutionary basis going back to the beginning of Homo sapiens. Bregman systematically debunks our understanding of the Milgram electrical-shock experiment, the Zimbardo prison experiment, and the Kitty Genovese “bystander effect.”

In place of these, he offers little-known true stories: the tale of twin brothers on opposing sides of apartheid in South Africa who came together with Nelson Mandela to create peace; a group of six shipwrecked children who survived for a year and a half on a deserted island by working together; a study done after World War II that found that as few as 15% of American soldiers were actually capable of firing at the enemy.

The ultimate goal of Humankind is to demonstrate that while neither capitalism nor communism has on its own been proven to be a workable social system, there is a third option: giving “citizens and professionals the means (left) to make their own choices (right).” Reorienting our thinking toward positive and high expectations of our fellow man, Bregman argues, will reap lasting success. Bregman presents this idea with his signature wit and frankness, once again making history, social scie

World Autism Awareness Day

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Yesterday was World Autism Awareness Day, a day which tries to raise awareness about autism, its symptoms, causes, and the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families. The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly, passed on November 1, 2007, and adopted on December 18, 2007. World Autism Day is one of only seven official health-specific UN Days.

The terms Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month are often contested by autism rights advocates, who claim that they feed into perceived ableism against autistic people. Such groups advocate using the term Autism Acceptance Day as an alternative for both events under the belief that it promotes overcoming anti-autism prejudice rather than simply increasing awareness of autism.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. ASD is characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviour and speech and nonverbal communication. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism, and that number continues to grow. Although autism is a life-long condition, early diagnosis and intervention can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with autism.

There is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. How people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently. Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal or GI disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues.

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Autism is mainly characterised by its unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in typical communications and particular ways of processing sensory information. Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, they can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism. The symptoms of autism can vary greatly from one individual to another and can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms of autism include difficulty with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours. Individuals with autism may also have sensory sensitivities, such as being oversensitive to sounds, light, or touch. They may also have difficulty with communication, including nonverbal communication, and may have trouble understanding the social cues and emotions of others. The exact causes of autism are not yet known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that there is a strong genetic component to autism and that certain genes may increase a person’s risk of developing the condition. However, the exact genes involved are still being studied. In addition to genetics, environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins during pregnancy, can also play a role in the development of autism.

The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on individuals, their families and communities. The stigmatisation and discrimination associated with neurological differences remain substantial obstacles to diagnosis and therapies, an issue that must be addressed by both public policymakers in developing nations, as well as donor countries.

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Living with autism can be a challenge for individuals with the condition, as well as their families. Individuals with autism may have trouble fitting in with their peers and may struggle with social interactions and communication. They may also have difficulty with everyday tasks, such as shopping, cooking, and personal care. Additionally, they may have trouble adapting to change, which can make life even more difficult. For families of individuals with autism, the journey can be a difficult one. They may face challenges such as finding appropriate educational and healthcare services, navigating the complex healthcare system, and providing emotional support to their loved ones with autism. They may also face stigma and discrimination from society, which can be isolating and difficult to overcome.

However, despite these challenges, there is hope. With early diagnosis and intervention, individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. Many organisations and support groups offer resources and support to individuals with autism and their families. Additionally, many schools and workplaces are becoming more inclusive and accommodating of individuals with autism, making it easier for them to live, work, and play in their communities.

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In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, it is important to continue to raise awareness about autism and to work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive world for individuals with autism and their families. This can be done by educating others about the condition, volunteering with organizations that support individuals with autism, and advocating for better resources and support for individuals with autism and their families. World Autism Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing to work towards a world that is inclusive and supportive of individuals with autism and their families. Through awareness, advocacy, and support, we can help individuals with autism lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. So let us all do our part to spread awareness and support those with autism in our communities.

02 April 2023 Week 13

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April is here and the first quarter of 2023 is over! How were the first three months of the year for you all?

I spent the first two weeks of March in Bengaluru and so barely did much walking. The second half of the month was spent with my parents in Singapore, so again, all I did was the bare minimum. As of the end of March, I am still in Maharashtra and am less than 400 km from my Mumbai home.

I didn’t read much this month, only finishing four books, so I am a little behind in my annual reading challenge. So one goal in April is to make sure I read and read more.

Today’s quote is from Swami Brahmanada, the first President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. According to Swamiji, the mind is susceptible to suggestions and so it learns whatever you teach it. What this means is that what we want to do and achieve, all we need to do is keep suggesting the idea to the mind and it will achieve it by itself. This is very similar to the law of attraction where one needs to keep reinforcing an idea for the universe to make it happen.

That is all from me this week. BB and GG are on holiday and GG is waiting to hear back from universities about her applications. Every day we check the admission portal for any news. Please send positive vibes to her.

Take care and stay safe!

In My Hands Today…

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Tales of Two Cities – Kuldip Nayar and Asif Noorani

In Tales of Two Cities, two eminent journalists – Kuldip Nayar and Asif Noorani – give their personal accounts of the Partition of India, the killings and massive migrations which it provoked and their subsequent impact on Indo-Pakistan relations.

As a young law graduate, Kuldip Nayar witnessed at first hand the collapse of trust between communities in Sialkot and was forced to migrate with his family to Delhi across the blood-stained plains of Punjab. He vividly describes his own perilous journey and his first job as a young journalist in an Urdu newspaper reporting on Gandhi’s assassination.

Asif Noorani, while still a schoolboy in Bombay, set off with his family by steamer across the Arabian Sea for the promised land of Pakistan, ultimately settling in Karachi. He gives his own compelling account of the difficulties faced by the new arrivals and the slow emergence of today’s megacity with its dominant Mohajir culture.

Both authors write with authority about their ancestral homes and their adopted cities, which have played so large a role in bilateral relations. This is a book about a trauma which transformed the subcontinent and still exerts a powerful influence today. These are personal narratives bringing to life a lost world of harmonious relations which each author in his own way is still to recreate.

Multitasking: Is that even possible?

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Multitasking refers to the ability of a person or a computer to perform multiple tasks or processes simultaneously. In the context of human behaviour, multitasking typically refers to the practice of doing several things at once, such as working on a computer while talking on the phone or watching television. In the context of computing, multitasking refers to the capability of an operating system to run multiple programs or processes at the same time and switch between them, providing the illusion that they are all running simultaneously.

While multitasking can increase efficiency and productivity in some situations, it can also lead to decreased productivity and cognitive overload when trying to perform too many tasks simultaneously, as it can be difficult to give each task the attention it deserves.

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Today, multitasking is common because of the fast-paced world we live in as people try to balance multiple tasks and responsibilities at once. While multitasking can have some benefits, it also has several drawbacks that need to be considered. Below are some of the pros and cons of multitasking which can help determine whether it is the right approach.

Multitasking can be good in certain situations where the tasks being performed are relatively simple, require little cognitive effort, and can be performed simultaneously without interfering with each other. Like listening to music while exercising or working on a simple task, as the music provides background stimulation that can help boost motivation and energy levels. Or even cooking and cleaning at the same time, as they are both physical tasks that can be performed simultaneously without much cognitive effort.

It’s important to note that multitasking should be approached with caution, as it can also be detrimental to performance and productivity when tasks are too complex or demand too much attention. In such situations, it’s better to focus on one task at a time and give it the full attention, to avoid mistakes and increase efficiency.

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There are several benefits to multitasking, including:

Increased efficiency and productivity: When done effectively, multitasking can help increase overall productivity by allowing one to tackle multiple tasks at once. By performing multiple tasks simultaneously, one can save time and increase overall productivity. This can be especially useful for individuals who are juggling multiple projects or responsibilities.

Improved time management: Multitasking allows one to complete multiple tasks in a shorter period, prioritise tasks and manage time more effectively, enabling one to complete more tasks in a given amount of time. By switching between tasks, one can keep their brain active and focused, allowing them to get more done in less time.

Better decision-making: Multitasking can also help people to make better decisions by allowing them to consider multiple options and viewpoints at once. When one is constantly shifting their focus between tasks, they are forced to weigh the pros and cons of each option, leading to more informed and well-rounded decisions.

Better utilisation of downtime: Multitasking can help one to make better use of downtime that may occur during the day, such as waiting in line or commuting.

Reduced boredom: Multitasking can help keep one engaged and reduce boredom, especially when performing monotonous tasks.

Improved mental stimulation: Multitasking can provide mental stimulation and help keep one alert and focused, especially when switching between tasks that require different skills and abilities.

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Multitasking has several drawbacks, including:

Decreased focus and attention: When multitasking, it can be difficult to give each task the attention it deserves, leading to decreased focus and attention, and an increased likelihood of making mistakes. Multitasking can also decrease the overall focus and attention, as one is constantly shifting their attention from one task to another. This can make it difficult to concentrate on any one task for an extended period, leading to decreased efficiency and effectiveness.

Decreased quality: While multitasking may help one to complete more tasks in a shorter period, it can also result in a decrease in the quality of their work. When one is constantly switching between tasks, it can be difficult to give each task the attention and focus it deserves, leading to mistakes and subpar results.

Increased stress and anxiety: Multitasking can also be stressful, as it requires one to constantly be on the go and make quick decisions. This can lead to burnout and decreased mental health, as the brain becomes overwhelmed by the constant demands of multitasking. Multitasking can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety, especially when tasks pile up and become overwhelming.

Decreased creativity: Multitasking can also stifle creativity, as it requires one to constantly be in a state of “doing” rather than allowing one to take the time to reflect and think. When one is constantly multitasking, one may be missing out on opportunities for creative problem-solving and innovation because it requires one to divide their attention and switch between tasks frequently.

Decreased overall productivity: Despite the perception that multitasking saves time, research has shown that it can decrease overall productivity, as switching between tasks takes time and energy, and can lead to decreased focus and attention.

Impairment of memory: Multitasking can lead to an impairment of short-term memory, as information may not be encoded or retained as effectively when divided attention is required.

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It’s worth noting that while multitasking can have these benefits, it can also lead to decreased productivity and cognitive overload when tasks are too complex or demand too much attention. It’s important to approach multitasking with caution and to be mindful of your limitations to maximize its benefits. A rule of thumb should be that multitasking should be approached with caution, and it’s important to be mindful of limitations and to prioritise tasks to ensure that one is focusing on the most important and time-sensitive tasks first.

In conclusion, multitasking can be a useful tool for managing time and increasing productivity, but it also has its drawbacks. By weighing the pros and cons of multitasking, one can determine whether it is the right approach to take. If one finds that multitasking is causing stress or decreasing the quality of work, it may be time to reassess the approach and find a more balanced and sustainable way of working.