Big Think

Suzan M commented on Why? on May 30, 2008, 7:54 PM

Because.

Suzan M commented on is suicide a final act of bravery or cowardice? on May 30, 2008, 7:48 PM

I would have to say that most suicides are an act of desperate depression ... which is neither cowardly or brave but most often a result of a chemical imbalance which can be brought on by many things including both psychological as well as physical events. There are exceptions of course, but the premise that suicide is either brave or cowardly seems to miss the point entirely.

Suzan M commented on Social anxiety on May 18, 2008, 4:03 PM

Something I tell my anxious design students when preparing for a presentation, is "try to remember that most people are too self absorbed with what others are thinking about them to be thinking much at all about you". Excessive concern about what others are thinking about you begs the question ... "What are you thinking about them?" Are you harshly judgmental of others? Probably not... so why assume others will be of you? Of course, there will be people who will unjustly think poorly of others but these people are often the most insecure themselves. Focusing your energy on others in a way that is concerned with their enjoyment of the moment and their well being can help move you out of your own insecurities. In addition to the excellent suggestion of breathing exercises, practice listening to the stream of thoughts that we think so constantly that they become almost the white noise of the mind. This underlying thought process is often laden with negativity about one's self. When you think these thoughts, make it a practice of turning it into a relevant positive thought. "I can't speak to people" becomes "I am comfortable speaking to people". Do this often enough and you can transform the habit of negative self talk into a positive internal monologue. Most of the suggestions you will come across in response to this question will sound simple enough ... putting them into practice takes time, patience, and kindness with oneself.

Suzan M commented on Howard Zinn on the Limitations of American History Books on May 18, 2008, 11:58 AM

One of the biggest problems with the way most history books are written is that they tend to focus on a very narrow aspect of history... One that is based on winners and losers. When history is taught through art, design, production, belief systems, and common life experiences then a more balanced view can be presented. Giving a more complete context of what life was like in a certain place and time can help put the political events and ideas of the day in perspective... Not to mention making history far more interesting to more people. Current history texts are often found to be, at best, boring to most people. That may be their biggest limitation as it means few are interested in learning from them. Using the more intimate aspects of life that people can relate to teach history can greatly increase their viability to teach the bigger picture.

Suzan M commented on Howard Zinn on the Limitations of American History Books on May 18, 2008, 7:58 AM

One of the biggest problems with the way most history books are written is that they tend to focus on a very narrow aspect of history... One that is based on winners and losers. When history is taught through art, design, production, belief systems, and common life experiences then a more balanced view can be presented. Giving a more complete context of what life was like in a certain place and time can help put the political events and ideas of the day in perspective... Not to mention making history far more interesting to more people. Current history texts are often found to be, at best, boring to most people. That may be their biggest limitation as it means few are interested in learning from them. Using the more intimate aspects of life that people can relate to teach history can greatly increase their viability to teach the bigger picture.