The following is a summary of some of the principles of social behaviour that make it difficult for insiders to accurately perceive their own behaviour. Cognitive Dissonance Cognitive dissonance is at the root of denial. Fear is at the root of cognitive dissonance. The extent of our fear is determined by our general tendencies in…
One of my favorite nephews just got engaged. He is 21, a recent RM and has been dating his now fiance for about 6 months. They plan to marry in August. The classic Mormon RM story. She comes from a wealthy background. He is just starting school and has no idea what he will do…
I had just returned from watching our 22-year-old son’s intramural basketball game. Wonderful game, by the way. Those kids do things – and do them beautifully – that my buddies and I did not dream of 25 years ago when I was playing seriously. After the game I chatted for a while with an RM…
My wife and I toured a local museum yesterday, and found the following African proverbs that I found enlightening enough to record and share: – To not know is bad; to wish not to know is worse. – Choose the neighbor before the house; the companion before the journey. – He who can’t dance says…
What follows is part of a message I sent to a friend who asked me how he could enjoy life when so much of his life was tied to a spouse with whom he could not get along. The issue between them is Mormonism. She believes. He does not. They as a result do not…