YES, EVOLUTION HAS AN ARROW

when defending egregious behavior among the humans, many resort to the claim that it is only human nature that men (especially men) do this or that, (like making war and other intimidation displays) as though somehow so-called human nature is not evolving continually like every other phenomenon in the universe, that using the past to justify the abysmal present is normal and correct.

it is not. it would be better for individuals, society and the prospects of both if we would try to consult the near future, with its obvious known challenges, in order to assess what behavior is likely to be the most useful, or at least the least harmful, in the present moment.

HALF A TWO-BIT PHILOSOPHY

here is one bit of two-bit philosophy for you:

i have watched over the years some people who are hypercritical of others, even and maybe especially their so-called friends. it strikes me that underlying this depressing behavior it is quite likely they are primarily and mainly critical of themselves.

these opinions of others are almost always framed around actions and motivations, and condemnation is justification for not liking or respecting them.

it took me many years to understand that it is quite possible to love people while not loving all the things they do.

i think that might be the same for oneself. the two cases are probably more inextricably linked than the hypercritical among us understand.

anyway, it's worth a try.