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Just my thoughts #0609

The reason the human brain is more complex and sophisticated than that of other primates is to facilitate the establishment of social relationships. The brain develops through the senses, and humans must experience them to sense. Without experience, the human brain cannot perceive. All social experiences contribute to the development of a social brain. The broader the relationships, the more socialized the human brain becomes. Through experience, the human brain can compare and organize information to communicate effectively with other brains. To empathize, we mirror the brains of others. Who we are with is also neurologically essential. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0212

Jesus taught, “If you got slapped your right cheek, turn the other cheek.” One of the actions that the Jewish Qumran community denied and forbade was “pointing with the left hand.” Violations of this rule brought sanctions from the community. To hit the right cheek means the opponent strikes with an unclean left or right backhand. This cheek slap is deliberately insulting and humiliating rather than merely a pain-inflicting action. Therefore, this teaching of Jesus, “turn the other cheek,” suggests not allowing oneself to be struck by the back of the hand and can signify not being helpless but being active in nonviolent resistance without seeking revenge or retaliation. Perhaps this teaching carries a frightening meaning. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”