Following are tales that we’ve been told or curses that we’ve heard that have a bit of truth to them….
- “May your children do onto you as you have done onto me.” We tend to adopt the habits of our parents, which means raising kids identical to ourselves.
- “Don’t drink from the container.” You’ll catch and spread all sorts of diseases (such as mono and bad habits).
- “Be careful what you wish for because you just might receive it.” You might receive the promotion you wanted, but, at the loss of a friendship and everyone resents you for it.
- “Children are our future.” Some people focus more on building relationships with their buddies, friends and associates than they do on their children. Contributions not passed along through our progeny fade with our friends.
- “Life isn’t black and white.” Nor is it grey. Don’t make it that way. Appreciate the colors.
- “Assumptions make and a$$ out of you and me.” Try not to make assumptions, because your assumptions might be wrong. Common examples are assuming that a large person is pregnant or that the person on the phone is a woman when it is a man. This has significance in the workplace and relationships. For example, in the workplace, it is best not to assume that a person intended to communicate a specific tone or make offense in his email. Each person has a different style. Some people write terse emails that provide only necessary facts. Others write effusive or sympathetic emails that provide a lot of details (sometimes unnecessary), “pleases,” “thank yous,” or even apologies. Not jumping to conclusions regarding an email or other communication will avoid unnecessary conflict in the workplace. If there are any questions, follow-up with or call the person. In relationships, it is best not to assume that a person intended to communicate or imply an insult by something she said. It could be that the person did not perceive how what she was saying could be interpreted by the listener. If you have questions, ask.
- “You are what you eat.” Studies show that we are affected by what we eat. For example, researchers have found that eating sugar can lead to changes in DNA, even as adults. Another study concluded that consuming high-nitrate foods can impede the progression of dementia. Which suggests that our actions as adults have consequences on our adult bodies, and that we can positively influence our bodies by modifying our diet or, extrapolated, our behavior. As such, treating each decision affecting one’s body as an investment may be as important as treating decisions affecting careers and financial security as investments. In an article dated November 2, 2010, Neurogenesis: How to Change Your Brain, David Perlmutter, M.D. reports that physical exercise, caloric restriction, curcumin, and DHA (omega-3 fat) can also change human DNA affecting the production of brain neurons, impacting a number of neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and depression.
- “A lie that is repeatedly repeated becomes truth.” Or, variations of this axiom attributed to a variety of historical sources. With modern technology, one does not need to repeat a lie for it to become truth. A rumor or fiction told in a movie, on TV, or over the radio can be amplified and retold through various forms of electronic media until it’s rabidly accepted as fact. For example, a myth created for a movie flourishes on the internet, finds a place in Wikipedia, and makes its way into print media. Then, even though this myth cannot be found in printed media prior to creating the movie, it is attributed as long believed, long lived fact.
- “There’s always some truth to a joke.” But, there’s almost always some lie in a joke, as well. Greater value is achieved by distinguishing the lie than by identifying the truth.
