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Technology Review: Blogs: Predictably Irrational: The Symbolic Power Of Money (by Alon Nir)
Fascinating short article, which reports on a new study that suggests that “simply handling money can dull physical and emotional pain.” Previous studies show that social exclusion and physical pain share (and trigger) common neural reactions, and it appears “that money and physical pain are linked to one another.” The new study looks at this connection “as well as the connection money has to social distress.”
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CharityFocus Blog: Paul Hawken’s Commencement Address in Portland
Very moving commencement speech by Paul Hawken at University of Portland, May 3, 2009.
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There is invisible writing on the back of the diploma you will receive, and in case you didn’t bring lemon juice to decode it, I can tell you what it says: You are Brilliant, and the Earth is Hiring. The earth couldn’t afford to send recruiters or limos to your school. It sent you rain, sunsets, ripe cherries, night blooming jasmine, and that unbelievably cute person you are dating. Take the hint. And here’s the deal: Forget that this task of planet-saving is not possible in the time required. Don’t be put off by people who know what is not possible. Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done.
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This is a 69-page PDF, self-explanatory title, prepared on behalf of the City of Seattle by Hamer Center for Community Design, Penn State U. Haven’t had time to read through yet, but the table of contents includes: Introduction; Principles; Design Process; Case Studies; Components & Materials; Model Deconstruction Specification; References.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
That money article was quite interesting. I guess it makes sense though since so much of our lives revolve around money. I certainly wouldn’t go to work every day if I didn’t need the money.
I think in generations past, life revolved more around work and family than money. Now it seems like our entire society is geared towards making more and more money. The funny thing is that it isnt even real, the banks and government just print it up out of nothing.
Pain is a constant worry, as long as we continue to have bodies. It makes sense that a desire to alleviate/ avoid pain and having good social status (and having money -security?) get linked in those complex neural pathways, and that a constant worry over money will start to affect us as though we were experiencing chronic pain. I guess it’s about balance, and seeing what’s real and what’s not.