You and I have some things in common. I was raised in Texas so I get it when you talk about macho, “We’re number 1.” or “Bring it on.” I too was in the Air Force in the ‘60s. I went to the Far East in the ‘60s but you didn’t. As a young man I was conservative and ornery. I voted for Goldwater and your dad when he ran for congress.
Fortunately, I matured and learned to cooperate rather than compete all the time. I started thinking about the nature of life and how humans were designed to be group critters. We were programmed, according to the available evidence, to be empathic, responsible, and understanding. We can still be strong and competent while doing these.
I am a psychologist. I have worked at this profession for 40 years. I have helped p ...