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Focus Africa-
How does economic dependency translate into political or cultural influence from foreign powers?
Economic dependency translates into political or cultural influence from foreign powers through a process often referred to as soft power.
This influence is non-coercive and stems from the ability to attract and persuade rather than to threaten or force. When a country becomes heavily reliant on another for trade, investment, or aid, it becomes vulnerable to both direct and indirect forms of external influence.

Political Influence-
Economic dependency gives foreign powers significant political leverage. The dominant country can use its economic relationship to pressure the dependent country into aligning its policies with its own interests.

Conditional Aid and Loans: International organizations or dominant countries often attach conditions to aid or loans. These conditions may require the recipient country to adopt specific economic policies, such as deregulation, privatization, or trade liberalization, which can open up its markets to foreign corporations.

Trade Sanctions and Incentives: A foreign power can threaten to impose trade sanctions or restrict market access to influence a dependent country's political decisions, such as its stance on human rights, territorial disputes, or voting patterns in international forums like the UN. For example, a country heavily reliant on another for a specific good may be forced to make political concessions to ensure that supply chain remains open.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Foreign companies, backed by their home governments, can gain significant influence over the host country's domestic policy. They may pressure the government for tax breaks, relaxed labor laws, or a more favorable regulatory environment in exchange for continued investment and job creation.

Cultural Influence-
Economic dependency is a key vehicle for the spread of cultural influence. When a country's products, media, and technology dominate a market, they bring with them a set of values, norms, and lifestyles.

Media and Consumerism: The proliferation of foreign media, films, music, and social media platforms can shape a local population's tastes, values, and aspirations. This can lead to a shift away from traditional cultural practices toward a more global, often Western or Chinese, consumer culture. The popularity of a country's culture can increase demand for its goods, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.

Educational and Ideological Influence: Economic ties often lead to educational exchanges and the establishment of foreign-funded institutions. This can influence the curriculum and academic values of the dependent country. For example, a country offering scholarships or establishing cultural centers can promote its language, history, and political ideology, shaping the worldview of a new generation of leaders and professionals.

What are some known North Korean hacking groups (e.g., Lazarus Group) and their main motives?
North Korea's hacking groups are distinct from those of many other nations due to their overwhelming primary motivation: generating revenue for the regime and funding its illicit weapons programs, particularly nuclear and ballistic missile development, in circumvention of severe international sanctions.
While they also engage in espionage, the financial imperative is paramount.

Here are some of the most well-known North Korean hacking groups (often considered sub-groups or operations under the broader "Lazarus Group" umbrella) and their main motives and alleged activities:

Lazarus Group (Aliases: APT38, Hidden Cobra, Guardians of Peace, ZINC, Diamond Sleet)
The Lazarus Group is the overarching umbrella term for North Korea's state-sponsored cyber operations. It's a highly sophisticated and prolific entity with various subdivisions specializing in different types of attacks.

Main Motives of Lazarus Group as a Whole:

Financial Gain (Primary): To generate illicit revenue for the Kim Jong Un regime, circumventing international sanctions that heavily restrict North Korea's access to traditional financial systems. This funding directly supports their weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs.

Cyber Espionage: To gather strategic intelligence on foreign governments, military capabilities, advanced technologies, and internal political dynamics, particularly concerning South Korea, the U.S., and Japan.

Destruction/Disruption: To cause disruption, sow fear, or retaliate against perceived adversaries.

Influence Operations: To shape public opinion or undermine trust in institutions, especially in South Korea.

Accusations and Notable Activities:

Sony Pictures Entertainment Hack (2014): One of their most infamous early operations, involving the theft of massive amounts of data (unreleased films, emails, personal employee info) and destructive wiper attacks on Sony's network, seemingly in retaliation for the film "The Interview."

Bangladesh Bank Heist (2016): A sophisticated operation that attempted to steal nearly $1 billion from Bangladesh Bank's account at the New York Federal Reserve via SWIFT messages, with $81 million successfully stolen and laundered.

WannaCry Ransomware Attack (2017): Widely attributed to Lazarus, this global ransomware worm exploited a Windows vulnerability (EternalBlue) to encrypt data and demand ransom payments, causing massive disruption to critical services worldwide.

Extensive Cryptocurrency Thefts: This has become their most consistent and lucrative line of effort. They have stolen billions of dollars in cryptocurrencies from exchanges, DeFi platforms, and individual wallets globally through phishing, social engineering, and exploiting vulnerabilities. Examples include the hacks of Harmony's Horizon Bridge ($100M+), Sky Mavis' Ronin Bridge ($600M+), and Bybit ($1.5B+ in 2025).

Sub-Groups of Lazarus:
North Korea often operates through specialized sub-groups that share resources and coordinate under the broader Lazarus umbrella.

1. BlueNoroff (Aliases: APT38, Sapphire Sleet, Alluring Pisces, TraderTraitor, UNC4899, CryptoCore)

Main Motive: Exclusively focused on large-scale financial theft, particularly targeting banks, financial institutions, and more recently, cryptocurrency exchanges and Web3 companies. They aim to steal vast sums of money for the regime.

Accusations and Notable Activities:

Bank Heists: Known for sophisticated attacks on traditional financial institutions, often involving deep reconnaissance of bank systems and SWIFT networks (e.g., the Bangladesh Bank Heist, attacks on banks in Poland, Mexico, Taiwan, etc.).

Cryptocurrency Theft: Currently one of the most active in this domain, using highly sophisticated social engineering tactics (e.g., fake job offers, deepfake Zoom calls) to trick employees of crypto firms into installing malware that facilitates the theft of digital assets. They often create elaborate fake companies and profiles.

2. Kimsuky (Aliases: Emerald Sleet, Velvet Chollima, TEMP.Firework)

Main Motive: Primarily focused on cyber espionage and intelligence gathering, specifically targeting South Korean government entities, think tanks, academic institutions, defense companies, and individuals involved in foreign policy and national security related to the Korean Peninsula, nuclear policy, and sanctions. They also target individuals in the US and Japan.

Accusations and Notable Activities:

Spear-Phishing Campaigns: Known for highly targeted spear-phishing emails, often impersonating legitimate contacts or organizations (e.g., South Korean government officials, journalists, academics) to deliver malware for intelligence collection. They use clever social engineering to trick victims into running malicious PowerShell scripts or installing backdoors.

Theft of Sensitive Data: Accused of stealing information related to inter-Korean affairs, nuclear negotiations, and sanctions enforcement.

Use of Illicit IT Worker Schemes: Some reporting links Kimsuky to the broader scheme of North Korean IT workers fraudulently gaining remote jobs globally, with the salaries funneled back to the regime. (While this scheme also funds the regime, Kimsuky's primary cyber mission remains espionage).

3. Andariel (Aliases: APT45, Silent Chollima, Onyx Fleet)

Main Motive: A mix of financial gain (often through ransomware) and cyber espionage, with a particular focus on military and defense information, especially targeting South Korea. They are also linked to direct revenue generation for the regime.

Accusations and Notable Activities:

Ransomware Deployments: Known for deploying ransomware, including Maui ransomware, against healthcare and critical infrastructure organizations to extort funds.

Stealing Defense Information: Accused of stealing technical information related to anti-aircraft weapon systems from South Korean defense companies.

ATM Cash-outs and Fraud: Engaging in activities like hacking into ATMs to withdraw cash or stealing bank card information for sale on the black market.

Illicit IT Worker Schemes: Recent U.S. sanctions (July 2025) have directly linked an individual associated with Andariel (Song Kum Hyok) to the fraudulent IT worker scheme that funnels money back to North Korea's weapons programs. This indicates a more direct role in generating revenue through non-cyber-attack means, complementing their cyber-enabled activities.

In summary, North Korean hacking groups are unique in their pervasive focus on generating illicit funds, primarily through large-scale cryptocurrency theft and financial fraud, to sustain the isolated regime and its nuclear ambitions. This financial imperative often goes hand-in-hand with strategic cyber espionage and, at times, disruptive operations designed to achieve Pyongyang's geopolitical goals.

How can Nigeria make quality education more accessible in rural areas?
Making quality education more accessible in rural areas of Nigeria is a complex undertaking that requires a holistic and sustained approach, addressing issues across infrastructure, human resources, technology, community engagement, and funding.

Here's how it can be achieved:

I. Infrastructure and Facilities Development:

Context-Specific School Construction and Renovation:

Durable & Local Materials: Build and renovate school buildings using durable, locally sourced, and climate-appropriate materials. Designs should consider natural lighting and ventilation.

Essential Amenities: Ensure all schools have basic facilities: clean and functional toilets (separate for boys and girls), access to clean water, reliable electricity (solar power is a viable option), and proper ventilation.

Flexible Learning Spaces: Create adaptable classrooms that can accommodate different learning styles and potentially multi-grade teaching, which is common in smaller rural schools.

Libraries and Labs: Equip schools with functional libraries and basic science/computer laboratories. These can be shared resources among clusters of schools.

Mobile and Satellite Learning Centers:

For extremely remote or sparsely populated areas, explore mobile classrooms or "learning hubs" that rotate among communities, or satellite learning centers that provide access to digital resources and connectivity.

II. Qualified and Motivated Teachers:

Incentives for Rural Deployment:

Improved Remuneration: Offer attractive salary packages, allowances, and hardship pay for teachers willing to serve in rural areas.

Housing and Utilities: Provide subsidized or free housing, access to reliable electricity, and potable water to make rural living more appealing.

Career Advancement Opportunities: Create clear pathways for career progression for rural teachers, linked to performance and continuous professional development.

Loan Forgiveness/Scholarships: Offer student loan forgiveness or scholarships to aspiring teachers who commit to serving in rural schools for a specified period.

Targeted Recruitment and Training:

Local Recruitment: Prioritize recruiting teachers from within or near rural communities, as they are often more likely to stay due to existing ties.

Specialized Training: Equip teachers with skills for multi-grade teaching, differentiated instruction, and managing large classes. Training should also cover culturally sensitive pedagogy and community engagement.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Implement regular, accessible, and relevant CPD programs, utilizing blended learning models (online modules, local workshops) to reduce travel burdens.

Mentorship Programs: Pair experienced urban teachers with rural counterparts for mentorship and support.

III. Leveraging Technology (Bridging the Digital Divide):

Sustainable Power and Connectivity:

Solar Power: Prioritize equipping rural schools with reliable solar power systems to run computers, projectors, and charging stations.

Affordable Internet: Work with telecom providers and government agencies (e.g., NCC, NITDA) to extend affordable, reliable internet connectivity to rural areas, perhaps through community Wi-Fi hotspots or satellite internet.

Digital Learning Resources:

Tablets/E-readers: Provide students and teachers with rugged, low-cost tablets preloaded with digital textbooks, educational apps, and interactive learning content (e.g., "Solar-Powered Tablets").

Learning Management Systems (LMS): Implement simple LMS platforms that can deliver content offline and sync when connectivity is available.

Educational TV/Radio: Utilize existing media (radio, TV) to deliver curriculum-aligned lessons, especially in areas with limited internet access.

Teacher Digital Literacy Training:
Train teachers not just on how to use technology, but how to integrate it effectively into their pedagogy to enhance learning outcomes.

IV. Community Engagement and Ownership:

School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs):
Strengthen and empower SBMCs with genuine decision-making authority and training in financial management, school development planning, and monitoring.

Encourage active participation of parents, traditional leaders, and community members in school governance, resource mobilization, and monitoring teacher attendance and performance.

Community Contributions:
Foster a sense of community ownership by encouraging local contributions (labor, materials, financial support) for school development projects.

Integrate schools into community life, making them centers for community development, adult literacy programs, and health awareness.

Sensitization and Advocacy:
Conduct targeted campaigns to raise awareness among rural parents about the value of education, especially for girls, and discourage child labor or early marriage.

V. Funding and Policy:

Increased and Targeted Funding:

Higher Education Allocation: Significantly increase the overall budget allocation to education, ensuring a substantial portion is dedicated to rural school development and teacher welfare.

Specific Rural Education Fund: Establish a dedicated fund for rural education, managed transparently, to address unique challenges.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encourage and incentivize private sector involvement through CSR initiatives, grants, and direct investment in rural schools.

Innovative Financing: Explore mechanisms like education bonds, diaspora engagement, and philanthropic partnerships to supplement government funding.

Flexible and Context-Specific Policies:

Local Curriculum Adaptation: Allow for some flexibility in curriculum delivery to address local contexts, needs, and cultural nuances, while maintaining national standards.

Remote Learning Policies: Develop clear policies for remote and blended learning that can be effectively deployed during emergencies or to support continuous learning.

Data-Driven Planning: Establish robust data collection and analysis systems to identify out-of-school children, monitor learning outcomes in rural areas, and allocate resources effectively based on needs.

Making quality education accessible in rural Nigeria requires sustained political will, a commitment to transparent resource utilization, and genuine collaboration among all stakeholders to overcome the geographical, economic, and social barriers.

‘He’s a bulldog’: the man behind the success of Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb.

It was unsurprising to those who know Vasyl Malyuk, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), that his statement announcing the success of Operation Spiderweb had a certain physicality to it.

The audacious drone attacks on distant bases hosting Russia’s strategic bombers was “a serious slap in the face to Russia’s power”, said Malyuk, 42, a sometime boxer and weightlifter. “Our strikes will continue as long as Russia terrorises Ukrainians with missiles and Shahed drones.”

Shaven-headed and with the physique and bearing of a stereotypical nightclub bouncer, Malyuk has led the SBU since the former holder of the office Ivan Bakanov, a childhood friend of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was fired in 2022 for apparent incompetence. Malyuk had been his deputy.

There have been high-profile successes over the last three years. One stunt – a photograph of Malyuk holding a bruised Dmitry Kozyura, the head of the SBU’s counter-terrorism department, by the scruff of the neck at the time of his arrest on suspicion of being a Russian double agent – attracted the coverage for which it was designed.

When Zakhar Prilepin, a Russian paramilitary leader, survived a suspected SBU sponsored assassination attempt, one of a series targeting Ukrainian foes at the time, Malyuk made headlines by commenting that Prilepin’s “pelvis and legs were severely injured, and, sorry, he lost his genitals”. “Therefore, it is God’s will that he continue to live and enjoy life”, he added drily.

Meanwhile, Sea Baby marine drones, the SBU’s own invention, are credited with striking 11 Russian military ships and pushing the Black Sea fleet “all the way to Novorossiysk”.

Though none of this compares to the global attention drawn by the 1 June attacks that were said to have been masterminded by Malyuk.

“I am confident that the SBU operations led by Vasyl Malyuk will be the subject of books and films,” said one SBU officer on condition of anonymity. “Because compared to what the security service is doing now, Hollywood is nervously smoking on the sidelines.”

The number of Russian aircraft permanently put out of action by the attack on four bases on Sunday is disputed, with Ukraine claiming to have destroyed 41. US intelligence officials suggest that 10 combat aircraft were destroyed and up to 20 damaged.

Whatever the physical cost, the footage of the 117 drones flying out from the top of lorries to strike deep into Russia, and without the aid of western weaponry, has struck a psychological blow.

Ukraine’s foreign affairs minister, Sergiy Kyslytsya, claimed it had “changed the paradigm and dynamics” of the faltering peace talks with Russia in Istanbul on Tuesday. It was followed by a massive underwater blast targeting the key road and rail bridge connecting the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula to Russia, damaging its supports.

The attacks were serious enough for Vladimir Putin to inform Donald Trump in a transatlantic call that he would “respond”. Four people in Kyiv were killed in the early hours of Friday morning after that vengeance was delivered in the form of a heavy barrage and drone attack on the capital.

So who is the security chief who has got Putin’s attention?

“He’s a bulldog,” said one senior Ukrainian official who has worked closely with Malyuk. “He isn’t an intellectual, he doesn’t reflect, or hesitate. He is purposeful.”

Improving Compliance and Risk Management with an LMS

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Psalms 147:11
11 the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Psalms 143:10
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Easter Bible Verses to Celebrate the Holy Season..
Ephesians 1:20: "He exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms."

China just fired its heaviest shot yet in the trade war: a blanket tariff hike to 125% on all U.S. imports. The move came after Trump jacked up duties on Chinese goods to 145%a level so high it essentially makes trade between the two economic superpowers nonviable. Tesla, Apple, and other multinationals with deep China exposure are suddenly looking at a world where their supply chains and end markets may be toast.

But here's the twist: Beijing says this is it. No more tit-for-tat. No more playing Trump's tariff numbers game. China's calling the strategy a joke, refusing to retaliate further, and instead pivoting to diplomacy. Xi Jinping is already rallying global alliesEurope, ASEAN, the Gulf nationsand restarting talks with Brussels over long-frozen trade spats. Meanwhile, Hollywood films, U.S. travel, and even study abroad in Ohio are getting caught in the crossfire. This isn't just a trade dispute anymore. It's a full-spectrum economic standoffgoods, services, people, culture.

The BBC's director general told MPs he decided to pull a documentary from iPlayer about children's lives in Gaza because he "lost trust" in it.

The BBC has already apologised over "serious flaws" in the making of Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone, after it emerged its 13-year-old narrator was the son of a Hamas official.

Tim Davie said he removed the film while concerns raised about the boy's connections to Hamas - which is proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK - were investigated.
The independent company behind the film has said it asked if the boy had any Hamas connections but none were disclosed. The BBC has also said the corporation should have done more to uncover the link.
Davie said on Tuesday the BBC had received about 500 complaints that the film was biased against Israel and another 1,800 over its removal from iPlayer.

Hoyo Films, the independent company that made the documentary for the BBC, has said it is "cooperating fully" with the BBC to "help understand where mistakes have been made".

The initial internal review by the BBC found Hoyo had paid a member of the boy's family "a limited sum of money for the narration".

Concerns were raised when it aired last month because it centred on a boy called Abdullah - who it later transpired is the son of Hamas's deputy minister of agriculture.

"There were specific concerns – specific questions – about the father of the boy. And as we dug into it, we found out we were not told," Davie told the Culture, Media and Sport select committee on Tuesday.

DeepSeek's AI Would Like to Assure You That China Is Not Committing Any Human Rights Abuses Whatsoever Against Its Repressed Uyghur Population.
China's DeepSeek, which threw Silicon Valley into chaos this week, makes no qualms about sending all of your sensitive data straight to the Chinese government.

It's also no secret that the hedge fund-owned startup is closely abiding by the country's extreme censorship rules. The company's AI chatbot is consistently distorting reality —
Users have already found that DeepSeek's app sloppily abides by these rules by replacing text with a generic error message, for instance refusing to explain what happened during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.

AI is also loathe to engage with any talk of atrocities and human rights violations against its Uyghur people. China has long been credibly accused of detaining more than one million members of the ethnic group in state-run "re-education camps," while sentencing hundreds of thousands to prison t

DeepSeek emerged as the unlikely game changer in US-China AI war.
DeepSeek sent shock waves through the global tech market ahead of the Lunar New Year - sinking the value of semiconductor giant Nvidia and other large companies driving the artificial intelligence (AI) boom - as the Chinese start-up achieved a feat once-considered impossible by Silicon Valley.

The Hangzhou-based firm over the past several weeks released two powerful new AI models, DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1, that were built at a fraction of the cost and computing power that major tech companies muster to build large language models (LLMs) - the technology underpinning generative AI services like ChatGPT.

On social media, the AI community expressed admiration for how DeepSeek's two open-source models either surpassed or matched the performance of rival products across a range of industry benchmark tests, in spite of tightened US restrictions on China's access to advanced semiconductors and related technologies.

A surrendering North Korean soldier risked his life by refusing to drop his sausage at gunpoint, according to the Ukrainian paratroopers who captured him.
A detailed video account, published by Ukrainian special forces, described how the soldier refused to lay down his food, while one of his compatriots tried to kill himself by running into a pillar.

They later asked to watch Korean romance films, the Ukrainians said.
“He was lying there, with his head and an arm wounded. He had a grenade, a knife and a sausage on him,” one of the soldiers of Ukraine’s 95th Air Assault Brigade said.
“I asked him to drop everything, but he refused to drop the sausage because it was food, so we let him keep it.”
The brigade captured the two North Koreans alive on Jan 11 – the first of Pyongyang’s troops to be taken back to Kyiv for questioning.

After a failed North Korean assault on Ukrainian positions, the paratroopers said they found the first soldier lying in a trench, his head and arm wound

Anyone who voted against Kamala Harris last Tuesday to protest the Biden-Harris administration’s policy on the war in Gaza may soon feel the pangs of buyer’s remorse.

The first qualms might have come on Friday, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Yechiel Leiter to be Israel’s new ambassador to the United States. Leiter is a prominent writer and activist in Israel’s settler movement. He advocates formally annexing the West Bank, the illegally occupied territory from which Israelis have steadily and forcibly displaced many Palestinians.

As both men have admitted, Donald Trump and Netanyahu have talked several times in the past few weeks. It is unlikely that Netanyahu would have appointed Leiter without getting a green light from Trump.

King Charles III has expressed “deep love and affection” for Australia, a former part of the British Empire. As he visits the country this weekend, he may find that Australians don’t feel quite as much affection for him.

Charles and Queen Camilla arrived Friday evening local time in Sydney, where a tribute on the sails of the city’s iconic opera house displayed a four-minute montage of images from previous royal visits.

Charles, 75, is Britain’s first reigning monarch to visit Australia in 13 years. His Oct. 18-26 trip to Australia and the Pacific island nation of Samoa marks his first visit to overseas realms since becoming king and his first major foreign trip since his cancer diagnosis.

Australia is one of 14 countries outside Britain where he remains the head of state, a role that is largely symbolic. All of them are members of the Commonwealth, a voluntary group of 56 independent states that were almost all formerly under British rule.

Examples of Festivals from Different Religions and Their Significance...
By Hugo Keji

Introduction:-
Religious festivals are celebrated around the world, each with unique rituals, customs, and significance.
These festivals not only mark important religious events but also strengthen community bonds and cultural identity.

Below are examples of significant festivals from various religions, highlighting their importance and cultural impact.

Christianity: Christmas
Date: December 25
Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Customs and Rituals:
Advent: The period leading up to Christmas, marked by preparations and anticipation.

Nativity Scenes: Depictions of the birth of Jesus in a manger, often displayed in homes and churches.

Midnight Mass: A special church service held on Christmas Eve.

Gift-Giving: Symbolizing the gifts given to Jesus by the Magi.

Decorations: Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments are used to decorate homes and public spaces.

Islam: Eid al-Fitr
Date: The first day of Shawwal (the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar), following Ramadan.

Significance: Marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

Customs and Rituals:
Salah (Prayer): Special prayers are performed in congregation, often in large open spaces.

Zakat al-Fitr: A charitable donation given to the poor, ensuring everyone can participate in the celebrations.

Feasting: Families and friends gather to enjoy meals, breaking the month-long fast.

New Clothes: Wearing new or best clothes to mark the occasion.
Visiting Loved Ones: Strengthening family and community bonds through visits and greetings.

Hinduism: Diwali
Date: Varies (usually October or November, based on the lunar calendar).

Significance: Known as the Festival of Lights, it celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Customs and Rituals:
Lighting Diyas and Candles: Homes and public spaces are illuminated with oil lamps and candles.

Fireworks: Displays of fireworks symbolize the victory of light over darkness.

Rangoli: Decorative patterns made on the floor using colored powders, rice, or flowers.

Puja (Worship): Special prayers and offerings to deities, particularly Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Exchanging Gifts and Sweets: Strengthening social ties and expressing goodwill.

Buddhism: Vesak
Date: Varies (April or May, based on the lunar calendar).

Significance: Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.

Customs and Rituals:
Temple Visits: Devotees visit temples to participate in prayers and rituals.

Offerings: Incense, flowers, and candles are offered to Buddha statues.

Meditation and Chanting: Practices to reflect on the teachings of Buddha.

Acts of Charity: Donations and volunteer work to help those in need.

Cultural Performances: Traditional music, dance, and plays depicting the life of Buddha.

Judaism: Passover (Pesach)
Date: 15th day of Nisan (March or April, based on the Hebrew calendar).

Significance: Commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

Customs and Rituals:
Seder Meal: A ritual meal that includes reading the Haggadah, telling the story of the Exodus, and eating symbolic foods.

Unleavened Bread (Matzah): Consumed during Passover to recall the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt.

Cleaning: Thorough cleaning of homes to remove all leavened products (Chametz).

Recitation of Psalms (Hallel): Praising God for deliverance from slavery.

Family Gatherings: Bringing family members together to observe and celebrate.

Sikhism: Vaisakhi
Date: April 13 or 14
Significance: Marks the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa (the collective body of initiated Sikhs) by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

Customs and Rituals:
Gurdwara Services: Special prayers and hymns at Sikh temples.
Nagar Kirtan: Processions featuring singing of hymns and displays of martial arts.

Amrit Sanchar: The ceremony of initiation into the Khalsa.
Community Feasts (Langar): Free meals served to all, promoting equality and community service.

Wearing Traditional Attire: Sikhs wear colorful and traditional clothes to mark the occasion.

Religious festivals across different faiths play a crucial role in shaping cultural identity and fostering a sense of community. They are occasions for celebration, reflection, and the reinforcement of values and traditions.
Despite the diversity in practices and beliefs, these festivals share common themes of unity, charity, and the celebration of life’s significant moments.

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What are their key teachings and practices?
By Hugo Keji

Christianity-
Key Teachings:
The Trinity: Belief in one God in three persons – Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.

Salvation through Jesus Christ: Jesus' death and resurrection provide the means for human salvation and eternal life.

Love and Forgiveness: Emphasis on loving God and others, forgiveness of sins, and living a moral life.

The Bible: Sacred scripture consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testament, providing spiritual guidance and teachings.

Practices:
Prayer and Worship: Regular personal and communal prayer, worship services, especially on Sundays.

Sacraments: Key rituals such as Baptism and Holy Communion (Eucharist).

Reading the Bible: Study and reflection on scriptures.
Charity and Service: Acts of kindness, helping the needy, and community service.

Islam-
Key Teachings:
Tawhid (Monotheism): Belief in the oneness of Allah.

Prophethood: Muhammad is the final prophet in a line of prophets including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.

Five Pillars of Islam: Core practices that shape a Muslim's faith and actions.

Quran: The holy book revealed to Muhammad, serving as the ultimate guide for Muslims.

Practices:
Shahada: Declaration of faith in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad.

Salat: Performing ritual prayers five times a day.

Zakat: Giving alms to the poor, typically 2.5% of one’s savings.

Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.

Hajj: Pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, required once in a lifetime if possible.

Hinduism-
Key Teachings:
Dharma: Duty, righteousness, and moral law governing individual conduct.

Karma: Law of cause and effect where actions determine future outcomes.

Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and union with Brahman.

Various Paths to Spirituality: Bhakti (devotion), Jnana (knowledge), and Karma (action).

Practices:
Puja: Ritual worship of deities, performed at home or in temples.

Meditation and Yoga: Practices to achieve mental discipline and spiritual insight.

Festivals: Celebrations like Diwali, Holi, and Navaratri.

Pilgrimage: Visits to holy sites such as Varanasi, Rishikesh, and the Kumbh Mela.

Buddhism-
Key Teachings:
Four Noble Truths: Core principles that
outline the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation.

Eightfold Path: Guidelines for ethical and mental development leading to enlightenment.

Nirvana: Ultimate goal of ending the cycle of rebirth and suffering.

Dependent Origination: Concept that all phenomena arise in dependence on conditions and causes.

Practices:
Meditation: Mindfulness and concentration practices to develop insight and tranquility.

Ethical Conduct: Following precepts such as non-violence, truthfulness, and abstaining from harmful behaviors.

Monastic Life: Many Buddhists, especially monks and nuns, follow a strict lifestyle dedicated to spiritual development.

Rituals and Festivals: Observances like Vesak (Buddha’s birthday) and various local traditions.

Judaism-
Key Teachings:
Monotheism: Belief in one God, Yahweh.

Covenant: The special relationship between God and the Jewish people, marked by agreements like those made with Abraham and Moses.

Torah: Central reference of the religious Judaic tradition, encompassing law, guidance, and teachings.

Ethical Living: Emphasis on justice, charity, and social responsibility.

Practices:
Prayer: Daily prayers, especially communal prayers on the Sabbath and festivals.

Sabbath (Shabbat): Weekly day of rest and worship from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

Dietary Laws (Kashrut): Following kosher dietary rules.
Festivals: Celebrations like Passover, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, and Rosh Hashanah.

These teachings and practices reflect the core values and spiritual paths of each religion, shaping the lives and beliefs of their adherents.

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How do world religions approach the concept of morality?
By Hugo Keji

1. Introduction
Morality is a central tenet in many world religions, guiding adherents in making ethical decisions and leading lives that reflect their faith's values.
This exploration examines how various religions approach the concept of morality, highlighting both commonalities and unique aspects.

2. Christianity
Christianity bases its moral teachings on the Bible, particularly the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The Ten Commandments: These serve as foundational moral guidelines, encompassing principles such as honoring parents, refraining from murder, theft, and adultery, and observing the Sabbath.

The Teachings of Jesus: Jesus emphasized love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a key source of Christian moral teaching, advocating for virtues like meekness, mercy, and peacemaking.

The Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12) encapsulates the essence of Christian moral conduct.

Ethical Frameworks: Various Christian denominations develop specific ethical frameworks, addressing issues like social justice, poverty, and bioethics.

3. Islam
Islamic morality is derived from the Qur'an and the Hadith, the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad.

Five Pillars of Islam: These are fundamental acts of worship and commitment that guide Muslim ethical behavior, including the profession of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salat), almsgiving (Zakat), fasting (Sawm), and pilgrimage (Hajj).

Sharia Law: Islamic law provides comprehensive guidance on ethical and moral conduct, encompassing personal, social, and legal aspects of life.

Moral Virtues: Islam emphasizes virtues such as honesty, justice, kindness, and charity. The Qur'an frequently calls for Muslims to act righteously and to avoid sinful behaviors.

The Role of Intentions: In Islam, the intention (niyyah) behind actions is crucial, with sincere intentions being a key factor in determining moral worth.

4. Hinduism
Hindu morality is deeply rooted in the concepts of dharma (duty) and karma (the law of cause and effect).

Dharma: Refers to the moral law and duties specific to an individual's age, caste, gender, and occupation. It encompasses duties towards family, society, and the cosmos.

Karma: The principle of karma dictates that every action has consequences, influencing one's future lives. Good actions lead to positive outcomes, while bad actions result in negative consequences.

Yamas and Niyamas: These are ethical precepts in yoga philosophy. Yamas (restraints) include non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), and non-stealing (asteya). Niyamas (observances) include purity (saucha), contentment (santosha), and discipline (tapas).

Scriptural Guidance: Texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads offer guidance on living a moral life, emphasizing devotion, righteousness, and selflessness.

5. Buddhism
Buddhist morality is based on the teachings of the Buddha, focusing on the Eightfold Path and the Five Precepts.

The Eightfold Path: This path outlines ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. Key aspects include right speech, right action, and right livelihood.

The Five Precepts: These are basic ethical guidelines for lay Buddhists, including abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxication.

Compassion and Non-harm: Central to Buddhist ethics is the principle of non-harm (ahimsa) and the cultivation of compassion (karuna) towards all beings.

Mindfulness and Intentions: Buddhist morality emphasizes mindfulness and the intentions behind actions, encouraging awareness and thoughtful behavior.

6. Judaism
Jewish morality is grounded in the Torah and Talmud, encompassing a wide range of ethical teachings.

The Ten Commandments: Shared with Christianity, these commandments provide fundamental ethical directives.

613 Mitzvot: These commandments cover all aspects of life, from dietary laws to social justice, guiding Jews in living a righteous life.
Tikkun Olam: The concept of "repairing the world" emphasizes social justice, charity, and community responsibility.

Rabbinic Teachings: The Talmud and other rabbinic texts offer detailed discussions on ethical issues, providing guidance on moral dilemmas and daily conduct.

7. Other Religions and Philosophies
Various other religious and philosophical systems offer unique moral frameworks.

Sikhism: Emphasizes equality, honesty, and community service. The teachings of Guru Nanak and subsequent Gurus focus on living a truthful and righteous life.

Jainism: Strongly advocates non-violence (ahimsa), truth, and asceticism. Jain ethics emphasize the sanctity of all life and the importance of self-discipline.

Confucianism: Focuses on virtues such as filial piety, humaneness (ren), and proper conduct (li). Confucian morality is centered on harmonious relationships and social order.

Secular Humanism: Emphasizes reason, compassion, and the intrinsic value of human beings. Secular humanists advocate for ethical behavior based on human welfare and happiness, independent of religious doctrine.

World religions offer diverse approaches to morality, each providing unique ethical frameworks and guiding principles. Despite their differences, these traditions share common goals of promoting virtuous behavior, fostering community, and guiding adherents towards leading ethical and meaningful lives.

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US pushing Netherlands, Japan to restrict more chipmaking equipment to China....

A U.S. official was headed to Japan after meeting with the Dutch government in an effort to push allies to further crack down on China's ability to produce cutting-edge semiconductors, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.

Alan Estevez, the U.S. export policy chief, was again trying to build on a 2023 agreement between the three countries to keep chipmaking equipment from China that could modernize its military.

The U.S. first imposed sweeping restrictions in 2022 on shipments of advanced chips and chipmaking equipment to China from the likes of California-based Nvidia and Lam Research.

Last July, to align with U.S. policy, Japan, home to chip equipment makers Nikon Corp and Tokyo Electron, curbed exports of 23 types of equipment, from machines that deposit films on silicon wafers to devices that etch out the microscopic circuits.

Then the Dutch government began to regulate Netherlands-based ASML's deep ultra violet (DUV) semiconductor equipment to China and the U.S. imposed restrictions on additional DUV machines to a handful of Chinese factories, claiming jurisdiction because ASML's systems contain U.S. parts and components. ASML is the world's top chip equipment maker.

Washington is now talking to allies about adding 11 more Chinese chipmaking factories to a restricted list, the person said. There are currently five factories on the list, the person said, including SMIC, China's largest chipmaker.

The U.S. also is saying it wants to control additional chipmaking equipment, the person said.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Commerce Department declined comment.

U.S. officials visited the Netherlands in April in a push to stop ASML from servicing certain equipment in China. Under U.S. rules, American firms are barred from servicing equipment at advanced Chinese factories.

But the ASML servicing contracts are still in place, the person said, explaining that the Dutch government does not have the extraterratorial scope to cut them off.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sanctioned Chinese telecoms giant Huawei last year came out with a phone powered by a sophisticated chip. The Huawei Mate 60 Pro was seen as a symbol of the China's technological resurgence despite Washington's efforts.

Senator says US needs to 'up our game' on tracking Chinese tech efforts......
The chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee said on Tuesday that U.S. intelligence agencies need to do a better job in tracking Chinese advanced technology and other efforts across a variety of fields.

"Our intel community is so used to traditionally spying - you spy on the military, you spy on the government. You don't necessarily follow all of the tech companies," Senator Mark Warner told reporters at a breakfast sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor. "You don't follow where China is getting extraction of rare earth minerals. We just need to kind of continue to up our game in following what China is doing, not just in this chip space but frankly in a lot of these other domains."

Warner said the intel side had "missed a couple times," citing Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp's ability to produce advanced 7- nanometer semiconductor chips and other issues involving chipmaking tool manufacturers. He also expressed concerns about China's advanced efforts on life sciences and biotechnology.

"We've seen no indication that China is not pedal-to-the metal in terms of investing and trying to not just be successful but dominate," Warner added.

Warner said the United States needs to do more on limiting chips and chipmaking tools to China.

"Unfortunately, there may be Western chip manufacturers who are knowingly or unknowingly still having their tools and products circumventing the ban," Warner said.

Warner said he wished the U.S. investors in China-based ByteDance, parent of TikTok, would try "to urge China to go ahead and at least break off the non-Chinese portion" of the popular short video app used by 170 million Americans. U.S. investors own roughly 40% of ByteDance. Warner said he is not sure that China will allow a sale of TikTok.

TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The U.S. Congress passed legislation in April requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok's U.S. assets by Jan. 19 of next year or face a ban. TikTok and ByteDance have sued to block the legislation. Warner, who opposes a ban, added: "But at the end of the day, the law is the law."

US Seeks Allies’ Help in Curbing China’s AI Chip Progress......
US Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan Estevez will press his counterparts in Tokyo and The Hague to put more limits on the activities in China of Dutch supplier ASML Holding NV and Japan’s Tokyo Electron Ltd., according to people familiar with the matter. Estevez’s requests, part of an ongoing dialogue with allies, will highlight Chinese chip factories developing so-called high-bandwidth memory chips, said the people, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private.

ASML and Tokyo Electron machines are used to produce dynamic random access memory dies, which are stacked together to make HBM chips. Chinese companies working on HBM chips include Wuhan Xinxin Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., a subsidiary of China’s leading memory chipmaker Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., according to China’s corporate data provider Qichacha. Huawei Technologies Co. and ChangXin Memory Technologies Inc. are also reportedly developing HBM.

The Biden administration has tried for years to limit China’s ability to buy and produce advanced semiconductors, arguing such steps are necessary for national security. Yet results have been mixed, with Huawei and others making significant advances. The US is seeking support from allies, who have implemented their own less stringent controls, to create a more effective global blockade.

“The United States is the most critical player in the global semiconductor equipment industry, but it’s far from the only country that matters. Japan and the Netherlands are also key providers of semiconductor equipment,” said Gregory Allen, director of the Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “The Netherlands and Japan have restrictions on exports but not on servicing, and that’s a critical limitation in the overall technology controls architecture.”

Estevez is expected to repeat a standing US request for the two countries to tighten restrictions on ASML and Tokyo Electron’s ability to maintain and repair their other advanced equipment in China as well, the people said. The US has already imposed such restrictions on American rivals, such as Applied Materials Inc. and Lam Research Corp.

The US delegation’s visit to the Netherlands is expected to take place after the new Dutch cabinet is sworn in the first week of July. Reinette Klever of far-right lawmaker Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party is set to become the minister for foreign trade and development aid, a role that typically oversees the country’s export control policies.

The Dutch and Japanese governments have been resisting the US pressure, people familiar with the matter said earlier. The two countries want more time to evaluate the impact of current export bans on high-end chip-making equipment and to see the outcome of the US presidential election in November.

It is uncertain how the new Dutch government led by Wilders will react to US demands for additional measures. Klever is co-founder of a far-right TV channel Ongehoord Nederland, which stirred controversy for its pro-Russian reporting and climate change skepticism. The outgoing Foreign Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher paid a farewell visit to the US last week to lobby for the interests of ASML. Dutch King Willem-Alexander joined Schreinemacher in a meeting with New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

A representative of the US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security declined to comment. A spokesperson for the Dutch foreign trade ministry declined to comment. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry did not respond to requests for comment.

HBM chips are an indispensable part of the AI hardware ecosystem because they speed up access to memory, helping AI development. AI accelerators, made by Nvidia Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc., need to be bundled with HBM chips for them to work. US officials are having early-stage conversations about restricting the export of HBM chips, Bloomberg has reported.

SK Hynix Inc. is the leading producer of HBM chips, with Samsung Electronics Co., and US-based Micron Technology Inc. pressing to catch up. SK Hynix relies on equipment from ASML and Tokyo Electron, according to Bloomberg’s supply chain data.

Korean equipment makers including Hanmi Semiconductor Co. and Hanwha Precision Machinery Co. also play a critical role in the HBM supply chain. Earlier this year, Washington asked Seoul to restrict the flow of equipment and technologies for making high-end logic and memory chips to China, Bloomberg News has reported.

Chinese companies can no longer buy the most advanced AI chips from Nvidia, but Huawei is developing its own AI accelerators, called Ascend. It is unclear which company or companies are providing advanced memory chips to Huawei. SK Hynix, Samsung and Micron all stopped supplying Huawei with chips after the US tightened sanctions against the Chinese company in 2020.

Washington officials have also grown worried about China’s own progress in chipmaking equipment. Lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bipartisan bill to ban companies that receive US funding for chip factories from purchasing Chinese tools for those facilities.

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China's defence ministry says Dutch ship incident 'heinous'......

China's defence ministry on Tuesday warned the Netherlands to restrain actions of its naval and air forces after the Netherlands' defence ministry said Chinese fighter jets approached a Dutch ship unsafely in the East China Sea.

"We strongly deplore the heinous nature of the Dutch side's words and deeds, and have lodged solemn representations with them," the Chinese defence ministry said.

Chinese air force jets circled a Dutch frigate and approached a Dutch helicopter in the East China Sea in a way that "caused a potentially unsafe situation," the Netherlands' defence ministry said on Saturday.

The ministry said the HNLMS Tromp was patrolling on Friday in support of U.N. sanctions against North Korea when it was circled several times by two Chinese fighter jets.

Later, the ship's NH90 helicopter was approached by two Chinese fighter jets and a helicopter in an incident that took place in international airspace, according to the Netherlands' defence ministry.

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's defence ministry said the Dutch side was "falsely claiming to be carrying out a U.N. mission and flexed its force in the sea and airspace under the jurisdiction of another country, creating tension and undermining the friendly relations between the two countries."

Zhang said China wanted to warn the Dutch side that "infringement and provocation will be resolutely countered by the Chinese side."

The United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Tromp is heading for Japan next and then to Hawaii for the "Rim of the Pacific" naval exercises, according to the Netherlands' defence ministry.

Both China and Japan claim a group of islets in the East China Sea, which has long been a sticking point in bilateral ties. The two countries have repeatedly faced off around the uninhabited Japanese-administered islands.

China's run-ins with the Philippine navy have also been escalating in disputed areas of the South China Sea.

China warns against Dutch naval 'intrusion', disputes East China Sea encounter:-........
China's defence ministry has "sternly warned" the Dutch navy against "provocative" actions and urged restraint, while denouncing an earlier statement by the Netherlands that said Chinese military jets conducted "unsafe" manoeuvres in the East China Sea last week.

"A helicopter from the Dutch navy's Tromp frigate provocatively intruded east of Shanghai, and the People's Liberation Army Eastern Theatre Command responded with verbal warnings and scrambled fighter jets to forcibly drive it away," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a ministry spokesman.

In a statement last week, the Dutch defence ministry said two Chinese fighter jets circled above its frigate several times on Friday.

Two Chinese jets and a PLA helicopter then approached the ship's NH90 maritime combat helicopter while it was on a patrol, the statement said.

"This created a potentially unsafe situation. The incident took place in international airspace," the Dutch defence ministry said.

"HNLMS Tromp continues its journey as part of Pacific Archer 24 as planned and is now on its way to Japan."

China's defence ministry said the Dutch statement "distorted the facts", and the PLA's actions were "completely legal and reasonable".

"It is the Dutch side, not the Chinese side, that has created unsafe conditions. The Dutch side falsely claimed to be executing a United Nations mission, showing off military force in the maritime and airspace under the jurisdiction of other countries, creating tensions, and damaging friendly relations between the two countries."

The ministry added that it expressed strong dissatisfaction and had "made serious representations".

"We sternly warn the Dutch side to strictly restrain the actions of its maritime and air forces, and any infringement and provocation will be firmly countered by the Chinese side."

It is the second time that the PLA has sent fighter jets towards foreign naval ships on a sanctions enforcement mission against North Korea in the international waters off the eastern coast of China.

China and Australia exchanged accusations in May when Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles slammed an interception by a PLA J-10 fighter jet of an Australian navy Seahawk helicopter over the Yellow Sea as "both unsafe and unprofessional".

The Chinese jets released flares along the flight path of the helicopter deployed from the Australian destroyer HMAS Hobart, which was on a mission helping to enforce UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea in international waters in the Yellow Sea, Canberra said.

Timothy Heath, a senior international defence researcher at the Rand Corporation, said China was "sensitive" to the East China Sea because of its proximity to the wealthy and densely populated eastern coast, which has vital shipping lanes and fishing and mineral resources.

However, UN efforts to curb Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions "inevitably" involve the passage of some foreign ships through the East China Sea, Heath added.

"The Chinese military's responses are designed to send the message that Beijing views their actions as unfriendly and potentially threatening," Heath said.

"China's suspicion of the United States has led Beijing to accuse those countries [enforcing UN sanctions] of secretly harbouring ill intentions against China by sending military platforms into the East China Sea."

Stephen Nagy, a professor of international relations at International Christian University in Tokyo, said Beijing sees the US and its allies "gaining confidence" to push back against Chinese military activities in the East China Sea.

"By sending PLA fighters to circle a Dutch frigate, they are trying to dissuade the Dutch and other allies from increasing their naval presence and cooperation in the region," Nagy said.

"North Korea presents a challenge for all in the region. Enforcing sanctions ensures that Pyongyang does not act assertively, which would invite more cooperation between the US, Japan, Korea and other states."

Yoon Suk-joon, a visiting research fellow at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs and a specialist in Chinese weapons systems, said China was sending "warnings" to the foreign militaries participating in the sanction enforcement mission because they were operating in the waters around the disputed Diaoyu Islands, called Senkaku by Japan, in the East China Sea.

"These ships are deployed in the Pacific to support the US Indo-Pacific strategy, and China is sending them an indirect warning," Yoon said. "It is a signal not to needlessly intervene in the military competition between the United States and China in East Asia."

The East China Sea has recently seen rising military tensions between China and US allies. Last Friday, Tokyo said it protested to Beijing over the sailing of four Chinese ships, presumably armed, into the area of the disputed islands controlled by Japan in the East China Sea but claimed by China.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-
AI—the Transformation From Mechanical to Cognitive Advantage.
AI's secret power is amplifying human ingenuity.

KEY POINTS-
AI amplifies human ingenuity, optimizing routine tasks and pushing boundaries in complex domains.
AI transforms innovation into an iterative, collaborative, and adaptive process, democratizing progress.
As the ultimate catalyst, AI propels us into a future limited only by our imagination.

We look for the news—the big idea. We often focus on the groundbreaking ideas, the disruptive technologies, and the visionary leaders. But what if the true driver of innovation in our era is not any single invention, but rather a force that makes every invention better? Enter artificial intelligence (AI)—the ultimate catalyst for human innovation.

Amplifying Human Ingenuity
From the mundane to the sophisticated, AI is transforming every field it touches, not by replacing human ingenuity, but by amplifying it. It's a universal accelerant, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and creativity across the board. With AI, good ideas become great, and great ideas become revolutionary. In simple terms, AI is the evolution of the mechanical advantage—"mechanistic gears" are becoming "thought gears" that place us squarely in the Cognitive Age.

Optimizing the Mundane
Consider even the most routine tasks, such as scheduling meetings or sorting emails. AI-powered assistants can now handle these jobs with ease, not only saving time but optimizing the process. By learning our preferences and predicting our needs, these tools don't just automate work, but also improve how it's done. And as they free us from the tyranny of small decisions, they open up mental space for higher-order thinking and innovation.

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Pushing the Boundaries of Possibility
Now imagine that same catalytic effect applied to more complex domains. In healthcare, AI is not just helping doctors read X-rays faster, but also enabling them to spot patterns they might have missed, leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses. In manufacturing, AI is not just automating assembly lines, but also optimizing supply chains and predicting maintenance needs, leading to new levels of efficiency and reliability.

And in fields like scientific research and technological development, AI is truly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. By crunching vast datasets, generating novel hypotheses, and simulating complex systems, AI is accelerating the pace of discovery and invention. It's helping us design more effective drugs, develop more sustainable materials, and engineer more intelligent machines. In essence, AI is a catalyst for breakthrough innovations that might have otherwise remained as nascent thoughts trapped without connectivity.

Transforming the Nature of Innovation
But AI's impact goes beyond enhancing individual ideas or processes. It's fundamentally changing the nature of innovation itself. Traditionally, innovation has been a linear and often siloed endeavor—a flash of insight, followed by a lengthy process of development and deployment. But with AI, innovation becomes more iterative, collaborative, and adaptive.

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By enabling rapid prototyping, real-time feedback, and continuous learning, AI turns innovation into an agile and evolutionary process. Ideas can be tested and refined at an unprecedented pace, with insights from one domain readily applied to another. This creates a flywheel effect, where each innovation catalyzed by AI enables even more innovations down the line. In fact, the very nature of innovation is being transformed as large language models (LLMs) can now become both scientist and subject performing self-contained research.

Democratizing Innovation
Moreover, by lowering the barriers to entry and democratizing access to powerful tools and insights, AI is broadening the pool of potential innovators. No longer is breakthrough thinking confined to the expert few in select labs or Silicon Valley garages. With AI at their fingertips, students, entrepreneurs, and citizen scientists around the world can contribute to the cutting edge. AI thus becomes a great leveler and accelerator, unlocking the innovative potential of people and ideas that might have otherwise been overlooked.

Our Cognitive Catalyst
If we can harness this catalytic power wisely, the potential is immense. By making every good idea better, every process more efficient, and every person more empowered to create, AI could usher in a new golden age of innovation. It could help us tackle the grand challenges we face, from energy exploration and curing disease to exploring the cosmos and understanding our own minds.

In this sense, AI is not just another invention, but rather the invention that accelerates all others. It's the ultimate inflection point, the catalyst that could propel us into a future limited only by the stretch of our imaginations. So as we navigate this pivotal moment, let us not fear the rise of AI, but instead embrace it as the catalyst for our highest aspirations and our boldest innovations. For with AI as our partner, there's no telling how far or how fast we can go.

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THEORY OF MIND-
LLMs Demonstrate Impressive Theory of Mind Abilities.
Pushing the boundaries of AI communication, empathy and social engagement.

KEY POINTS-
A study compared theory of mind abilities in GPT-4, LLaMA2, and humans using a battery of tests.
GPT-4 performed at or above human levels in most tests, but struggled with detecting social missteps.
The findings represent advancement in AI, highlighting the potential and limitations of language models.

Theory of Mind (ToM) is the ability to attribute mental states, such as beliefs, desires, and intentions, to oneself and others. It is a crucial aspect of human social interaction, enabling effective communication, empathy, and navigation of complex social situations.

As artificial intelligence advances, particularly in the development of large language models (LLMs), researchers are exploring whether machines can exhibit ToM-like capabilities. While LLMs can generate human-like responses and adapt their language based on the perceived knowledge and emotions of users, the extent to which they truly understand mental states remains a fascinating topic of debate and investigation.

Putting Language Models to the Test
A new study investigated the ToM abilities of LLMs by comparing their performance to that of humans on a comprehensive battery of tests. The researchers examined two LLMs families, GPT and LLaMA2, subjecting them to a range of tasks designed to assess various aspects of ToM, such as understanding false beliefs, recognizing indirect requests, detecting irony, and identifying social missteps. The study involved over 1,900 human participants, providing a robust benchmark against which to compare the LLMs' performance.

GPT-4: A Standout Performer
Across the majority of the theory of mind tests administered, GPT-4 consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to perform at or even surpass human levels. Its capacity to understand and respond to indirect requests, navigate complex scenarios involving false beliefs and misdirection, and track mental states was particularly noteworthy.

However, despite GPT-4's impressive performance across most of the tests, it encountered challenges in detecting social miscues. This recognition requires a nuanced understanding of social norms, the ability to identify when someone has unintentionally said something inappropriate, and the capacity to attribute ignorance or false beliefs to the speaker. While GPT-4 outperformed earlier models in this domain, its struggles suggest that fully mastering this aspect of social cognition remains an area for improvement.

These findings underscore the complexity of theory of mind reasoning and the multifaceted nature of social cognition. While GPT-4's performance represents a significant milestone in the development of language models, its limitations in detecting faux pas serve as a reminder that even the most advanced AI systems have room for growth when it comes to fully capturing the intricacies of human social interaction. Nevertheless, the overall results of the study position GPT-4 as a remarkable achievement in the field of artificial intelligence, demonstrating the potential for language models to exhibit sophisticated theory of mind abilities.

LLaMA2: A Surprising Result
Interestingly, LLaMA2 outperformed humans on the faux pas test, but follow-up experiments suggested that this success might be attributed to a bias towards always attributing ignorance rather than genuine ToM reasoning.

While LLaMA2 outperformed both GPT models and human participants on the social miscue test, follow-up experiments revealed that this success might not be due to genuine theory of mind reasoning. Instead, LLaMA2 seemed to have a bias towards always attributing ignorance to the speaker, regardless of context. This finding highlights the importance of careful test design and thorough analysis when assessing language models' performance on complex cognitive tasks, as initial successes may be driven by superficial patterns rather than deep social understanding.

A Significant Advancement
While there is still much to learn about the nature of ToM in LLMs, this study represents a significant step forward in our understanding of their capabilities. The comprehensive assessment provided by Strachan et al. offers compelling evidence that state-of-the-art models, particularly GPT-4, can exhibit behavior consistent with sophisticated ToM abilities, sometimes even surpassing average human performance.

However, it is essential to recognize that these models' ToM abilities are not identical to human cognition, and further research is needed to explore the implications of their differences, such as their lack of embodied experience.

Thinking Ahead
As artificial intelligence advances, particularly in the development of LLMs, the emergence of ToM-like capabilities is becoming clear. This exploration has also sparked discussions about the potential for AI sentience or techno-sentience. While LLMs can generate human-like responses and adapt their language based on the perceived knowledge and emotions of users, the extent to which they truly understand mental states or possess any form of sentience remains a topic of intense debate.

The potential for LLMs to exhibit ToM-like behaviors and the question of AI sentience have significant implications for their use in various domains, such as mental health support, personalized education, and customer service. If LLMs can effectively understand and respond to human emotions and beliefs, they could revolutionize these fields. However, these advancements also raise ethical concerns regarding the manipulation of human emotions, the potential diminishing of human connection in certain contexts, and the moral considerations surrounding the development of sentient AI in the context of humanity and the AI themselves.

While there is still work—and debate—on these topics, this research opens up new avenues for investigation and collaboration among many stakeholders, promising to deepen our understanding of both artificial and human intelligence.

TRAUMA-
3 Signs You May Have Unprocessed Trauma.
Not all trauma can heal, but it doesn’t have to control you.

KEY POINTS-
Unprocessed trauma can result from any event that makes someone feel threatened or in danger.
Symptoms of unprocessed trauma often emerge in disruptive physical, emotional, or psychological symptoms.
Steps to heal unprocessed trauma include breaking the silence and gathering support.

It’s hard to imagine a life that trauma hasn’t touched.

The trauma of loss and injury. The trauma of social pain, such as bullying or racism. The trauma of financial hardship or rejection. The list goes on and on.

How do you heal trauma? What’s the process for letting go of such deep wounds?

Trauma imprints
Years ago, I was driving to a barbecue on a sunny Memorial Day, chatting with my wife and kids, looking forward to my brother’s cooking, when the driver of an 18-wheeler, busy texting his girlfriend, rear-ended us.

Through the shattered windshield, I could see that the sun was still shining. But our beloved Honda minivan, a featured player in many happy family memories, lay on its side at the bottom of a ravine.

Remarkably, we only suffered bruises and aches. But to this day, when I’m driving on the highway and a truck passes me, my heart beats faster, and I feel panic in the pit of my stomach.

That’s the imprint of trauma: an event makes you feel threatened or in danger and overwhelms you with panic and fear.

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It doesn’t matter if the danger is real or imagined. The feelings left behind by trauma won’t be reasoned with. Trauma is immune to logic.

What is unprocessed trauma?
Whatever the traumatic event, one thing is for sure—it was painful and felt threatening. For this reason, you may rush to move on, bury it, or push it out of your awareness.

Suppressing the trauma isn’t necessarily problematic. You may not be ready to deal with it. Also, there are times when the mind protects you from the trauma and defends against it by rewriting or even deleting the memory entirely until you’re ready to face it.

Symptoms of unprocessed trauma frequently emerge as:

Physical symptoms: heart palpitations, sweating, or shaking
Emotional symptoms: panic, feeling trapped or terrified
Psychological symptoms: avoidance of situations that trigger the trauma.
Healing unprocessed trauma
Here’s the rude truth: Not all trauma can be resolved. However, it’s possible to manage and lessen the symptoms of trauma so it no longer controls you.

When you’re ready to deal with the trauma directly, you may experience the following signs:

1. Recovered memories. Sometimes, fragments of memories of the trauma begin to emerge—bits and pieces of the event that have yet to be unpacked.

2. An increase in disruptive emotions. You may experience spikes in anxiety, in addition to difficulty sleeping, nightmares, nervousness, OCD, self-isolating, or depression behaviors.

3. A yearning to talk. After a while, you may suddenly want to talk about the trauma. Talking about it is relieving as you release pent-up feelings.

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Steps toward processing trauma
1. Journal. Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and memories can help you begin to understand them, separate from them, and gain some mastery over them.

2. Break the silence. Share the details of your trauma with people in your life who understand and support you. No one should have to process trauma alone.

3. Limit the time you spend thinking about it. Avoid obsessing, ruminating, and overthinking. When journaling or thinking about the incident, limit the time. Set a timer, go to the gym, and practice self-care. Don’t stress.

4. Work with a therapist. Therapy is a gift you give yourself. A professional can offer guidance, support, and tools to help you heal.

5. Join a therapy group. There are few things as supportive as a room full of people who hold space for your pain and offer loving support. In my weekly therapy groups, we work through unprocessed trauma regularly. People grow faster when they grow with others.

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6. Be kind to yourself. You are engaging in deep, emotional work, revisiting a painful time that may have shaped much of your emotional life. Don’t demand healing before you’re ready. Practice kindness and reward yourself.

7. Take your time. Don’t rush the process. There will be days you want to work on it, and days you don’t. Take breaks. Go on vacations. Put the trauma away and revisit it later. There is no reason to feel pressured.

DEPRESSION-
If Life Gives You Lemons, Go Throw a Strike or a Spare.
Personal Perspective: There's a way back into the game when you're down.

KEY POINTS-
Bad news cannot only knock you down; it can steal joy from your life.
Sometimes, it's hard to figure out what to do next.
There are many ways to recapture some control in your life, including bowling.

I recently had the joy knocked out of me over a medical issue that was going to put an added layer of caution into my life. I’m not a big fan of cautious living, but sometimes caution is warranted.

The need for caution has to do with living with a single kidney for over 20 years and the remaining one being a bit compromised. In the past, I have had to seriously give up some activities I love, like riding a bike, cross-country skiing, and ice skating, along with a few things I had hoped to do someday, like learning to ride a paddleboard and playing soccer and baseball with my grandchildren.

In short, I had to come to grips with giving up any activity where I might fall or bruise my back.

In reviewing all the past do-nots in my life, my urologist threw in the final clinker: getting jostled in a crowd. His list also included going to shopping malls, riding in crowded subway cars, buses, and elevators, and attending big outdoor events like concerts.

That no-getting-jostled-in-a-crowd took the last wisp of joy remaining in my lungs. Although never a lover of crowds, I have been known to join in on a good, old-fashioned protest march when the need arise—so many things to protest these days, so little time—which is also now absolutely out of the question.

When I was firmly told by my doctor to be even more vigilant than I have been in the past in order to protect my remaining kidney from bruises and bumps, I was overwhelmed by both the new changes and the potential consequences of not making them.

As my urologist put it: “If you bruise or damage your remaining kidney, you could lose it.”

When the Sadness Overwhelms You, Go Bowling
Fortunately, my doctor hadn’t mentioned bowling.

Not that I am what you might call a bowler. I am someone who has bowled from time to time and thought it an okay thing to do at a birthday party.

The day after this rather sobering medical appointment, I was still having trouble finding my good humor. In fact, I was feeling a bit fragile and broken. That’s when my husband suggested we go bowling.

Ten pins 60 feet away. A rather heavy ball. Funny shoes. No one standing behind me who might bump or hit my fragile kidney. Why not?

Everyone throws a gutter ball on occasion, even the best of bowlers. (At least, that’s what I told myself.) If you knock them all down with the first ball in a frame, you get to credit yourself in that frame with the next two balls you bowl: a kind of bonus to a lucky throw that lets you ride your momentary wave of success. If you get a spare, knocking them all down in two balls, which I think is harder than getting that strike thing, you get to add in the next ball you bowl as a bonus to that frame’s score.

But the real bonus in the game is the sense that it’s just you against the things standing in your way. There’s also that satisfying sound of the crack and scatter of the pins when your thrown ball knocks them down.

That heavy ball, those pins standing there taunting you to knock them down, is a control thing: I figured that out. But it’s a game that lets you keep trying, frame after frame, to get it right. There are no three-strikes-and-you're-out rule. No penalty or enforced sitting on the sidelines for the occasional gutterball, cuss word, bad form, or victory dance. If it's your turn, you get to play: no penalty, no judgment.

There’s a great scene in an episode of Suits where Alex takes his socially and physically awkward colleague, Louis Litt, bowling. Faye has just ousted Litt as managing partner of his beloved law firm, and he is demoralized. Alex watches Louis throw a couple of gutterballs and tries to coach him on the finer points of the game. Each suggestion brings on another gutterball until Louis says something about being made fun of as a child and once being filled with rage.

Alex suggests that Louis lean into that long-ago rage and imagine that those ten pins at the end of the alley are really Faye laughing at him.

The next ball Louis throws is a strike, then another and another until he finishes in a balletic victory dance with a perfect score: a 300. That’s not something I’m aiming for. It’s not that it’s beyond my reach, but that it doesn’t matter.

What matters is what Alex said to Louis when he bowled that 300: “After all that has happened to us, we’re still standing.”

I will be fine. Thanks for asking.

I’m still standing.

ANXIETY-
Unleashing the Power of Hypnosis to Overcome Anxiety.
Hypnosis can be another tool to help manage your anxiety.

KEY POINTS-
Anxiety often stems from past experiences and becomes a conditioned response.
Hypnotherapy can be a tool for managing anxiety.
Benefits of hypnotherapy for anxiety include relaxation and desensitization to triggers.

For those who struggle with anxiety, finding effective coping techniques can be life-changing. While therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy are widely used, for many, traditional treatment methods like therapy and medication don't fully alleviate their symptoms. If you're looking for an additional tool to manage your anxiety, clinical hypnotherapy, and subsequent self-hypnosis are definitely worth considering.

What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is really just focused attention in a relaxed state. It utilizes the power of relaxed and focused attention to help people change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety. Despite some misconceptions, when you are under hypnosis, you do not lose control over your behavior, and you get to choose whether or not to follow the therapist’s suggestions. You are simply guided by a certified hypnotherapist to enter a deeply relaxed and focused mental state.

How Hypnosis Works for Anxiety
Hypnosis offers a powerful tool for managing anxiety by allowing access to the subconscious mind. During hypnosis, one enters a deeply relaxed yet focused state of heightened awareness. In this state, the mind becomes more open to positive suggestions that can reshape deeply ingrained patterns of thinking and responding to stress.

Hypnotherapy for anxiety works by implanting new perspectives and coping mechanisms into the subconscious. Rather than automatically reacting with anxious thoughts and behaviors, hypnotic suggestions can train the mind to remain calm and react more adaptively to triggers. Numerous studies demonstrate the efficacy of hypnosis in providing significant relief for those struggling with anxiety disorders.

The trance-like hypnotic state facilitates this reprogramming of the subconscious by circumventing the conscious mind's resistance to change. Worries, fears, and destructive thought loops can be disrupted and replaced with more positive, rational responses. With regular practice reinforcing the new thought patterns, hypnosis helps restructure how the subconscious processes and responds to stressful stimuli over time.

During hypnosis, a person is guided into a deeply relaxed state that allows them to bypass their conscious mind and access their subconscious. In this state, the hypnotherapist can make suggestions to help reshape unhelpful thoughts and behaviors around anxiety triggers. For example, the therapist may help the person visualize a peaceful setting whenever they feel anxious or to reframe the way they perceive a stressful situation.

Hypnosis can be an effective complementary treatment for anxiety in several ways:

1. Relaxation: One of the main goals of hypnosis is to induce a deep state of relaxation and calmness. This relaxed state can counter the physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, and shallow breathing.

2. Suggestion therapy: During hypnosis, the therapist can give positive suggestions to the patient's subconscious mind. These suggestions can help reframe negative thought patterns, boost self-confidence, and promote a more positive outlook, which can alleviate anxiety.

3. Desensitization: Hypnosis can be used to gradually expose the patient to anxiety-provoking situations or stimuli in a controlled environment. This process, known as desensitization, can help the patient become less reactive to these triggers over time.

4. Emotional regulation: Hypnotic techniques can help individuals better regulate their emotions, making it easier to manage anxiety when it arises.

5. Stress management: Hypnosis can teach individuals self-hypnosis techniques and coping strategies to manage stress more effectively, which can reduce the likelihood of anxiety episodes.

6. Symptom relief: For specific anxiety disorders like phobias or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hypnosis can be used to alleviate specific symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts or flashbacks.

Our minds have an innate protective mechanism that manifests as emotions like fear or panic. Over time, our subconscious learns to amplify these responses. Essentially, the fight-or-flight response gets triggered, even when there is no actual physical danger.

We experience fear or panic in social situations, public speaking, or when making mistakes at work. Our reaction becomes disproportionate to the situation, leading to extreme anxiety. Often, these responses stem from automatic, subconscious thought patterns.

For instance, a past negative experience with public speaking may have caused our subconscious to induce anxiety as a protective measure, preventing similar experiences in the future. With repetition, these feelings become deeply ingrained to the point of being debilitating.

Hypnosis empowers individuals to examine and explore these subconscious, automatic thoughts. It enables recognition and alteration of these patterns. Richard Branson, for example, had a negative public speaking experience early in life, leading him to avoid it for years. Through hypnosis, he associated positive emotions with public speaking, altering his automatic responses.

Finding a Qualified Provider
It's important to note that hypnosis should be practiced only by a qualified and licensed professional with proper training. It is often used as a complementary treatment alongside other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication, for the best results in managing anxiety disorders. Look for therapists who have completed courses through organizations like the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis or the National Guild of Hypnotists. Many psychologists, social workers, and counselors incorporate hypnosis into their practices.

Why Are So Many People Anxious?
Anxiety has numerous triggers. Stressful situations, trauma experiences, and difficult interpersonal relationships can act as catalysts for anxiety. We feel the trigger, and then, automatically our brains respond. Our thoughts race. Our palms sweat. And we feel the anxiety in our bodies.

These triggers are deeply ingrained in our subconscious, often lurking undetected until a stressful stimulus awakens them. We might not even know they exist until we experience stressful stimuli. In such moments, our brains delve into the subconscious, seeking guidance on how to react.

In other words, anxiety, then, is a conditioned response, a reflex born of past experiences etched into our psyche.

NEURODIVERSITY-
Developing Self-Acceptance of Neurodiversity.
Personal perspective: Accepting ourselves can help us understand differences.

KEY POINTS-
Many neurodiverse people have difficulty processing external stimuli, such as lights, noises, and smells.
Some neurodiversity can come from trauma, autism, ADHD, or a combination of those—but everyone is different.
For the neurodiverse, social and personal struggles can lead to anxiety and depression if not supported.

"It's just like one of those pregnancy bellies!" I said to the woman next to me, whom I had just met only minutes before.

"...Those what?" She asked, not unexpectedly, probably hoping I was not talking to her.

"Those pregnancy bellies," I continued, my internal dialogue catching up with me as the words left my mouth—Kaytee. Stop talking. You're going to embarrass yourself like you always do.

"Like in sex-ed class!" Kaytee. Really. Shut up. You're making it worse.

"Ah." She said, pretending to look at something on the other side of the street.

Unfortunately, she had nowhere to go due to the thick crowd. We were pushing our way through downtown Medellin, Colombia, following our guide's prompt and wearing our backpacks in front of us to deter pickpockets. Due to my neurodivergence, which manifests as traits of autism and sensory processing struggles, I find that I often struggle in social situations, especially those where there is open-ended socialization. But only recently have I become OK with this realization.

I wish I could use this transition to say something like, "I wasn't always awkward. As a child, I gracefully navigated the social climate with ease..." But unfortunately, this is not true.

As a child, my mother remembers me becoming very upset at certain sounds, lights, or even patterns of clothing. "That's normal child behavior," my pediatrician would say, attempting to explain my unwillingness to wear shirts with certain fabrics or to consume certain foods. "She will grow out of it." It was the early '90s, and we had very little, if any, understanding of neurodivergence outside of words like "autism," which was (and still often is) highly stigmatized and often avoided.

Back then, giving a child a label such as autism or even ADHD was often assigning them a lifetime of being "different." I was always highly articulate and excelled easily in school, so teachers often assumed my differences were the result of behavioral issues (and maybe I had some of those, too). Not having a full understanding of how my brain processed things differently, my behaviors and outbursts were penalized with detentions or time-outs, which seemed to succeed in making me behave for a short time. My mother did not want me to be labeled and receive all of the stigmas that would have come with it, and in hindsight, I think she was trying to do the right thing. Things were different then. Today, those diagnoses would likely fill my chart, but with much less stigma following me into the classroom—and maybe much more support and understanding.

As I grew, I found I developed sensory issues in other areas. Certain patterns send my arms shivering with goosebumps. Particular sounds immediately provoke irritation and discomfort. I cannot stay in a room with a blinking light, and I become highly activated by small sounds that are often undetected by others.

This is normal, I told myself in college. I'm just easily irritated. I just have to stop being so easily irritated. I assumed everyone was bothered by the things that bothered me—the normal self-centeredness of a high-school and college student kept me in a state of denial. But deep down, I knew I was different.

Yes, I was likely also easily irritated (years of undiagnosed anxiety and hypervigilance will do that to you), but there was also something more. Most people were not bothered by sounds, patterns, and textures in the same way I was. Most people did not become flustered to the point of not being able to focus just based on where they sat in a room or agonize for days over a social conflict that they felt unable to navigate. Still, as it is difficult to differentiate between normal stressors of youth and signs of something deeper, I continued with the self-blame. "You'll grow out of it," I heard from others as well as myself.

At first, I thought I just had social anxiety. Because even small conversations where I am caught off guard make me feel like I am being held hostage, the simple act of a salesperson greeting me at the entrance to a store and asking what I was shopping for overwhelms me. I will avoid certain stores if they seem empty, unable to handle salespeople ready to pounce on new browsing prey.

I would try to convince myself that it was all in my head and that I could be bigger than this quirk I possessed: See, we will go to the same store next week and try again, and you can prove to yourself that it's no big deal. But then I would go back to the same store and hide behind a display to avoid the same salesperson. How long had I lived like this, thinking it was normal behavior?

It wasn't until graduate school that someone made me really stop and think. "I'm the same way," a classmate said to me as we sipped chicory iced coffees in the New Orleans heat between classes. I looked at them quizzically. "You know, your discomfort with situations that other people don't even think about."

"I'm just uptight," I again attempted to brush it off with a laugh.

"No, I understand because I am the same way. You don't have to mask anymore."

I had been masking for so long.

With the expansion of social media, the world has become more aware of issues of neurodiversity, among other common mental health and social terms. This has paved the way for people to understand more about themselves while embracing our differences. Like many people who have survived childhood trauma, I often wonder if my neurodivergence stemmed from those experiences or if it was there all along. And, as traumatic responses such as PTSD and C-PTSD are a form of neurodivergence, I'm sure the argument could be made either way. But it doesn't matter to me where it "came from," only that I understand and accept these parts of myself.

These days, I am open about preferring a quiet night in with my partner and our cats to a loud social gathering. I spend quiet mornings writing at coffee shops, and this makes me feel like I have gotten my social interaction. I want more friendships and crave deep connections with others—but I struggle to make those connections.

I still panic when salespeople try to talk to me, and I am working on not saying so many awkward things to random people—but I have embraced this part of myself and will share it proudly. I'm good at nothing if not having a giggle at my own expense, which I think helps. As self-acceptance is a major struggle for many neurodiverse people, I find that being open to discussing my "quirks" can help make me relatable. Or maybe I just assume so.

If you are struggling with self-esteem or self-acceptance, seek the support of a therapist who understands. If needed, find one that is neuro-affirming.