Donnie Harold Harris: Is there small and large group psychosis happening? Is it humanity's sickness or humankind's evolution caused by other forces? Are they the same thing, or are they the opposite of the same thing? Can we use the tools of Ethical doctrine, moral laws, or levels of dynamic existence to shed light on these crucial questions about our times? Can we roast the coffee beans and get co-coo? Ah, the intricate and dynamic dance between our health and the forces shaping us is truly fascinating! 🌟 Let's explore this complex interplay together.
Evolution and Sickness: A Cosmic Tango
- The Evolutionary Lens:
- Imagine this: Our species, Homo sapiens, has been gracefully waltzing through time. Along the way, we've encountered some fascinating partners—microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and worm parasites. They've been our companions since the dawn of our existence, like the intriguing friends who always bring a new perspective to the party. These microorganisms evolve at breakneck speed compared to us. While we're still figuring out how to use our smartphones efficiently, they're changing ways to dodge our immune defenses. It's like they've got an express lane in the evolutionary race.
- So, yes, these microbial companions have not just influenced our evolution, but they've significantly shaped it. They've nudged our genetic makeup, shaped our immune responses, and even left their mark on our susceptibility to certain diseases1. It's a fascinating and intricate dance, isn't it? The Dance of Disease:
- Now, let's talk about sickness. Why do we get sick? Well, it's a mix of factors:
- Mutation: Sometimes, our genes throw a little party and invite mutations. These genetic hiccups can lead to diseases.
- Genetic Drift: Imagine a genetic game of musical chairs. Population changes—migration, admixture, and shifts in size—shuffle the deck. Some alleles (gene variants) become more common, while others fade into obscurity.
- Natural Selection: Survival of the fittest, my friend. If a genetic trait helps us survive and reproduce, it sticks around. If not, it gets the boot.
- Now, let's talk about sickness. Why do we get sick? Well, it's a mix of factors:
- These forces—mutation, drift, and selection—shape the distribution of disease-risk alleles across human populations. It's like a cosmic choreography; the steps, or changes in our genetic makeup, are written in our DNA, guiding the dance of disease across human populations. The Yin and Yang of Health and Environment:
- But wait, there's more! Our environment, the stage on which this cosmic tango is performed, also plays a significant role. Changes in how we live—our diet, sanitation, and animal interactions—can lead to new illnesses. It's a reminder that we need to be aware and cautious about our surroundings. Zoonotic Diseases: About 60% of bugs that infect humans start in animals. Ebola, SARS, and Zika all have their roots in animal hosts.
- Health Care Resources: Limited health care resources can exacerbate the spread of diseases like Ebola.
- Human-to-Human Transmission: Close contact with bodily fluids—whether in health-care settings or during traditional burials—fuels human-to-human transmission3.
- The Grand Finale:
So, my curious friend, the sickness of humanity and our evolution—it's a grand symphony with many movements. Forces beyond our control—microbes, genetics, and the environment—shape the melody. And we, the active participants, are here to understand and appreciate their rhythm and actively engage and adapt. We're not just dancers in this cosmic tango but also choreographers, constantly learning new steps and improving our performance.