Why Humans Have Difficulty Outgrowing Their Social Networks?

We are social creatures that are bred, reared and eventually die within social networks. The very core of our identity is based in our psychological neuro networks that form from our interactions with others. Much of our personality is formed through our early family identities. This "inter-connectedness" is helpful for most but can be extremely limiting for others. To truly develop we must recognize the importance of our social networks but also step above them to create your own personal identity.

I have lots of different types of friends but can sort of explain the limitations these identities can create.

The "Sophisticated": This group likes wine, fancy clothing, are European and foreign in orientation, social climb and have good jobs. They are confident and expect each other in their group to be as sophisticated as themselves. They pick and choose their friends on social status, live a big city life, travel extensively, and are socially adept. If you don't drive the right cars or meet a certain standard you won't make it "in"!

The "Hometown": Small town group of people who prefer tight circles of family and friends but are connected to their hometown. Simple clothing and simple likes in terms food and status. Many have not traveled more than a few hours drive from their house. Can be judgmental based on beliefs but are typically more curious than rejecting. Don't really understand people who have different values as themselves.

What you find is that people become limited by their social networks and often are not willing to move beyond these networks because it would require a change of identity. As a person develops, they begin to find that these social networks are driven by very basic human needs and mechanics underpinning how these networks are formed. They serve a useful function but should not be solely relied on for values.

There is surface impression and there is real identity. Most require others to tell them who they are, what to wear, what to believe and what is "successful". In the "sophisticated" group there is some judgmental perceptions and members are sort of forced to pretend to be more important than they actually are. What they say, and what is, are sometimes radically different. To this group high education, high income, and social status are only beneficial if you are willing to show it and flaunt it a little so others can find advantage in being your friend.

....probably not a good basis of friendship.

The "hometown" group is connected by values and geographic identity. If you are from the area, have family there, and have similar values to people then you are accepted. In some places education and class-ism can limit your friends but in small towns you are wrapped into a single class based on how close your relationships are with others. However, if you violate their values then you may be socially ostracized.

To grow beyond these identities requires exploring life and developing a level of meta-cognition that allows you to view yourself as a complex individual that can see yourself as part of but yet still distinct in identity. As you become more aware of human behavior and motivation you also begin to see the commonalities of how people are chained to their networks and judge their value by those networks.

The autonomous personality is akin to the Parable of the Cave. While you may know that the figures on the wall are shadows the other prisoners may never know that and will confirm each others misconceptions and delusions. The independent personality thinks for themselves, is better developed, but still understands how to live with "prisoners" in a way that doesn't cause dissonance for those who need others to define their identities.

Turtle Soup? Try it Once!

Adventure and exotic foods sometimes appeal to my palate. Sitting on the street patio of a popular New Orleans restaurant I saw Turtle Soup on the menu and decided to give it a try!

What did it taste like?

Creamy, slightly salty, small chunks of turtle, sherry underpinning gravy like....but pretty good! Not really my thing but worth one try!

Turtle soup is banned in many places because the populations are hard to recover. Part of the Creole community New Orleans still has some restaurants that serve it. It is seen as a luxury here and in other places.

A bowl will have 23g of protein and about 400 calories. About $18 per bowl.

Pictures of the Mississippi Bayou

The Mississippi Bayou offers a lush wetland full of life. New Orleans has a number of different hiking trails and paths into the wetlands. What makes the Bayou exciting is that these wetlands are bird safe havens and refuges for wildlife from things that crawl in the mud to those that live completely underwater.. We should do more to protect this valuable environment from human encroachment.  What we don't realize is that humans may someday "eat" themselves out of their own habitat so we shouldn't damage what we have left!

Little Things That Help Brand Cities-Remembering the Trolley!

There are little things that are functional and help cities gain a reputation. For example, New Orleans and food & culture or San Francisco and the Trolley. To some it may not make much difference but you will often find these symbols plastered all over billboards, advertisements and media. Eventually, they become tied to the identity of the place.

I think of trolleys and immediately the images of San Francisco or New Orleans pops up. Somewhere along the line I encoded theses images and when they are recalled they are connected to oceans, floods, Blues music, sour dough bread, and shrimp! Two different places connected by a trolley in my mind.

So trolleys can help put flavor on an existing brands but may not be the only differentiation. The totality of images, impressions, and cultural feel will create a theme of which trolleys fit like to create a "scene".  So when I think of New Orleans there are a number of images all connected together through my five senses and the way information is coded.

Hiking while Traveling-Enjoy New Scenic Routes

Hiking gives you the chance to enjoy the outdoors and see the world in its natural form. Some people live for the benefits of hiking and exploration. They can't wait to get out of the office and make their way to the closest hiking trails they can find.

To me I enjoy traveling, fitness, and the outdoors so hiking while traveling shoots multiple birds with one stone. Sometimes gyms are hard to find when traveling and it makes sense to go to the park and get either a speed walk or hike in. Just make sure you got good shoes that will do both!

A couple of helpful tips while traveling:

1. Google maps will show you all the trails and parks.
2. Use shoes that can be used in the gym, walking, or hiking.
3. Throw a pair of sweatpants in your car.
4. Keep your phone fully charged if you don't know the trials.
5. Some morning go to the gym and some out hiking.
6. If your driving an hour hike can break up your day.
7. Use hiking as another travel enjoyment to see the countryside.