On Becoming a More Complete Human

The Stories of James and Sarah

In a world where change is the only constant, two parents, Sarah and James, find themselves grappling with the challenges of raising children who can thrive in an uncertain future. Sarah, a loving mother of two, and James, a dedicated single father to his ten-year-old daughter, Emma, both understand the critical importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating the complex landscape of modern life.

As Sarah scrolls through her social media feed late one evening, she feels overwhelmed by the deluge of news stories highlighting the growing issues of misinformation, political polarization, and mental health crises among young people. She recognizes her own fears and concerns reflected in the experiences of countless other parents who, like her, feel uncertain about how to guide their children through these turbulent times.

Meanwhile, James, an engineer by profession, spends his evenings helping Emma with her homework and researching the best ways to prepare her for the challenges and opportunities of the future. He grapples with the realization that the world Emma will inherit will be vastly different from the one he grew up in, and he worries about the skills and knowledge she will need to succeed in an ever-evolving society.

One evening, as Sarah is once again drinking in her evening ritual of wine and social media feed, she comes across a post from an old friend, James. James, the single father, had shared a heartfelt message about his journey to find the right tools to help his daughter, Emma, thrive amidst a world that is clamoring to convert her to the latest ideas and trends.

Intrigued by James's post, Sarah reached out to him. It's social media anyway. Why not? The two soon discover that they share the same concerns and aspirations for their children. Finding that they both deep down feel just a little lost and unsure, Sarah and James can't help but discuss the rigorous but interesting and comprehensive personal development curriculum that James posted – a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. This step-by-step plan, grounded in the latest research and best practices from across disciplines, promises to equip them and their children with the tools and frameworks necessary to thrive in the face of uncertainty and change.

As fate has it, they bond. A coffee leads to a hike and a bike ride at the park. A bike ride leads to dinner. And dinner leads to friendship. The foundation of their new and budding relationship is more than just romance, though. It's about purpose as a parent, about waking up to the true calling of life, and about resisting the slow and subtle peril of an age that's rule by information and distraction. Along the way, they share their experience as parents who are duty-bound by heart and mind to raise their children for this strange new world.

As Sarah and her children embark on this transformative journey, they begin to cultivate the critical thinking skills needed to navigate the complexities of the modern information landscape. They learn to approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, developing the emotional intelligence necessary to build strong relationships and communicate effectively.

For James and Emma, the curriculum becomes a shared adventure, strengthening their bond as they learn and grow together. Emma begins to see her father in a new light – not just as her homework helper, but as a partner in learning, guiding her through complex problems and encouraging her innate curiosity. As they explore new dimensions of knowledge together, from the intellectual to the practical, Emma's admiration for her father grows, and she begins to understand the depth of his love and dedication to her future.

Years pass, and the seeds of wisdom and knowledge planted by Sarah and James blossom into a remarkable legacy. Emma, now a thriving engineer like her father, leads a team of brilliant minds in tackling the world's most pressing challenges. She credits her success to the unwavering support and guidance of her father, who helped her build a strong foundation of critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience.

Similarly, Sarah's children have grown into exceptional adults, each making their mark on the world in their own unique ways. Her daughter, a compassionate physician, brings comfort and healing to countless lives, while her son, an innovative entrepreneur, creates sustainable solutions that drive positive change in communities across the globe. They often reflect on the invaluable lessons of empathy, resilience, and creativity that Sarah instilled in them through their shared journey of personal growth.

As the next generation emerges, Emma, James' daughters and Sarah's now daughter-in-law, as well as Sarah's own son and daughter, pass on the timeless wisdom and values they inherited from their parents to their own children. These young minds, filled with curiosity and potential, beam with pride as they learn of their grandparents' extraordinary legacy of lifelong learning and personal development.

Sarah and James, now proud grandparents, watch in awe as their grandchildren embrace the same love of learning and personal growth that they had nurtured in their own children. In these young faces, they see the reflection of their own commitment to continuous improvement and the profound impact of the choices they made so many years ago.

In quiet moments of introspection, Sarah and James marvel at the incredible journey they have taken. They think back to the days when they first felt overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting in an uncertain world, and how their decision to embrace a path of lifelong learning and personal development had not only transformed their own lives but also shaped the destinies of generations to come.

This is the power of the choice that lies before you today. By embarking on this transformative journey of personal growth, you are not only investing in your own future and the future of your children but also planting the seeds for a legacy of wisdom, resilience, and success that will shape the world for generations to come.

Imagine a future where your children and grandchildren are equipped with the tools and frameworks necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern world with ease. Imagine a world where they are able to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy and compassion. Imagine a world where they are able to seize the opportunities of the future and create lives of purpose, passion, and fulfillment.

That future is within reach, but it starts with a single decision. Will you, like Sarah and James, have the courage to take the first step on this transformative journey of personal development? Will you embrace the challenge of lifelong learning and growth, and equip yourself and your children with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the 21st century?

The journey begins now. Take action today and start building the life you truly desire – a life of purpose, passion, and endless possibility. The world is waiting for you and your children to unlock your full potential and make your mark. Embrace the challenge, and let your transformation begin. Together, we can create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and the countless generations yet to come.

This is the evolution of humanity that we are composing, one family at a time, one choice at a time. Let your choice today be the spark that ignites a revolution of growth, wisdom, and love that will echo through the ages. Your legacy starts here, with a single step towards a better tomorrow. Seize this moment, and let us work together to create a world where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential and every parent has the tools and support they need to guide their family towards a future filled with limitless possibility.

Changing Our Own Stories

In today's fast-paced, interconnected world, we are constantly bombarded with information from various sources, including traditional media outlets, social media platforms, and online content creators. While this unprecedented access to information has many benefits, it also poses significant challenges, particularly in terms of distinguishing truth from falsehood, propaganda, and misinformation.

One model that has gained attention in recent years is Yuri Bezmenov's propaganda model, which outlines four stages of ideological subversion: demoralization, destabilization, crisis, and normalization. According to Bezmenov (a former KGB agent who defected to the US in the 1980's) this process can be used to gradually undermine a society's values, beliefs, and institutions, making it more susceptible to external influence and control.

In the context of today's media landscape, understanding and recognizing these stages of subversion is more important than ever. With the proliferation of "fake news," conspiracy theories, and partisan echo chambers, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction and make informed decisions based on reliable information.

For parents, the stakes are even higher. Not only must they navigate this complex media environment themselves, but they also have a responsibility to help their children develop the critical thinking skills necessary to thrive in a world where information warfare is increasingly prevalent.

To meet this challenge, parents must first commit to improving their own media literacy and critical thinking abilities. This involves actively seeking out diverse perspectives, fact-checking claims, and questioning the motives behind the information they consume. By modeling these behaviors and discussing their importance with their children, parents can help foster a culture of critical inquiry and healthy skepticism within their families.

Additionally, parents can proactively engage their children in age-appropriate discussions about media consumption, propaganda techniques, and the importance of verifying information. By encouraging open dialogue and providing guidance on how to evaluate sources, parents can empower their children to become discerning consumers of media and resistant to manipulation.

However, preparing children for the challenges of today's media landscape requires more than just teaching them to question what they see and hear. It also involves cultivating a well-rounded set of skills and knowledge that will allow them to think critically, communicate effectively, and adapt to changing circumstances.

This is where a comprehensive personal development curriculum, such as the one outlined in this discussion, can be invaluable. By focusing on the intellectual, emotional, physical, and practical dimensions of growth, this approach aims to equip individuals with the tools they need to navigate complexity, build resilience, and make a positive impact in the world.

For parents, investing in their own personal development alongside their children can create a shared language and framework for discussing the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of these dimensions and the importance of lifelong learning, parents can model the kind of adaptability and curiosity that will serve their children well in the face of an uncertain future.

Ultimately, the key to thriving in an age of information warfare and rapid change is to cultivate a combination of critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and practical knowledge. By working together to build these capacities, parents and children can not only protect themselves from the subversive effects of propaganda but also become active participants in shaping a more informed, compassionate, and resilient society.

As we navigate the challenges of today's media landscape and prepare for the uncertainties of tomorrow, let us remember that the most powerful antidote to misinformation and manipulation is a well-informed, critically engaged citizenry. By committing ourselves to the lifelong pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and personal growth, we can create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come.

Curriculum for a More Complete Human

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this outline is to provide a comprehensive framework for personal development and growth. It aims to guide individuals in cultivating a well-rounded set of skills, knowledge, and practices that span intellectual, emotional, physical, and practical domains. The outline seeks to promote critical thinking, self-awareness, resilience, adaptability, and practical skills that are essential for navigating and positively impacting today's complex world.

The intent behind creating this outline is to encourage individuals to engage in a deliberate and structured approach to personal development. By providing a diverse range of practices, texts, and resources, the outline aims to inspire and empower individuals to take control of their growth and create a meaningful impact in their lives and the lives of others. The outline also seeks to foster a love for lifelong learning and a commitment to continuous self-improvement.

The intended audience for this outline is individuals who are seeking to enhance their personal and professional development, as well as those who want to make a positive impact on the world. This could include students, young professionals, aspiring leaders, and anyone who is interested in cultivating a well-rounded skill set and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

The content of the outline is divided into four main dimensions: Intellectual, Emotional, Physical, and Practical. Each dimension includes a range of practices and recommended texts that are designed to cultivate specific skills and knowledge.

The Intellectual Dimension focuses on critical thinking, information literacy, interdisciplinary studies, philosophy and ethics, creativity and innovation, and cognitive performance and resiliency training.

The Emotional Dimension covers emotional intelligence and self-awareness, empathy and compassion, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution, mindfulness and stress management, and artistic expression and appreciation.

The Physical Dimension includes regular exercise and fitness, nutrition and healthy eating habits, martial arts and self-defense, yoga and meditation, and outdoor activities and connection with nature.

The Practical Dimension encompasses financial literacy and management, entrepreneurship and problem-solving, leadership and teamwork, first aid and emergency preparedness, and technology and digital skills.

The outline also includes a list of texts and essays, additional recommended texts and publications from diverse fields, and additional practices that complement the four dimensions.

Content Overview

The content of the outline is divided into four main dimensions: Intellectual, Emotional, Physical, and Practical. Each dimension includes a range of practices and recommended texts that are designed to cultivate specific skills and knowledge.

I. Intellectual Dimension

Empower Your Mind: In today’s world, where misinformation can spread as rapidly as truth, the Intellectual Dimension equips you with the necessary tools to discern and dissect information critically. Through practices in critical thinking, logic, and media literacy, you'll learn to navigate complex information landscapes effectively. This education isn't just about identifying falsehoods—it’s about nurturing an informed, questioning mind that is both open and analytical. Engaging with a variety of texts and intellectual exercises, you will build a robust mental framework that empowers you to make decisions that are both informed and wise, fostering a more enlightened community.

• A. Critical Thinking and Logic
  • Practice: Engage in debate clubs or discussion groups
  • Text: "The Art of Thinking Clearly" by Rolf Dobelli
• B. Information Literacy and Media Analysis
  • Practice: Fact-checking exercises and media literacy workshops
  • Text: "Trust Me, I'm Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator" by Ryan Holiday
• C. Interdisciplinary Studies (Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences)
  • Practice: Attend lectures or courses outside your primary field of study
  • Text: "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" by Thomas S. Kuhn
• D. Philosophy and Ethics
  • Practice: Engage in moral dilemma discussions and thought experiments
  • Text: "Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?" by Michael J. Sandel
• E. Creativity and Innovation
  • Practice: Participate in improv comedy/theater games and lateral thinking exercises
  • Text: "The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles" by Steven Pressfield
• F. Cognitive Performance and Resiliency Training
  • Practice: Engage in brain training exercises and mindfulness practices
  • Text: "The Compassionate Mind" by Paul Gilbert
  • Text: "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins
• G. Systems Thinking
  • Practice: Analyze complex problems using systems thinking tools and techniques
  • Text: "Thinking in Systems: A Primer" by Donella H. Meadows

II. Emotional Dimension

Nurture Your Heart: Emotional resilience and intelligence are crucial in managing personal and collective crises effectively. This dimension of the curriculum delves deep into cultivating empathy, mastering interpersonal skills, and managing stress. By improving your emotional understanding and expressions, you set the stage for healthier relationships and enhanced personal well-being. These skills enable you to face the world’s complexities with compassion and strength, encouraging a more empathetic society ready to tackle challenges with collective harmony and respect.

• A. Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness
  • Practice: Keep a journal and practice daily reflection
  • Text: "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ" by Daniel Goleman
• B. Empathy and Compassion
  • Practice: Engage in active listening and perspective-taking exercises
  • Text: "The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times" by Pema Chödrön
• C. Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Resolution
  • Practice: Participate in nonviolent communication workshops and role-playing scenarios
  • Text: "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
• D. Mindfulness and Stress Management
  • Practice: Engage in daily meditation and mindfulness exercises
  • Text: "Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness" by Jon Kabat-Zinn
• E. Artistic Expression and Appreciation
  • Practice: Take art classes or workshops in various mediums (e.g., painting, photography, creative writing)
  • Text: "The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity" by Julia Cameron
• F. Positive Psychology and Well-being
  • Practice: Cultivate gratitude, optimism, and resilience through evidence-based exercises
  • Text: "Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being" by Martin E. P. Seligman

III. Physical Dimension

Strengthen Your Body: Physical well-being is often underestimated in its profound impact on mental and emotional health. The Physical Dimension focuses on enhancing your physical health through exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness practices. A strong body supports a sharp mind and a resilient spirit, enabling you to engage with life’s demands energetically and vigorously. As you adopt these practices, you not only improve your personal health but also inspire those around you to prioritize their physical well-being, creating a community where health consciousness is a shared value.

• A. Regular Exercise and Fitness
  • Practice: Develop a consistent workout routine incorporating cardiovascular exercise and strength training
  • Text: "Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds" by David Goggins
• B. Nutrition and Healthy Eating Habits
  • Practice: Learn to cook healthy meals and practice mindful eating
  • Text: "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" by Michael Pollan
• C. Martial Arts and Self-Defense
  • Practice: Enroll in martial arts classes (e.g., Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga)
  • Text: "The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi
• D. Yoga and Meditation
  • Practice: Attend yoga classes and incorporate daily meditation practice
  • Text: "Light on Yoga" by B.K.S. Iyengar
• E. Outdoor Activities and Connection with Nature
  • Practice: Engage in hiking, camping, or gardening activities
  • Text: "The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative" by Florence Williams
• F. Mental Fitness and Cognitive Exercises
  • Practice: Engage in brain training exercises, puzzles, and memory enhancement techniques
  • Text: "Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age" by Sanjay Gupta, MD

IV. Practical Dimension

Transform Your Abilities into Action: Knowledge and ideas gain their true value when put into practice. The Practical Dimension prepares you to apply your learned skills in real-world scenarios, ranging from financial management to technological proficiency and leadership. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not just a passive learner but an active participant in shaping your life and influencing your community. By mastering these practical skills, you become more capable of leading change and implementing solutions that have a meaningful impact on your surroundings.

• A. Financial Literacy and Management
  • Practice: Create a budget and learn to invest wisely
  • Text: "The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness" by Dave Ramsey
• B. Entrepreneurship and Problem-Solving
  • Practice: Participate in hackathons, startup weekends, or problem-solving challenges
  • Text: "The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses" by Eric Ries
• C. Leadership and Teamwork
  • Practice: Take on leadership roles in community organizations or volunteer groups
  • Text: "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable" by Patrick Lencioni
• D. First Aid and Emergency Preparedness
  • Practice: Attend first-responder training courses (e.g., CPR, remote and urban first-responder training)
  • Text: "The Survival Medicine Handbook: A Guide for When Help is Not on the Way" by Joseph Alton and Amy Alton
• E. Technology and Digital Skills
  • Practice: Learn to code or develop proficiency in relevant software
  • Text: "The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution" by Walter Isaacson
• F. Verbal and Linguistic Awareness and Self-Defense
  • Practice: Learn Neurolinguistic Programming and Ericksonian Hypnosis techniques
  • Text: "The Structure of Magic" by Richard Bandler and John Grinder

V. Spiritual and Existential Dimension

Enrich Your Spirit: In the pursuit of personal growth, understanding your deeper purpose and connecting with something greater than oneself are vital. The Spiritual and Existential Dimension encourages you to explore these profound aspects of human experience through reflection, philosophical inquiry, and engagement with diverse cultural beliefs. This exploration not only enriches your life with purpose but also helps cultivate a sense of global citizenship and interconnectedness. It's about building a legacy of wisdom, compassion, and ethical integrity that transcends the individual and influences the broader world.

• A. Meaning-Making and Purpose
  • Practice: Engage in self-reflection and explore personal values and beliefs
  • Text: "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl
• B. Contemplation and Introspection
  • Practice: Engage in daily contemplative practices, such as journaling or silent reflection
  • Text: "The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" by Eckhart Tolle
• C. Engaging with Religious or Philosophical Texts
  • Practice: Study and discuss texts from various spiritual and philosophical traditions
  • Text: "The World's Religions" by Huston Smith
• D. Connecting with Something Greater than Oneself
  • Practice: Participate in community service or volunteer work
  • Text: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
• E. Cultivating Awe and Wonder
  • Practice: Engage in activities that inspire awe, such as stargazing or visiting natural wonders
  • Text: "The Spiritual Brain: A Neuroscientist's Case for the Existence of the Soul" by Mario Beauregard and Denyse O'Leary

Texts and Essays Recommended for Interdisciplinary Literary Analysis

Read these works. Perform a literary analysis, focusing on the form, structure, style, purpose, intent, intended audience. Ask: how do the form, structure, and style work together to serve the purpose and carry out the intent of the writing? To the best of your ability, we focus on all aspects of the composition except the content. The content of writing is like a tractor beam for the mind. By learning to engage with diverse bodies of content without having your attention hijacked by the content, we can make ourselves more resilient against persuasion and subversion (in the case of propaganda) while safely, intentionally, and willfully opening our hearts and minds to deep, meaningful human content that changes our perspective for good. By the end of these deep studies, we'll be stronger, more intelligent, and truly well-educated; we'll be more capable of absorbing what's most important, while being deeply mindful of how we are affected along the way, and more mindful of how our content affects others.

1. "The Collapse of Western Civilization: A View from the Future" by Erik M. Conway and Naomi Oreskes
2. On The Origin of Species, by Charles Darwin
3. The Voyage of the Beagle, by Charles Darwin
4. Genesis (The Bible), Chapters 1-3
5. "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr.
6. "She Unnames Them" by Ursula K. Le Guin
7. "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas" by UK Le Guin
8. "Zong!" by M. NourbeSe Philip
9. "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" by Thomas Kuhn
10. "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?" by Thomas Nagel
11. "A Report to an Academy" by Franz Kafka
12. "Composition as Explanation" by Gertrude Stein
13. "My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew" by James Baldwin
14. "Daniel Dennett Presents Seven Tools For Critical Thinking" by Daniel Dennett
15. "Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution" by Peter Kropotkin
16. Laudato si' (Praise Be to You) by Pope Francis, first-draft authored by Cardinal Peter Turkson
17. "Jesus and the Disinherited" by Howard Thurman (Famously known as the text that Martin Luther King Jr. sought inspiration from in the days leading up to the Montgomery bus boycott.)

Additional Recommended Texts and Publications

1. "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl
2. "The Tao of Physics" by Fritjof Capra
3. "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference" by Malcolm Gladwell
4. "The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" by Eckhart Tolle
5. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey
6. "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcolm X and Alex Haley
7. "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
8. "The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals" by Michael Pollan
9. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
10. "The Selfish Gene" by Richard Dawkins
11. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
12. "The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir
13. "The Wretched of the Earth" by Frantz Fanon
14. "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith
15. "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Piketty
16. "The Origins of Totalitarianism" by Hannah Arendt
17. "The Gulag Archipelago" by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
18. "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan
19. "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" by Benjamin Franklin
20. "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants" by Robin Wall Kimmerer
21. "Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World" by Cal Newport
22. "Slow Sex" by Nicole Daedone (clean and earnest, but explicit and for adults only)
23. "A General Theory of Love" by Richard Lannon, Fari Amini, Thomas Lewis
24. "On Becoming and Alchemist" by Catherine MacCoun
25. "Existential Kink" by Dr. Carolyn Elliot
26. "The Adventures of Anybody" by Richard bandler

Additional Practices

1. Improv comedy/theater games
2. Firearms training
3. Remote and urban first-responder training
4. Public speaking and presentation skills
5. Mindful journaling and self-reflection
6. Volunteer work and community engagement
7. Language learning and cultural immersion
8. Wilderness survival skills
9. Musical instrument training
10. Debate and critical discourse participation