You cannot imagine what it is like to give birth to one of these babies, they speak to you even from the womb, they know you, and you know them, and they are hardwired with the knowledge of their kind. That is what a woman once told me about pregnancy and child birth. At the most basic level of existence, human beings are an organism. This word means that their aliveness is described by the same fundamental characteristics found in any organism in nature: irritability of the protoplasm, nutrition and digestion, reproduction, and motility. Whatever else humans are, one begins with their biological existence and not only builds that, but also builds with it. For it is a wondrous piece of equipment, this body that humans possess. It is weaker and more fragile than many animal bodies, and more prone to disease and destruction than many. It has senses less acute than most others animals’. Human beings also have the longest period of dependency on parents of any organism in nature—nearly 18 years. And by no means do humans live the longest. Their evolved posture makes them among the least coordinated organisms and has rendered the human frame and internal organs particularly vulnerable to all kinds of infirmaries and disorders. Yet, the human brain and the rest of the nervous system of human’s body are of a quality unduplicated in nature thus far. #RandolphHarris 1 of 14

There must be a reason why emotions are part of our human nature, though we cannot fully explain it. Probably there are survival values attached to certain strongly-felt emotions, such as fear, anger, surprise, and sorrow. However, even beyond this, a human being meeting the variety of experiences life presents cannot help but realize that a great part of really getting into life is emotional and sensate and intuitive, as well as merely cognitive. An instinct, experience, or tendency has survival value if it helps (or once helped) human beings to stay alive. Dependence on instinctive behaviors has been far exceeded by reliance on learned behavior, making humans more in control of their lives than any other organism. Thus, we can say we are first of all highly specialized organisms, organized systems of nucleic acids, performing vital function, with sensory and neural mechanisms of a particularly selective brand. However, what else? A porpoise is also an organism with a highly specialized nervous system. So is a chimpanzee. So are millions of creatures further down the evolutionary scale. We could add to these traits the fact that this particular nervous system enables us to learn, but a fantastic array of other organisms can be conditioned, can profit from trial-and-error experiences, can imitate, can be instructed. Is it in the kinds of things we can learn that a proper distinction can be found? #RandolphHarris 2 of 14

Human beings find themselves born into a beautiful World. They live in a whirlpool of love, caring, happiness, and are blessed by the ultimate goal of trying to gain access to eternal life. People would like to escape from the burden of anxiety, but one would also like to know its meaning. Our instinctive emotions are those that we have inherited from a much more primitive World, and contain, therefore, a larger portion of fear than they should. Instinctive responses are those which are natural or inborn, not learned. Psychologically, it is nearly impossible never to feel fear. However, we have all learned society’s attitudes about it, so, in order not to appear cowardly, people deny their fears, jump boldly into danger, and may die foolishly and needlessly. Anxiety is similar to gear, but far more common to most of us is the emotion of anxiety. Other names for anxiety are worry, dread, and apprehension—Chicken Little crying out “The sky is falling!” Anxiety is usually based on threats or dangers that are indefinite or are not real or very likely to come right away. People living in the Sacramento Valley might be worried about the protection the dams and levees provide and might be justified in fearing them failing, since the Oroville dam (the tallest dam in the US 770 feet (235 meters)  failed in February 2017, and 188,000 people were evacuated. The total cost to repair exceeded $400 million. #RandolphHarris 3 of  14

The main thing in life is not to be afraid to be human. As far as is known, only human beings can control and use fire. Human life has been differentiated from other animals not only because of their use of fire, but also because of their development of shelter, clothing, tools, weapons, complex social structures, and the practice of some form of magic or worship. The tranquility of the souls is based on reconciliation with God and each other. If we are meek and courageous enough to pursue it, the Holy Spirit will guide us and we cannot fail. The amazing thing about being human is that even the complex social structures built by people are somewhat different from those found in troops of baboons or colonies of paper wasps. Human’s social structures seem to spring not necessarily from instinct, but from cultural patterns built up around both biological and social needs. The patterns of family, for instance, are designed to meet both the bodily biological needs for sexual activity, touch-tenderness, nurturance and protection and instruction of the young, and for division of labor. The human family is much more than a springboard from which the young dive into adult living. The miracle of reconciliation is always available to us, and out of the for the family and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we know to be true. #RandolphHarris 4 of 14

Other questions about human’s nature are raised by persons interested in the existence of soul, or spirit. This concept, however, is apparently more than just another name for human’s essence, because most religious systems relate soul to some outside, transcendent, pre-existing, surviving Force. This Force is known to most people in the Judeo-Christian heritage as God. Many scientists, and psychologist in particular, are generally unwilling or reluctant to admit religious or theological notions into their theories and practice. They maintain that religion and belief in God are, for the most part, super-naturalistic, beyond the concerns of science. However, the practice of religious belief and the behavior which results from believing are appropriate areas of concern and study, even if the beliefs themselves are in super-natural subjects. Therefore, since so many sincere people hold meaningful notions concerning the soul—some equate soul and mind and consciousness—an exploration of the concept can add to our understanding of human nature. Willingness to forgive and move forward in spite of the imperfections of others has brought blessings that are still coming—and will come forever. As humans, we have been asked to live together in love with no disputations among us. Spirit of contention is not for us. #RandolphHarris 5 of 14

Indeed, a great degree of out relationship to God will be determined—or at least affected—by our relationship to each other. Among the many things we find in humans that we have not yet been able to find in other animals is a concern with Value. In its simplest definition value means the worth of something. So far as we know, only humans set up criteria of value by which to judge everything from pickle relish at the country fair to abstract qualities like Goodness, Truth, Beauty, Justice, and Right. Surely each of us could cite an endless array of old scars and sorrows and painful memories that this very moment still corrodes the peace in someone’s heart or family or neighborhood. Whether we have caused that pain or been the recipient of the pain, those wounds need to be healed so that life can be as rewarding as God intended it to be. Like that old, stale chocolate cake in your refrigerator and the sour ice cream in the freezer that your grandchildren carefully check on your behalf, those old grievances have long since exceeded their expiration date. Children are too young to realize things expire sometimes, but as an adult, please do not give precious space in your soul to them any longer. Let us not compromise our spirit for some old cookies and spoiled milk. #RandolphHarris 6 of 14

Humans began putting value-labels on things probably when they first found themselves choosing between things they needed and those they did not. No doubt early people found that they could keep or carry or guard only so many things, which is why diamonds, sliver, and gold have such a high value, and had to decide which were necessary, useful, vital for their survival and which were not. This evaluative process was expanded when these early men and women and children began grouping together and had to make judgments about which items and actions had survival-value for individuals, for groups, and eventually for societies. Later, of course, as societies became more complex and mere physical survival became a less critical concern, necessities—and thus values—were redefined in terms of other needs, likes, or wants. It is also important for people to realize that God did not say that you are not allowed to feel true pain or real sorrow from the shattering experiences one has had at the hand of another. Nor did God say in order to forgive fully, one has to reenter a toxic relationship or return to an abusive, destructive circumstance. However, notwithstanding even the most terrible offenses that might come to us, we can rise above our pain only when we put our feet onto the path of true healing. #RandolpHarris 7 of 14

God is the Healer of every wound, God rights every wrong, and asks us to labor with him in the daunting task of peacemaking in a World that will not find it any other way. Some people are letting miserable misunderstandings run on from year to year, and even for decades because they do not want to face justice; many are also keeping wretched quarrels live with the vicious imaginations; and often people speak to others out of spite or to merely annoy them. If we are lettings people’s hearts ache for a word of appreciation or sympathy, we must realize that we may never have another chance to show our appreciation for others. Human beings are a valuing creature, and we can now wonder at the multitude of things which have been stacked on top of each other as humans have tried to organize their values. These systems and hierarchies have had a deep effect on the way in which people have lived their life and related to others. By addressing problems before they can grow larger, conscientious individuals maintain better healthy overall and, on average, live longer with better quality life. Conscientious individuals also perform better at some jobs than others. We always know when God is at work because he produces in the commonplace something that is inspiring. If one knows of an old injury, or a relationship needs mending, repair it. Care for one another in love. #RandolphHarris 8 of 14

In our World of reconciliation, it is up to us to be peacemakers—to love peace, to seek peace, to create peace, to cherish peace. We make this appeal in the name of God. “Behold, now I say unto you that he commands you to repent, you can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. But behold, this is not all—he has commanded you to repent, or he will utterly destroy you from off the face of the Earth; yea, he will visit you in anger, and in his fierce anger he will not turn away,” reports Alma 9.12. The placement of highest value on happiness actually begins with a belief that the greatest good is Pleasure. Good is the pleasure of the individual: I know not how I can conceive of the good, if I withdraw the pleasures of hearing, and withdraw the pleasurable emotions caused by the sight of beautiful form. All the living creatures as soon as they are born take delight in pleasure, but resist pain by a natural impulse apart from reason. Things are good insofar as they are pleasant. “Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD,” reports 1 Chronicles 17. #RandolphHarris 9 of 14

Whatever is the object of any person’s appetite or desire, that it is which for his or her part one calls good. Please is the Greatest Good. We endeavor, wish, desire, or long for nothing because we deem it good; but, on the other hand, we deem a thing good because we endeavor, wish for, or long for it. Eternal life is thought to be pleasurable because we will not only be immortal, but we will live eternally, with God, and that is why we find being good and obeying God pleasurable. It is thought that once we reach eternal life, we will be able to create our own Worlds and that is certainly something to aspire to. Therefore, that is why we must love each other and not only selfishly seek pleasure, but aim for the greatest happiness of all humankind. “Acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek God, he will be found by your; but if you forsake God, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work,” reports 1 Chronicles 28.9. Large-scale happiness is something we are to strive for. Many of us are motivated by our instinctive biological urges to gain pleasure and avoid pain. “The Lord will deliver you out of bondage accord to his pleasure,” Mosiah 7.33. #RandolphHarris 10 of 14

What about this? We have felt with the biologists and others that we all are equipped with bodies that are capable of responding easily and readily to pleasure and which turn away from pain as often as possible, We know that all the touch receptors contained in the body are far more receptive and sensitive to pain than to any other feeling and thus we get the idea that avoiding painful injury is one of the most important tasks of our sensory equipment. Thinking that you are aware is altogether different from being aware of thinking. Working with our mind means being consciously and undividedly attentive to whatever arises in it—thoughts, fantasies, images, judgments, comparisons. (A well-grounded mindful practice is very helpful with the practice of this.) Most of what arises in our minds is invoked unbidden. Becoming aware of this is the beginning of mindfulness. Observing what our mind is doing, and maintaining this awareness for more than a few minutes is not easy, but must be learned if we are to cease being automatically run or hooked by what passes through our minds. The opposite end of the discomfort continuum is pleasure, total comfort, and thus human striving away from pain puts the attainment of pleasure very high on the priority list. “Gates of hell shall not prevail against those who build upon Jesus Christ’s doctrine,” reports 3 Nephi 11.39. #RandolphHarris 11 of 14

In this history of human’s relationship with the Christian Church we can observe, too, that one has been condemned again and again for one’s bodily desires and for seeking physical and emotional pleasure. Perhaps the medieval church, by placing such emphasis, albeit negatively, on the searching for physical happiness, has forced many to experiment with something so obviously important to a very large segment of society. There are some indications that the human mind cannot translate the work “don’t” into action. Experimenters in the field of psychocybernetics maintain that the mind translate whatever image succeeds the word. As a negative consequence, “Don’t take drugs,” becomes, in the mind, “take drugs.” So, it may actually help to remind people to make sure they are sober and of clear mind and judgment before they drink. And also remind them to remain sober because the adversary is out there preying like a thirsty tiger, looking for someone to devour. All the facts are not in, of course, but the idea is worthy of consideration, particularly in relation to why “don’t” so often seems to be a challenge or dare that is difficult to ignore. “But charity is the pure love of Jesus Christ, and it endures forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with God,” reports Moroni 7.47. #RandolphHarris 12 of 14

The Search for Pleasure ethic is far from dead. It forms the central emphasis in the Playboy Philosophy. Playboy magazine has for the past few decades been making public the personal ethic of its publisher, the late Hugh Hefner, who emphasizes the pleasures of sexual activity for their own sake, provided the participants recognize the responsibility of their actions. He feels that it is unnecessary to justify or institutionalize sexuality. It is a bodily drive like hunger and thirst and needs to be satisfied as easily as are the other drives. Love, he feels, is a pleasant accessory to sexuality, but not necessarily a prerequisite. He advocates neither adultery nor extramarital affairs, nor the violation of the rights and privacy of any one. Sexuality, says Hugh Hefner, is and should be a personal matter between two consenting adults. His criticism of conventional morality for giving most of us our hang-ups and guilt feelings is very biting and penetrating. Yet, there is a sophistication and a call-to-arms about the Playboy Ethic that makes it more than just a modern-day challenge, telling Victorianism to go to its long-awaited grave and stay there. It is almost as Mr. Hefner, its strategist, is crusading for the end of repressive and guilt-producing attitudes regarding sexuality and other bodily pleasures. There are many who are rallying around Mr. Hefner’s flag. #RandolphHarris 13 of 14

However, most scholars would agree that the major emphasis in Christian theology is not necessarily pleasure, but Godliness, or more correctly Christlikeness. God has sent an example, to be followed and to be worshiped as God’s own son. Strive to be like Christ, commit yourself to him, and God’s grace will save humanity. We can, through faith and worship, become perfect. “There are so many kinds of voices in the World, and none of them is without signification,” reports 1 Corinthians 14.8-10.  Our World is not much the same as it was in the Victorian era. “If it were not for the prayers of the righteous, we would even now be visited with utter destruction,” reports Alma 10.22. Of course, there are many many upright and faithful who live all the commandments and whose lives and prayers keep the World from destruction. Many good people are being influenced by the bold spirit of times. “The Lord delights in chastity women and men,” reports Jacob 2.28. #RandolphHarris 14 of 14