Our souls closing to each other, the inevitable blindness between Maker and Fledgling. The only fence against the World is thorough knowledge of it. Many people often wonder why people victimize them, why someone might stalk then, and why someone will just not leave them along? There is a dialectical relationship between apathy and violence. To live in apathy provokes violence. Violence is the ultimate destructive substitute which surges in to fill the vacuum where there is no relatedness. There are degrees of violence, from the relative normal shock effect of many forms of modern art, through pornography and obscenity—which achieve their desired reaction through violence to our forms of life—to the extreme pathology of assassinations and the murders of the moors. When inward life dries up, when feeling decreases and apathy increases, when one cannot affect or even genuinely touch another person, violence flares up as a daimonic necessity for contact, a mad drive forcing touch in the most direct way possible. This is one aspect of the well-known relationship between sexual feelings and crimes of violence. To inflict pain and torture at least proves that one can affect somebody. In the alienated state of mass communication, the average citizen knows dozen of TV personalities who come smiling into one’s living room of an evening—but one oneself is never known. #RandolphHarris 1 of 17

 In this state of alienation and anonymity, painful for anyone to bear, the average person may well have fantasies which hover on the edge of pathology. The mood of the anonymous person is, if I cannot affect or touch anybody, I can at least shock you into some feeling, force you into some passion through wounds and pain; I shall at least make sure we both feel somethings, and I shall force you to see me and know that I also am here! Many deviant people have forced the group to take cognizance of one by destructive behavior; and though one is condemned, at least the community notices the individual. To be actively hated is almost as good as to be actively liked; it breaks down utterly unbearable situation of anonymity and aloneness. One cannot fully appreciate the nature of alienation without considering one specific aspect of modern life: it is routinization, and the repression of the awareness of the basic problems of human existence. We touch here on the universal problem of life. People have to earn their daily bread, and this always a more or less absorbing task. One has to take car of the many time and energy-consuming tasks of daily life, and is enmeshed in a certain routine necessary for the fulfillment of those tasks. One builds a social order, conventions, habits and ideas, which help one to perform what is necessary, and to live with one’s follow mortals with a minimum friction. #RandolphHarris 2 of 17

It is characteristic of all culture that it builds a human-made, artificial World, superimposed on the natural World in which mortals live. However, mortals can fulfill oneself only if one remains in touch with the fundamental facts of one’s existence, if one can experience the exaltation of love and solidarity, as well as the tragic fact of one’s aloneness and of the fragmentary character of one’s existence. If a person is completely enmeshed in the routine and in the artifacts of life, one cannot see anything but the human-made, common sense appearance of the World, one loses one’s touch with the grasp of oneself and the World. Apathy is a curious state. Apathy seems to be a miracle of protection by which a personality in utter fiasco rests until it can do something else. The longer the situation goes unmet, the more apathy is prolonged; and it sooner or later becomes a character state. This affectlessness is a shrinking-up in the winds of continuous demands, a freezing in the face of hyperstimuli, letting the current go by since one fears one would be overwhelmed if one responded to it. No one who has ever ridden the subway at rush hour, with its cacophonous din and hordes of anonymous humanity, will be surprised at this. #RandolphHarris 3 of 17

It is not difficult to appreciate how people living in a schizoid age have to protect themselves from tremendous overstimulation—protect themselves from the barrage of words and noise over the radio and TV, protect themselves from the assembly line demands of collectivized industry and gigantic factory-modeled multiversities. In a World where numbers inexorably take over as our means of identification, like flowing lava threatening to suffocate and fossilize all breathing life in its path; in a World where normality is defined as keeping your cool; where sex is so available that the only way to preserve any inner center is to learn to have intercourse without committing yourself—in such a schizoid World, which young people experience more directly since they have not had time to build up the defenses which dull the senses of their elders, it is not surprising that will and love have become increasingly problematic and even, as some people believe, impossible of achievement. Apathy is the withdrawal of the will and love, a statement that they do not matter, a suspension of commitment. It is necessary in times of stress and turmoil; and the present greater quantity of stimuli is a form of stress. We find in every culture the conflict between routine and the attempt to get back to the fundamental realities of existence. To help in this attempt has been one of the functions of art and religion, even though religion itself has eventually become a new routine. #RandolphHarris 4 of 17

Even the most primitive history of mortals shows us an attempt to get in touch with the essence of reality by artistic creation. Primitive mortals are not satisfied with the practical function of their tools and weapons, but strives to adorn and beautify them, transcending their utilitarian function. Aside from art, the most significant way of breaking through the surface of routine and of getting in touch with the ultimate realities of life is to be found in what may be called the general term of ritual. I am referring here to ritual in the broad sense of the word, as we find it in the performance of a Greek drama, for instance, and not only to rituals in the narrower religious sense. What was the function of the Greek drama? Fundamental problems of human existence were presented in an artistic and dramatic form, and participating in dramatic performance, the spectator—though not as a spectator in our modern sense of the consumer—was carried away from the sphere of daily routine and brought in touch wit oneself as a human being, with the roots of one’s existence. One touched the ground with one’s feet, and in this process gained strength by which one was brought back to oneself. Whether we think of the Greek drama, the medieval passion play, or an Indian dance, whether we think of Hindu, Jewish, or Christian rituals, we are dealing with various forms of dramatization of the fundamental problems of human existence, with an acting out of the very same problems which are thought out in philosophy and theology. #RandolphHarris 5 of 17

What is left of such dramatization of life in modern culture? Almost nothing. Mortals hardly ever gets out of the realm of mortal-made conventions and things, and hardly every breaks through the surface of one’s routine, aside from grotesque attempts to satisfy the needs for a ritual as we see it practiced in lodges and fraternities. The only phenomenon approaching the meaning of a ritual, is the participation of the spectator in competitive sports; here at least, one fundamental problem of human existence is dealt with: the fight between mortals and the vicarious experience of victory and defeat. However, what a primitive and restricted aspect of human existence, reducing the richness of human life to one partial aspect! If there is a fire, or a car collision in a big city, scores of people will gather and watch. Millions of people are fascinated daily by reportings of crimes and by detective stories. They religiously go to movies in which crime and passion are the two central theme. All this interest and fascination is not simply an expression of bad taste and sensationalism, but of a deep longing for a dramatization of ultimate phenomena of human existence, life and death, crime and punishment, the battle between mortal and nature. #RandolphHarris 6 of 17

However, while Greek drama dealt with these problems on a high artistic and metaphysical level, our modern drama and ritual are crude and do not produce any cathartic effect. All this fascination with competitive sports, crime and passion, shows the need for breaking through the routine surface, but the way its satisfaction shows the extreme poverty of our solution. Conflicts occur at all levels of human experience. Rather than speak of mental health as a goal, we use the concept of self-actualization to describe the behaviors in healthy, happy, productive, and life-affirming people. Ways to uncover or freeing the hidden self are Sensitivity Training and Basic Encounter Groups. However, sometimes in society there are individuals or groups of people who know that they are collectively mentally ill and they do not seek help, instead they all band together and accept each other are they are, even when they are a danger to themselves and the community. It is usually not until they seriously hurt someone or are caught in some other criminal act that they are forced to seek help or incarcerated. As stated before, some people target individuals and hurt them because they want that person to know they exist and want to force that person to think about them by torturing and hurting that individual. #RandolphHarris 7 of 17

Although people were becoming more and more aware of the orderly relation of the physical Universe, up until about two hundred years ago people were still tied to a spirit-demon model to explain their behavior. Psychology comes from two Greek words, psyche (soul, mind) and logos (orderly expression). Originally, it meant the orderly study of the soul or mind, but now it generally means the systematic study of behavior. Some psychologists prefer another definition: The systematic study of conscious or unconscious behavior. Modern psychology grew out of philosophical and physiological explanations of human behavior. Physiological explanations of human behavior are those which concentrate on the body, rather than the mind or emotion. Those who used the scientific method to study human beings began to assume they could be understood rationally, like the rest of the World, through a systematic study of their observable behavior. To a large extent psychology is the scientific study of behavior. Its goals are to develop a descriptive scientific language about behavior, to interpret and explain behavior, and to use the information this gained to improve the human condition. Inborn patterns and instincts exist within each person. When these come into conflict with social requirements and teachings, varying degrees of psychological disorder results. #RandolphHarris 8 of 17

Some people enter an introduction psychology course feeling that psychology is relevant only to sick people. Others think it is an effective device to manipulate others. (That is the meaning people usually have in mind when they say, “Wow, did I ‘psych’ that person out!”) I am studying psychology because after being a victim of crimes starting from when I was a teenager up until the present, I wanted to know why an individual kept stalking and harassing me and even attempted to kill me when I did not really know this person. This person is much older than myself and was a customer at my job and for more than half of my life he and his friends have been terrorizing me and I wanted to know why. In therapy, they could not answer my questions, and in group therapy, I felt it was a little too much to open up about. I would ask my elders and was always told that I do not want to understand those people. Beside law enforcement handling the situation, as it is still under investigation, a person needs to understand why a person would attach themselves to one like that and not move on. Well, that question has now been answered. They want to be recognized and hurt you to get that recognition. For them, being hated and just as important as being loved. People who like to victimize others are emotionally disturbed, and their humanity is incomplete, for it has never astonished them. #RandolphHarris 9 of 17

It is not totally unheard of that monsters exit in our community and are allowed to spend years and decade preying on the unsuspecting, and are protected by people in power and allowed to continue abusing others, as if it is their God given right. Look at what is going on in Hollywood with certain actors who have taken advantage of men and women, and several of them, for decades and gotten away with it up until recent. Look Lawrence Gerard Nassar, who was accused of molesting at least 250 girls and young women and one young male, these claims date back nearly 30 years. And then, of course, there is the football coach Gerald Arthur Sandusky who was arrested and charged with 52 counts of sexual abuse of young boys for over 15 years. You cannot tell me that of all these victims no one spoke up, no one went to the police, and that the community did not hear these victim’s stories, see their physical and emotion wounds, notice the changes in their behavior and/or appearance. Did not see their grades drop, and them engaging in risky behaviors as a way of acting out and seeking attention. It is even possible that the community harassed some of these victims and make fun of them for speaking up. While some of these abusers are still facing charges, others have been sentenced and because of the severity of their crimes, the number of victims, and their age they will spend life in prison. #RandolphHarris 10 of 17

Sometimes getting help is a lot harder than people realize because for one, people do not want to speak up, and also because when you reach out, sometimes people are put in place to silence you, shame you, or make you feel like it is your fault that you are a victim. Thankfully, there are organizations like Time’s Up for women. However, there are still no organizations dedicated to seeking justice for men. And also, some people are scared to talk to the police because they feel like someone might retaliate against them, which has happened to many victims. Many people actually die before they get help, some lose their minds, and others experience death by suicide. People say that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, but when you have been terrorized for more than half of your life, things start to look different. Some people think they only want their voice will be heard is by ending their life, that it is the only way they can escape, or that God wants them to be a martyr. Some people are more gifted than others. Whatever the case may be, we live in a society that needs balance. However, the more aware you are of yourself and your World, the more control you will have over your own life. Self-knowledge leads to wonder, and wonder to curiosity and investigation, so that noting interest people more than people, even if it is only one’s own person. #RandolphHarris 11 of 17

The process of growth involved asking good questions and struggling for objective answers to stimulate better questions. Fully human people appreciate their own uniqueness and individuality. Many parents teach their children try to copy some imaginary perfect human being. However, each person is unique, and healthy people appreciate their own special qualities. Fully human people are aware of the common bond they have with all other people. They know that they are like other people in having physical and emotional needs that must be expressed and satisfied. They look for the common thread in all human experiences. They recognize that differences such as nationality or religion are artificially imposed and less important than the similarities among humankind. Also, if you have been a victim of crimes(s), sometimes you may even lose your family support, and even your friends may abandon you and turn on you. You would be surprised at how material gain, wealth, or money can buy loyalty. Some people tend to idolize celebrities and think that they are amazing people and love their fans and would never do anything to hurt a fan, but sometimes even a celebrity will use you if it means they get a second chance at their failing career. It may seem like no one is on your side, but keep your faith in God and keep trying. #RandolphHarris 12 of 17

Fully human people know they are fully responsible for their own existence. They make their own choices as to who they will be. They look for no external system or authority to give their life meaning. Remember, God is inside of your and your body is his temple. Sometimes people use drugs and alcohol to escape reality on occasion, but they realize that these reduce their ability to be responsible for their own choices. Fully human people do not demand perfection but try to fulfill their own potential. They recognize their mistakes and accept this as much as their ability to succeed. They use neither their success nor their failures to prove that they are superior or inferior to other people. And although you may be reaching legal age, but or still a minor, or a young adult, listen to the advice you were given as a kid and stay away from strangers. Often the older, much older adults who want to be your friend may seem nice, but they probably have ulterior motives that you cannot sense because you are too young and do not have experience. And that is what some people are depending on. It takes tremendous courage to resist the lure of appearances. Fully human people value human beings above material goods. They reject any value system that places the accumulation of wealth above the welfare of people. They strongly feel that human rights are far more important than material rights. #RandolphHarris 13 of 17

Without a consciousness of truth itself doubt of truth would be impossible. The anxiety of meaninglessness is conquered where the ultimate meaning is. We have to experience step after step the lack of meaning in the different levels of reality which we enter, works through, and leave. As long as we walk ahead on this road the anxieties of guilt and condemnation are also conquered. They are not absent. Guilt can be acquired on every level, partly through a failure to fulfill its intrinsic demands, partly through a failure to proceed beyond the level. However, as long as the certainty of final fulfillment is given, the anxiety of guilt does not become anxiety of condemnation. There is automatic punishment accord to the law of karma. Fully human people recognize they have a capacity for enjoyment and pleasure. They see life as time for fun. They are not afraid of pleasure and seek to share it with other people. This allows them to still possess a level of innocence and be open to spontaneous enjoyment of life. Fully human people try to be real and open in their relationships with others. They are willing to risk other people’s reactions to their open expression of feelings. They use openness and authenticity, not to manipulate or control, but to share knowledge of themselves with others. #RandolphHarris 14 of 17

The true experience of the presence of power is the mystical element of the person-to-person encounter with God. The Savior is putting his name in our hearts. And we are feeling the pure love for Christ for others and ourselves. Our mortal life is designed by a loving God to be a test and source of growth for each of us. Since the beginning, the tests have not been easy. We face trails that come from having mortal bodies. All of us live in a World where Satan’s war against truth and against our personal happiness is becoming more intense. The World and our lives can seem to be in increasing commotion. However, the loving God who allowed these tests for us also designed a sure way to pass through them. We may be momentarily disheartened, remember, life is not meant to be easy. Trials must be borne and grief endured along the way. “For with God, nothing shall be impossible,” reports Luke 1.37. We are children of God and created in his image, entitled through our worthiness to receive revelation to help with our righteous endeavors. “The Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever,” reports Doctrine and Covenants 1.39. We are promised that God’s Spirit will always be with us. Because of these promises, the Savior is the rock upon which we can stand safely and without fear in every storm we face. #RandolphHarris 15 of 17

God knows and loves each one of us. He knows our names as we know his. He knows our troubles. He has experienced them. God’s name will be in our hearts and fixed in our memory. “Wise words, she said ‘We had better run for it now.’ A timely escape, we laugh until we fall down. Now we are writing on the bathroom walls, always sleeping on someone’s floor, walking around the streets like we rule them all. They know we kick around here. These days are ours. Somebody is knocking at the bathroom door. We always stay a little longer. Nobody hears what we say, hidden in the games that we play,” reports Emma Hewitt (These Day Are Ours). Throughout recorded history (and probably since before it was recorded) mortals have displayed some interesting and puzzling behaviors. These behaviors are varied, and yet have in common the desire or need or ability to get out of the human skin and experience something beyond. This technical definition of this is mortal’s self-transcending behavior. Mortals have always apparently always experienced or tried to experience some sort of shedding of the limitations of human existence, and one has used a number of techniques to do so. The First Reflection and the Second Reflection. The First involves the uses of bodily senses and reason. The subject is separated from the object being perceived by the subject, spectator view of the World. #RandolphHarris 16 of 17

The Second Reflection transcends or rises above science, technology, and objective knowledge. It s the attempt to reach beyond human thought into the realm of Being. True freedom is achieved when the self is conscious of the many rich possibilities of insight and development that are open to it. In other words, mortals are free only when one opens oneself up to hope, fidelity, and love and when one understands that freedom points beyond itself to transcendent reality. Love and intelligence are related to freedom, and they are the most concrete as well as the most creative things in the World. A correct understanding of Heavenly Father’s character can change how we see ourselves and others and help us to understand God’s tremendous love for his children and his great desire to help us become like him. An incorrect view of God’s nature can leave us feeling as if we are incapable of every making it back to his presence. However, redemption comes through the Holy Messiah—Freedom of choice (agency) is essential to existence and progression—Adam fell that mortals might be—Mortals are free to choose liberty and eternal life. People may feel like they are making a mark and just coy, but even God and tie and bend and break steel. “And because of the intercession for all, all mortals come unto God; wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to be judged of him according to the truth and holiness which is in one,” reports 2 Nephi 2.10. #RandolphHarris 17 of 17