Personality traits

[Soloist]

15-20% of the world's population are considered neurodivergent. All this umbrella term means is that the brain utilizes different pathways than are considered typical. This difference results in a unique set of strengths, as well as unique challenges. It is interesting that decades ago when studies were first being done on autism, individuals diagnosed with it were generally seen as very low IQ or extremely high IQ (Einstein is one example). Since the nineties, those numbers have shifted drastically, with 45% of people diagnosed with autism having an average IQ and 32% above average. When you consider that only 2% of the general population have above average IQ, those numbers are significant. Many highly intelligent neurodivergent individuals go undiagnosed until later in life. Growing awareness and screening in health care, schools, the military and some workplaces is changing this.

Wife: just curious. Was Einstein actually formally diagnosed in his lifetime, or is that just what people decided later? i’m not denying that he was probably Neurodivergent, and might fall under the classification of Asperger‘s, but I don’t even know if autism was a title back then, because they would’ve either considered it mental retardation or just eccentric.
I’m sort of guessing that the expansion of the label autism has changed the percentages since the 90s, and I prefer separate labels for other things like ADD, ADHD, Asperger‘s etc. because then it just gets so generalized. It would be interesting though to see if there are any brain similarities or similar causes/genetics, but we are just touching the surface on that right now.

[RZehr]

Two books that are helpful for parents and teachers, whether or not their children are neurodivergent:

Despite the title, Debi Pearl's book is applicable to men as well. There is an entire chapter on the effects of porn on the brain.

Create a Better Brain.JPGChildhood Development.JPG

Dr. Oliver Sack's books are informative and entertaining. Musicophilia is a favorite.

I would stay far away from Mike & Debi Pearl’s books, particularly anything having to do with child training. One of the most harmful doctrines they teach is you can spank your kids mercilessly and not worry about killing them. Unfortunately, several parents have done just that under their teaching and killed the kids.

I would also express extreme caution about a man who mocks nonresistance and teaches against the head covering:

https://nogreaterjoy.org/letters/pacifi ... ment-17653

We have a Mennonite neighbor who practiced non-resistance under all circumstances. Some evil men found out about it and came into his home demanding to take sexual liberties with all his daughters. He did not resist but gave them his younger daughters as well. The men returned. His daughters became pregnant and bore little b<<foul language removed>>ds. No man ever wanted them for wives. He stood by and watched the evil men strip and rape his daughters. It destroyed the family. They had to move so as to cease being used by evil men at their will. He was a fool. His doctrine was of the Devil. He should have risen up in righteous wrath and slain the enemy, like Joshua of old.

I have been struck and pushed and cursed for the gospel’s sake. I have had my life threatened several times. I have been non-resistant in all cases, but when I came across a man raping a woman in the woods, I reached for my pistol and saved her life. To this day she is thankful that I was not a pacifist. She didn’t need a spectator; she needed a deliverer.

Edit: removed foul language from the cut and paste from the nogreaterjoy website

The nonresistant Mennonite community in Tennessee is close knit enough that someone would know if this account was true.

Like most out of control men who espouse things like Pearl does, Pearl is a god unto himself, demanding his way or the highway, all the while allowing his own flesh to have exceptions. This characteristic makes me suspect that he is not honest, and is continually sacrificing accuracy for dramatic impact which erodes trust and credibility. In other words, I think he is a liar. I’ll change this opinion if corroboration happens.

[barnhart]

I picked up a magazine from them and skimmed through. The feature wax an article about the joys and victories of submission to your husband even when you don't understand or have questions. Following was a how-to project of crafting a large knife from a discarded chainsaw bar for use in defense of the home. It struck me the same scriptures which elevate submission in marriage also call for submission to will of God in other things.

[Verity]

I had a feeling anything by Debi Pearl would be controversial. I have met Michael in person and do not appreciate him. This book by Debi is a different stripe from their other books. It is well researched and was reviewed by an ND, physical therapist and chiropractor. Many people who do not like the Pearls at all appreciate Create a Better Brain.

I've heard strong opinions on both sides of the coin for Joan Martin and Edith Witmer as well. Knowing them both personally, and having read the book, I can endorse it heartily.

Dr. Caroline Leaf has quite a few books on neuroplasticity that are readable. Her first books are better than more recent ones, in my opinion.

Any writing aside from the Word of God requires discernment. It helps when others share what they do/do not appreciate.

[RZehr]

Looks like Debi passed away last year.

[ohio jones]

Looks like Debi passed away last year.

[RZehr]

Looks like Debi passed away last year.

https://www.patejonesfuneralhome.com/ob ... arl-Newsom
Looks like a different one. I just glanced at a link without opening it the first time and saw the name and date and state, and off I went. So I was mistaken. This late lady is who Google brings up when asking if Debi Pearl is alive or her age. Sorry.

Not sure if this citation is dead, or alive, or both, but I still want a reward.

[ohio jones]

Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.

There may be some question about Debi's innocence, but still.

[ken_sylvania]

Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.

There may be some question about Debi's innocence, but still.

Amen.

[MaxPC]

A bit of parallel information regarding the brain and aging: the brain can start losing size in the 30s and 40s. In the 50s and 60s, that process speeds up and up to 1 to 2 percent per year of the hippocampus can be lost. The hippocampus is the part of the brain that plays a key role in memory such as the processing of short term memories to long-term memories, as well as spatial memory.

I think I am in trouble.