If we want to create a desired future, we must cause it to happen, at least help make it more likely.  New things do not materialize by simply not doing something that leads to undesired outcomes.  Think of the logic.  It is suggested that doing certain things leads to what is undesired and not doing those things makes what is unwanted less likely.  Though not engaging in disease causing actions may help prevent what is not desired, how can it help generate what is desired?  To caused desired outcomes, although no single actions is enough, it seems necessary to take action to help make what is desired happen.  This is the same logic, if certain actions contribute to undesired outcomes, doesn’t this also suggest certain actions can help cause desired outcomes?  However we must always remember comprehensive efforts are more effective.

What makes things happen, however, is being confused by the strategic release of conflicting information.  Information is deceptively promoted that certain actions are neutral or even beneficial, rather than harmful. Daily we hear about actions being taken that undercut our existing beliefs and the truth of facts is being attacked from many sides.

A lot of this distortion is in the political field, however it is happening where it should not, in science.  The tobacco industry perfected this art (See Updated: Food industry’s Use of Tobacco Industry’s Deceitful Methods).  These techniques were outlined in  Naomi Oreskes’ excellent book and film, “Merchants of Doubt“ (linked TED Talk). (see movie clip)

Dr. Michael Greger, in 3 videos below, demonstrates how they do this in science.  Bias studies are completed by comparing bad to bad and then they suggest because it is not any worse than another problem, it is not harmful.  This seems to sow the idea of doubt.  What do you think?

I encourage you to think how this happens in many fields and think about what we can do to cause good, not just less bad. (for more see Prevention Can’t work and Problems are Irrelevant and Concept: Create More Good, Not Just Less Bad, Create More Good, Not Just Less Bad and many more posts). An important point to consider is how do we do more than put out fires and actually cause a true improvement beyond the current status quo.  Many supposed improvements are just fixing a problem that  just puts us back to where we were before the problem, not better.  Our goal should be a net positive (see Net Positive 2018 Appalachian Energy Summit) Please share your thoughts on how you will take action to help create a better tomorrow.

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Be Well’r,
Craig Becker

Be selfish, selfless, & synergistic so everyone and everything benefits!

Contact me at:
Email: BeWellr@gmail.com