tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22093933.post114727638727206748..comments2024-03-28T00:14:10.957-05:00Comments on Deric's MindBlog: Stumbling on HappinessDeric Bowndshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16617204535017208765noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22093933.post-1147373925090748142006-05-11T13:58:00.000-05:002006-05-11T13:58:00.000-05:00I have to admit that I've only read reviews of Mit...I have to admit that I've only read reviews of Mithen's book, it is still sitting in my 'to read' pile. In general I think his ideas are quite cogent and coherent. It is such a pity that one can only make reasonable speculations about language origins. I like the idea of no quantum jumps, but rather a continuous slow increase in the richness of gesture and vocalization used in communication. <BR/><BR/>You clearly are on to the fact that the more we try to define and strive for happiness, the less likely we are to achieve it. It is not something you try to grab or work for, it is what happens if you simply respect and get on with your life.Deric Bowndshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16617204535017208765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22093933.post-1147368934347230742006-05-11T12:35:00.000-05:002006-05-11T12:35:00.000-05:00I was about to ask you to comment, if you will, Dr...I was about to ask you to comment, if you will, Dr. Bownds, on the new Mithen book, "The Singing Neanderthals: The Origin of Music, Language, Mind and Body"...when I happened on this most recent post re: "Stumbling on Happiness". What are your thoughts about the differences (comparisons, perhaps) between and among, contentment, happiness, ecstasy, nirvana, etc. As an ardent fan of yours, sir, I would love to hear your thoughts on why we even quest for this allusive (illusive, perhaps) thing called happiness. It seems to me that the more self-absorbed we are...the more we think we are entitled to some sort of identification (label, explanation)for the way we feel from time to time. Why not just live it and get on with it? Thanks for your comment..as always. Your fan...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com