Applying Differential Calculus in Mankind

Last entry was an explanation of how we can use the general non-mathematical concepts in calculus to learn more about life. This article is about whether humans are losing their alignment with nature.

I've wondered if humans are entering a 'derivative' phase, where we have detached from the core of things and have attached to the false appearance. Here are some examples:

Sex is for procreation, but humans do it for fun and in fact often seek to avoid procreation
Christmas is about celebrating a religious figure, but humans focus on the celebration, and not the figure
Many artificial colors, flavors, and additives are for appearance rather than nutritional improvement
We study in school to get high grades, rather than to learn
Kids wear chains and 'tough' clothes for the appearance of toughness, when there is none
Men hold automatic doors open for women
It's been said that men are more attracted to bleach blondes than actual blondes
High heels, lipstick, eye makeup (whatever that is called…mascara I think) create no advantage to those with long legs, thick lips, or big eyes
Fake breasts…gross
Cut or ‘faded’ jeans, to imply some sort of working class hero image

What’s fascinating about all this is that nature does it, too. Neoteny is nature’s way of delaying an organism’s juvenile characteristics, often well into adulthood. Often this serves the purpose of fooling potential mates. It works, and our beliefs regarding human beauty usually serve to reinforce neoteny.

What’s the point? The point is that cultural and natural factors are conspiring to create posers out of you, and out of those with whom you interact. Try to keep things real.