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Brave
New World
Over the past few decades, the pace of change in daily life
has accelerated swiftly. Almost every day, we read about
exciting advances and discoveries in many fields—breakthroughs
expanding our knowledge of how the universe and the earth
came to be as they are, how humans evolved, and how the human
brain works.
Alas, many fail to realize that their high school or college
education from years ago is now out of date in many ways.
Yet you do not
have to be an “expert” to have
a basic understanding of the physical underpinnings of today’s
world.
Why should you
bother? At least out of enlightened self-interest. Doctors
are increasingly affirming the “use it or lose
it” concept with regard to the aging brain. Intellectual
activity is even more important in midlife and retirement.
A greater awareness of the workings of the physical world
can also enhance physical and social health, as well as stimulate
thought on important spiritual questions.
Although
an adult school or community college course could help, it
is not necessary to return to school to catch up and stay
current. Major newspapers, such as the New York Times
and the Wall Street Journal regularly devote columns
or sections to recent scientific findings.
In addition, many
magazines have articles that can get you started, for example
Scientific American and Natural History.
Ask a teacher, graduate student, or librarian for other recommendations.
And Internet searches can yield concise explanations from
a variety of reference sources (although reliability may
vary—caveat lector!).
And
why not check out the Reading
List for several book suggestions?
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