LLL Contact Information
* Website: www.lifelonglearningatpc.org
* Email: [email protected]
Replacing Cynicism with Optimism
Bill Nee
Empathy is sometimes hard to muster when confronted by others who see things differently. It can be easy to be cynical in that environment. This month’s TED Talk, by psychologist Jamil Zaki, discusses cynicism and how to cast it off.
Dr. Zaki states that, some days, it is hard to be optimistic. Cynicism, the idea that people are inherently selfish, greedy, and dishonest, is making humanity lonelier and more divided. It is a psychological quicksand.
He shows fascinating research on cooperation, empathy, and trust, making a scientific case for optimism, and shares how to break out of the cynicism trap. Let us be hopeful that, through optimism, we can have more faith in humanity.
To view this informative, 13-minute talk, go to TED.com. Click “watch” in the header, then “TED Talks,” then—in “Search talks”—input, “How to escape the cynicism trap,” scroll a little lower, and click on the talk you selected.
Instructors Enable Classes’ Success
Carole Korzilius
The ongoing success of classes in PebbleCreek is heavily dependent on the talents, knowledge, and generosity of our LifeLong Learning instructors. Our praise and hearty thanks!
Denise Beeson introduced us to genealogy and then followed up with additional classes in various fields of research. Many Creekers are exploring their roots!
Thanks, as well, to Dr. Gene Fioretti, PebbleCreek’s favorite chef and baker. For several years, Fioretti has taught us the secrets of creating artisan bread, baguettes, pasta, and Neapolitan pizza—the last even without the aid of his fantastic Italian oven.
This season, Mike Andersen joined our group, adding a class on brewing beer, offered to enthusiastic imbibers in his own backyard.
Lois Chohon informed us about digestive issues and celiac disease, with an emphasis on finding health and happiness, using good digestive management.
Dru Bacon brought us up to date on electric-vehicle technology and led us to expect major changes to both our lifestyles and our economy.
Mary Thomas completed a series of sessions on Black history: The Great Migration (2020), Reverse Migration (2021), and most recently Reconstruction Past and Present (2022).
Arizona history was also popular again this season. Mark Pelletier focused his class on the role of railroads in forming Arizona towns and industries. For newcomers, that was a welcome sequel to Goodyear History (2021).
Homeowners who registered for gemology were disappointed when that class had to be canceled, but Linda Kesselman will be back next season with more information and new gemstones!
Adriana Greisman taught a large, eager group about cell-phone photography, and then oriented a second class on the intricacies of cameras and digital photography.
No doubt the most endearing presentation was that of the Mutts on a Mission team of Kathleen Mahoney, Anne Dunker, Kathleen Tyryster, and Candy Lawson—together with canine stars Ally and Lacey. They inspired us to explore the very important, satisfying work of trained and intuitive therapy dogs.
Our instructors invested many hours of research and preparation, in addition to their presentation time. We cannot adequately compensate them, but we hope Creekers will remember to offer their personal thanks. Our instructors make the PebbleCreek difference!