John Iduh Blog

World War II and the destruction of the old order should have serve all of us as lesson at this time, given the genocide in Gaza and Hezbollah attacks on Israel. Approximately 60 million people lost their lives as a direct result of the war, fully two-thirds of them noncombatants.  The war’s losers, the Axis states of Germany, Japan, and Italy, suffered more than 3 million civilian deaths; their conquerors, the Allies, suffered far more: at least 35 million civilian deaths.  An astonishing 10 to 20% of the total populations of the Soviet Union, Poland, and Yugoslavia perished, between 4 and 6% of the total populations of Germany, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Japan, and China.  If the exact toll of this wrenching global conflagration continues to defy all efforts at statistical precision, the magnitude of the human losses it claimed surely remains as shockingly unfathomable two generations after World War II as it was in the conflict’s immediate aftermath. At war’s end, much o...

 We live in a world filled with objects, many natural, the rest artificial. Every day we encounter thousands of objects, many of them new to us. Many of the new objects are similar to ones we already know, but many are unique, yet we manage quite well.  Learn more at the Ransford Global Insitute  How do we do this? Why is it that when we encounter many unusual natural objects, we know how to interact with them? Why is this true with many of the artificial, human-made objects we encounter? The answer lies with a few basic principles. Some of the most important of these principles come from a consideration of affordances.  The term affordance refers to the relationship between a physical object and a person (or for that matter, any interacting agent, whether animal or human, or even machines and robots). An affordance is a relationship between the properties of an object and the capabilities of the agent that determine just how the object could possibly be used. ...

Attitude is a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically reflected in a person's behavior. It encompasses one's beliefs, feelings, and predispositions to act in certain ways towards objects, people, events, or situations.  Learn more at the Ransford Global Insitute    Attitudes can be positive or negative and can significantly influence how individuals interact with their environment and make decisions. Īn the animal world, the lion's attitude of confidence, dominance, and fearlessness is crucial in its role as a top predator. This attitude is reflected in the lion's behavior of hunting and eating animals that are often larger and more powerful than itself.  Lions exhibit boldness and confidence, essential traits for tackling large and potentially dangerous prey. They show resilience by not giving up easily during hunts, which can be strenuous and risky. Lions demonstrate fearlessness, attacking animals that could pose a threat to them. ...

What is Self-control? Self-control is your ability to regulate your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses. It involves exercising restraint and making conscious decisions to act in accordance with yoūr long-term goals rather than immediate desires.  Self-control is essential for maintaining discipline, achieving personal and professional goals, and managing interpersonal relationships effectively. It is often linked to qualities such as willpower, discipline, and emotional regulation.   Learn more at the Ransford Global Insitute  Self-control is highly relevant in various aspects of your life for the following reasons: Achieving Goals Self-control helps you stay focused on long-term objectives, resist short-term temptations, and persist through challenges. Emotional Regulation  It allows you to manage your emotions effectively, reducing impulsive reactions and promoting more thoughtful responses. Health and Well-Being  Self-co...

Patience is our ability to endure difficult circumstances, delays, or challenges without becoming frustrated or upset. It involves maintaining a calm and composed attitude while waiting for an outcome, managing one's emotions, and exhibiting perseverance.  Patience can be seen as a form of self-control and is often associated with qualities like tolerance, resilience, and understanding. Patience is highly relevant in various aspects of life and work for several reasons: Improved Decision Making Patience allows for more thoughtful and considered decision-making, reducing the likelihood of impulsive and potentially regrettable choices. Better Relationships Patience fosters better interpersonal relationships by enabling individuals to listen, understand, and respond more thoughtfully to others. Stress Reduction Practicing patience can reduce stress and anxiety, as it involves a calm and measured approach to challenges and setbacks. Achievement of Long-Term Goals Many significant achie...

Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that people hold towards specific social groups, such as race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.  These biases are often formed through exposure to societal stereotypes and are not necessarily aligned with an individual's conscious beliefs or values. Implicit bias can influence behavior, leading to negative stereotypes and prejudices, even if the individual is unaware of their biases. how can implicit bias affect decision-making in the workplace Implicit bias can significantly impact decision-making in the workplace by influencing the way people perceive and evaluate others. Here are some key ways it can affect decision-making: 1. Unverified Assumptions  Implicit bias causes people to rely on unverified assumptions and stereotypes, which can lead to unfair judgments and treatment of colleagues. 2. Confirmation Bias Implicit bias can also manifest as confirmation bias, where individuals seek information th...

A "Dip" according to Seth Godin refers to the challenging period between starting a new endeavor and achieving mastery. It is characterized by a significant increase in difficulty and a decrease in progress, making it tempting to quit.  Godin argues that understanding and embracing the Dip is crucial for achieving success, as it separates the best from the rest. He suggests that people should identify the Dips they are working on, assess whether they have the skills and determination to persevere, and either commit to pushing through the Dip or quit and focus on something else. The key takeaways from this book are: 1. The Dip:  The Dip is the long, hard period between starting something and achieving mastery. It is the point where most people quit, but those who push through it achieve extraordinary results. 2. Quit the Wrong Stuff, Stick with the Right Stuf  It is essential to quit projects that do not align with your long-term goals or do not contribute to your growth. ...