pg 6 - Pelosi feels perfectly at easy at berating and pressuring presidents with Trump (he wanted to pass a bill and she didn't let it pass)

Notes 6: - The more we earn and pay in tax the higher our benefits - Lower earners get more replaced earning from SS - You can claim benefits at any age between 62-70 (higher benefits at 70 than 62) - By 2030, benefits for average workers who claim at 65 will fall to 36% of earnings vs. 37% today

Notes 4: - Social Security helps everyone (grandparents, disabled workers, spouses, dependents on breadwinners who died etc) - Average retirement is 65 in 2013 and gets 41% of retirement earnings ($18,500 annually) - Social Security benefits are adjusted to keep up with inflation - Social Security provides 70% of income household headed by someone 80

pg 44 - Zara didn't have an outburst as she stood there and then the Narrator became unsettled - Zara says that it was okay and she is glad the Narrator could talk about it before heading down the stairs - The Narrator and Zara didn't belong at Amherst but she looked back and said she hoped they could talk again

pg 43 - His father was in shock and his hands trembled and his eyes were downcast, there was gray in his mustache and he looked old and beaten - After the Narrator cursed at his father, he spent the night in a Motel 6 until his mother found him and brought him home (the Narrator didn't talk to his father till he left) - The Narrator said he tells veterans the scope story and they usually laugh - Zara stood up slowly, and was very angry as she was about to leave

pg 42 - The Narrator had insulted the leader and humiliated him in front of all the little insurgent groups and everybody (the leader lost all of his honor) - Hearing this, the Narrator's father and Zara alike didn't like that at all and tells his son enough but the Narrator doesn't stop and the father sees his son shouting insults in his face not as a son anymore

pg 41 - The Narrator told Laith al-Tawhid that the Marines had their wife and daughters and they were whoring themselves out to American soldiers and the Narrator said he would have intercourse with them while they screamed over the loudspeaker - The Narrator shouted for an hour other disgusting things the soldiers did to their daughters - It worked in the end and although the didn't charge out of the mosque, they were still mowed down by the Marines

pg 40 - The father didn't care that the Narrator cursed thankfully - The Narrator had the opportunity to insult and kill the leader Laith al-Tawhid (The Narrator knew the leader was smart but knew how to get to him by talking about his women) - Old-school guys like the leader treated their women like dogs and they could destroy all your family's honor if they acted up or showed some free will

pg 39 - The Narrator says that in his family he wasn't even allowed to curse - The Narrator's father thought killing by insults was funny and brilliant - In the Narrator's first man-to-man talk with his father cursed saying that this little band of Islamists called the al Tawhid Martyrs Brigade wasn't Al-Qaeda but just desert fuckers who didn't like having Americans roam their country

pg 38 - War is all phony and the Narrator says that almost 300 congressmen and 77 senators voted for the war and now they wash their hands of it like they didn't vote for it - Zara blames Bush saying he lied and people died - The Narrator says OMG a politician lied and Zara lands a cheap shot that he killed people with playground insults (bitch)

pg 37 - Father worked for a translation services company and since the Narrator's father worked in the Arabic department, he had a lot of Muslim coworkers and they sent short emails to the Narrator saying "Thank you for your service" and "Good job" (some more personal than others) - Everyone said to the Narrator thank you for your service but didn't understand the actual service he was doing which angered the Narrator

pg 36 - The Narrator can't tell the story and look up at Zara or he would cry because being back from the Army, the Narrator felt sad and lost - Serious Copts were supposed to eat vegetarian 200 days out of the year but the father insisted on going to Outback Steakhouse - The Narrator's mother was a nurse and so he and his father were home alone talking together (The Narrator felt like since he had been to war he wasn't a disappointment)

pg 35 - The Narrator can't describe to Zara what it feels like to come home - The Narrator said that the weird thing about being a veteran is you feel better than most people because you risked your life for something bigger than yourself - The Narrator's mother prayed every day for him and became more religious while he was overseas

pg 34 - With the insults, the muj would run out of the mosques and would be mowed down by the Marines so in that way the Narrator killed people - Marines stopped after most of the people charging were teenagers and the Marines don't kill kids - The Narrator is happy with himself - The Narrator was kicked out of his father's house because he didn't save lives

pg 33 - In the Battle of Fallujah, psyops would play different annoying sounds over the loudspeakers such as AC/DC and Metallica and Predator chuckles (from the movie) - The muj also messed with the Marines with their prayers and songs - Marines also yelled dirtiest insults over the loudspeakers and they would come out of mosques (Zara didn't like that part)

pg 32 - The Army's an organization built around killing people the Narrator said - Narrator said that he lied to Zara and said that he did kill people not directly like shooting someone but was definitely responsible - The Narrator's father kicked him out of the house after the Narrator told him that (comment above)

pg 31 - Father asked Narrator why he didn't join the infantry but at least he was in the Army - Narrator learned about propaganda in his classes and all of the propaganda that the soldiers' fell for when joining the Army (they felt stupid for falling for it) - The teacher would say "I love the Army. But how b.s. are those commercials?" and make his soldiers recognize and use civilian techniques with commercials in war - In Iraq the Narrator told lots of truth and b.s. and it worked wonders - The Narrator says that propaganda is sophisticated and language is technology as he was trained to use it to increase his unit's lethality

pg 30 - Narrator calls his dad Saddam (platoon knew what Narrator's father looked liked) - Did the Narrator's father realize with the mustache that he looked like Saddam and maybe this was a way to say Fuck you to Americans? - Zara says even though her father is a deacon, he isn't a very good man - Narrator's father says to his son how proud he was of him (father didn't even say that when the Narrator graduated from high-school)

pg 29 - Narrator says that if Travis was the type to die for his buddies and he'd do it for the Narrator as anyone else wearing Army cammies, feelings of each other wouldn't matter at all - Zara didn't understand the difference between b.s.ing in class vs. talking about stuff that actually mattered - The Narrator said every time Zara contradicted him with her smug little assumptions about who I was and why I did what I'd done, was very frustrating - The Narrator wanted to shut his mouth and just hate her for her ignorance when she was wrong, for her arrogance when she was right - Narrator said his father was prouder of his son for graduating from basic than he'd ever been before

pg 28 - Going to the Army was a way for the Narrator to make himself and partially his father proud - Narrator didn't face too much racism but still did and at least it was more direct

pg 27 - Narrator's father had American flags all around the house and magnets on his car saying "Support Our Troops" - Father when patted down in airports would say that he supported what the officers were doing and that they were protecting American freedoms - The Narrator's mother was very radical and was a straight-up Communist and when the Narrator's father pulled the whole American freedom act, it almost broke their marriage

pg 26 - Zara says that by wearing a hijab, people treat her like she has changed in life and it was the same thing with the Narrator and the uniform - Narrator talks about how bad it was for his family after 9/11 as his father looks identical to Saddam Hussein and has the same type of mustache

pg 25 - Narrator lived in a nice place were his family couldn't afford and went to a nice high school in northern Virginia - There was a fight when a person called the Narrator a "sand n" and people gave pity to the Narrator (he hates pity) - The Narrator yelled names back to the other kid and the Narrator's father hit him because he didn't fight the kid who insulted him (Narrator in father's eyes didn't defend his family) - Narrator asks why Zara became a Muslim and it is because she values the teachings

pg 24 - Narrator said a better slogan was "You Can't Afford College Without Us" and he isn't wrong - Zara trying to see if the Narrator tells other girls this story and turns back to her normal self - Narrator gets angry at Zara saying she doesn't know why people join the Army and she doesn't have the slightest clue

pg 23 - Zara says that is what happens when you send an army into a city but the Narrator says that they tried limiting the damage by meeting with imams and sheikhs warning them that kids were no match for trained military trained soldiers - Narrator says he was trying to help people avoid getting killed and regrets not "saving that person" - Narrator says the reason he joined the Army was because of the slogan "Be All That You Can Be"

pg 22 - Narrator calls the death stupid because he and his team were supposed to prevent it by speaking on the speakers but Egyptian Arabic but that didn't make a difference to the army (Narrator wanted to go to school anyways to learn the language but was told no) - Narrator called the U.S. Army mentally retarded and that it was a general problem - The imams were getting everybody excited to fight against the American soldiers especially the teenagers

pg 21 - The corporal told the little Marine he did good while the Narrator watched the man fade through the optics -After the little Marine's adrenaline wore off, he didn't want to see the man he just killed - The Narrator after ending the story realized he didn't really tell Zara anything at all

pg 20 - While looking through the heat sensor binoculars, the Narrator thought he could see the dying man twitching - The Marine looked again and said the man was dead and then all of the Marines were angry at the Narrator

pg 19 - Narrator looks out to see the dead body and Zara asks why he would look to the response anyone would - Narrator looking at the body until the heat signature was black and then they were declared dead and call it in

pg 18 - Narrator talked with the Marine who was still high on adrenaline - The Marine's face was in between terror and excitement

pg 17 - Gunfire was a part of daily life but it shocked the narrator being that close to it - Marine who shot the man couldn't believe he got the man - All men in his section had killed someone and the little square-bodied Marine had just killed for the first time

pg 16 - Narrator heard the same message from the mosques every night saying that the Americans are bringing in the Jews of Israel to steal Iraq's wealth and oil and "Do not fear death.""Protect Islam." - Narrator was supposed to counter these messages with messages of our own and thought it was more convincing to say we will kill you if you fuck with us rather than Islam is supposed to be a peaceful religion - The Narrator rode on Humvees with speakers so they could spew their own propaganda and it always led to them getting shot at (Narrator hated those missions) - The day the Narrator saw someone die the speakers weren't working when shots rang out the heavy burst of a Marine machine-gun

pg 15 - Narrator tells Zara the story he wanted to share of seeing a person die (but didn't technically see him die) - It was 2004 on Easter and the Narrator spent the day watching a city explode - 3/4 marines wound up sitting in houses turned into defensive positions and a sniper team was in every 4th house (they killed a dozen a day)

pg 14 - Narrator asks Zara is she ever smoked hookah asking if Muslims like that type of stuff - They smoked hookah back at the Narrator's apartment

pg 13 - Narrator sees that Zara cares even a little for him - Narrator tells Zara he likes her and doesn't want to lie to her but Zara tells him this isn't how you talk to people (they aren't even friends) - Narrator says he never killed anyone and let that settle with Zara - Narrator says PsyOps works best when you mean it

pg 12 - Narrator felt cowardice for facing Zara's genuine questions with lies - Narrator calls himself an asshole and says the war didn't break him

pg 11 - Zara explained herself not as though presenting her case but apologizing for her overreaction (her spark from class was gone) - Special Assistant said that there is much to learn when anger isn't a factor and said that the Narrator could access campus services for help from sleepless nights - Zara apologizes to the Narrator

pg 10 - Narrator playing the victim saying he cant's sleep at night but not true lol (I love him) - The Special Assistant says that both sides could have been offended (big win for Narrator)

pg 9 - Narrator says "perception is reality" (treated like terrorist after 9/11) - Zara said she felt threatened and so did her friends who she talked with - Narrator lies a little and continues by talking about being shot at in war and seeing blown up pieces of men, women and children

pg 8 - Zara had the privilege of thinking about her actions and returning to school whereas the narrator would be kicked out of his house by his father - Narrator says that he is Arab and living in NC for 4 years whereas Zara chose to be a muslim after like 3 days (he called her a terrorist lol) - The narrator was a specialist in Psychological Operations

pg 7 - Narrator was at the school on a combination of the G.I. Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and various scholarship funds - Narrator scared about what would happen to the money if expelled or suspended - Although there wasn't any punishment at stake, it could be brought up and Zara was in the meeting

pg 6 - Narrator says he can kill Muslims all he wants but Zara ratted on him to the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion - Narrator was the most diverse person at Amherst

pg 5 - When people talked about the war as if they had a clear view of Iraq to the narrator, he wanted to rub poop in their eyes - Zara asked him how he could kill his own people saying that we are all one people as a Muslim belief - Narrator knew that Zara's comment that Muslim's are all 1 people was b.s. because of the Sunni Shi'a War

pg 4 - Zara wore very loose clothes and didn't expose her body like other girls and was now a Muslim - Zara wanted firsthand information from the narrator

pg 3 - Zara saw through the narrator as she had street cred from living in Baltimore but she was 90% more privileged than the white guys the narrator served with - Narrator arguing about the reason U.S. invaded Iraq was cause of oil (narrator disagreed and Zara said it doesn't matter his opinion calling him a pawn)

pg 2 - Description of Zara and she was a freshman and loved to talk and argue against classmates - Narrator saw others with sense of dumb or naive having experienced war - The narrator said that the only knowledge that he had over theses other college students was how nast and awful humans are

pg 1 - Zara Davies was an arguable person and in Amherst - Narrator first saw her in Clark House at Punishment, Politics, and Culture class - Narrator a veteran serving 13 months in Iraq - People in class were white except Zara and narrator

pg 8 - Ensuring all men, all Americans, have equal opportunities to make healthy choices is the framework for anti-racist solutions - That would mean total access to affordable, healthy food. - Total access to affordable, high-quality health care - Healthy trust of medical providers across the board

pg 7 - Toxic masculinity, like toxic racism, also prematurely kills men of all races (not manly to seek preventative care, eat plant-based food, etc) - Kendi has stage 4 colon cancer although living a very healthy life

pg 6 - All men and women don't have equal opportunities to eat healthy as even when controlling for poverty, Black and Latino neighborhoods are more likely to eat desert food than white neighborhoods and access to supermarkets with affordable and healthy food is hard to find where as unhealthy food is easier to find - Less time to exercise for black people than white men - More mistrust in medical providers in black men than white men - Black men 50% less likely to be in contact with physicians in the past year then white men even when they have health insurance but black men are 75% less likely to have health insurance then white men - Racism killing black men as epidemiologist David H. Chae found that in middle-aged-black men, who experienced the "social toxins" of racism have shorter telomeres

pg 5 - White racists are supporting Republican policies that are harming white Americans at growing rates from loosening gun laws to protect against people of color which in turn leads to white male gun-related suicides to declining life-savings and fortune-savings Affordable Cart Act provisions in Republican states so that nonwhites can't get access - Black men are more likely than other groups to live with undiagnosed or poorly managed chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease leading to early death

pg 4 - In Baltimore, a white baby born in Cheswolde can be expected to live until 87 but 9 miles away in Clifton-Berea a black baby can expect to live until 67 (5 less than average other men and 10 less than average other women) - Kansas City, a black man can expect to live 20 years less than a white women living 10 min away - In Chicago, a white resident in Streetrville can expect to live till 90 while a black resident 9 miles south in Engleswood can expect to live to 60 (largest gap in the nation/27.5 gap in D.C, then 27.4 in NYC, and 25.8 years in New Orleans and Buffalo, NY) - In all 56 of America's 500 largest cities have sizable life-expectancy gaps between segregate neighborhoods in a study - Black Americans on average live several years less than Latinos and Asian Americans and a year less than Native Americans

pg 3 - White privileges are relative advantages racism affords such as white people being presumed as innocent, intelligent, etc - Racism degrades, dispossesses, deprives. Black individuals are deprived of their individuality, presumption of innocence, intelligence, etc - White man and armed is unthreatening but a black man unarmed is threatening

pg 2 - Elijah Cummings passed away at 68 - 72 is average lifespan age of a Black man in U.S. which is a nation's lowest life expectancy and 4 years less than a white man (7 years less than a black women and 9 less than a white women) - Black women 3-4 times more likely to die during pregnancy than a white women

pg 1 - Ibram X. Kedni is a writer for The Atlantic and Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities and the director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research

pg 20 - Curtis's wife was 5 months pregnant and took all his money (bad family life) - Bravo drinking together and hanging out while back home - MacManigan cleaned himself up and took classes such as: "Don't kill yourself." "Don't beat your wife." - Lots of drinking

pg 9 - Cheryl is in a lovey dovey mood and saying how happy she is that Price is home - Vicar greets Price - Cheryl pulls Price away from Vicar and asks him "Isn't it good to be home?" but nervous to ask - They went to the bedroom but Cheryl was a bit scared of Price but Price doesn't mind saying all the wives were probably a little scared (Price said Cheryl handled it well)

pg 8 - Cheryl smiling at Price more than any other women has before - Both Price and Cheryl were nervous to embrace each other (she started to cry) - Price almost forgot what Cheryl felt like after his deployment - Price drives home and he wants to park somewhere dar and quiet so he and Cheryl can cuddle (right) in the backseat like back in high school

pg 7 - Author talks to Cheryl in Kuwait but weird since he hadn't heard her voice in a while - Bravo Company are these guys the heros from Billy Lynn's? - Eicholtz's dad shakes all of the men's hands and crowd coming forward - Sargent Price is author's name - Eicholtz's dad was hugging Curtis - Sign says: GT PRICE. NOW THAT YOU'RE HOME YOU CAN DO SOME CHORES. HERE'S YOUR TO-DO LIST. 1) ME. 2) REPEAT NUMBER 1. - The sign is being held by Cheryl and description of what she was wearing (but she looked different than he'd imagined but still his wife)

pg 6 - Families waiting there and author just thinking about his wife and dog Cheryl and Vicar - First time giving back his weapon and not being with it in months - Doesn't know what to do with his hands - Soldiers marching crowd waiting

pg 5 - Soldiers passed out and woke up in America - No one was waiting for the soldiers not even family - The soldiers go from Cherry point to Lejeune's and maybe where families are - Author is 24 years old - Author knew where he was but it didn't feel like home; not home till he kissed his wife and dog

pg 4 - Soldiers on duty still back at states so no alcohol in Ireland - CO doesn't car and soldiers drink like O'Leary who got 5 beers at once - Most of the soldiers had lost 20 pounds and had gone 7 months without alcohol Lance Corporal Slaughter puking in bathroom with sober Mormon Corporal Greeley comforting him and then a drunk Mormon was also puking next to Slaughter

pg 3 - Lance Corporal Hernandez, Corporal Smith, and Elicholtz were people the author thought about - Elicholtz and the author were like brothers and saved a marine together and then Elicholtz died - Author thinking about his dog Vicar and description - Practice man-shaped targets like dogs to kill people (Delta) - It isn't easy to kill people either way

pg 2 - No-shit war zone and soldiers on commercial plane - Yo try and think about home and then you think about the torture house - Beautiful little Iraqi kid turns into suicidal personal because of disfiguration - Author tries to think about his wife Cheryl and describes her

pg 1 - Shooting dogs "Operation Scooby" - Dog drinking blood - When in battle thinking comes later - Author from Jacksonville

pg 3 - Teresa Ghilarducci an economist at New School for Social Research said the pandemic pushed about a million older adults out of the workforce (forced to retire) - In the 1960-1970s older Americans that were living below official poverty drastically fell because of expansions and increases in Social Security - Dr. Johnson says that the decline has really slowed since the 1990s with not improvements since - Economists advocate for raising the minimum Social Security benefit after people reach 85 when health care costs the most and improving Social Security benefits for older adults and people with disabilities who lack the work history to qualify for Social Security - Federal benefits like Social Security go along way as they alone lifted 20 million people over 65 abouve the poverty level last year and it prevented another 1.6 million seniors from sinking into poverty - Only half of the older people eligible for food stamps have enrolled meaning 5 million people are missing out and Ms. Alwin says that 30 billion is left on the table every year that could go to food, medicine, and other basic needs

pg 2 - 65+ living in poverty has climbed from a modern low of 9.5% in 2020 to 10.7% in 2021 and 14.1% last year (children poverty increasing too) - National Council on Aging Ramsey Alwin said it was quite alarming and unacceptable - In southwestern Virginia, 20% of older residents live in poverty - Debbie Spencer the director of aging and disability services says that people don't know wether to by food, fuel or medicine - Poverty line for 1 person is $15,998 and for 2 people $22,624 a year - Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous older Americans have the highest poverty rate and so do women who aren't married - Elder Index devised by gerontologist at Umass Boston say for an older adult to meet basic need in Chicago is $2,481

pg 1 - Mary Cole struggling to support herself and 19 year-old grandson on a monthly $914 Supplemental Security Income check - She only pays $158 for rent because of help with public assistance - Federal programs like Medicare help Cole with prescription drugs - Benefits from the pandemic rolled back since the federal government ended the public health emergency this year - Heating assistance dropped $300 and Cole's food stamps decreased $200+ (she ran out of money and went to a food pantry)

Chapter 4: The Science of Ageism: Understanding Its Psychological and Social Impact Chapter 4 shifts focus to the psychological and social impact of ageism. Schmitt draws on research to demonstrate how age bias affects both those who experience it and those who perpetuate it. Key concepts in this chapter include:

Internalized Ageism:

Many older adults begin to internalize ageist stereotypes, leading to self-fulfilling prophecies. When individuals believe they are less capable or valuable due to their age, they may limit their own potential.

This phenomenon, known as "internalized ageism," can result in lower self-esteem, increased stress, and even reduced life expectancy.

Ageism and Mental Health:

Ageism can significantly affect mental health, contributing to feelings of depression, isolation, and anxiety among older individuals. The societal pressure to "stay young" can create unrealistic expectations that lead to mental and emotional strain.

The Impact on Physical Health:

Ageism also has physical consequences. Studies have shown that those who experience age discrimination may be less likely to seek medical care, which can exacerbate existing health problems. It can also affect how healthcare providers treat older patients, influencing the quality of care they receive.

Social Exclusion:

Ageism fosters social exclusion by isolating older adults from communities, workplaces, and even family interactions. The belief that aging means irrelevance or incapacity can lead to a lack of social engagement, further deepening isolation.

Ageism and Intergenerational Relations:

Ageist attitudes can damage intergenerational relationships, fostering distrust and misunderstanding between younger and older generations. The chapter highlights the importance of fostering empathy and respect across age groups to build stronger communities.

Ageism Unmasked: exploring age bias and how to end it by Gendron Tracey

Chapter 3: The Roots of Ageism: Understanding the Historical and Cultural Origins In this chapter, Schmitt delves into the historical and cultural roots of ageism. She explores how societal attitudes toward aging have evolved over time and the factors that have contributed to the formation of ageist biases. Key points include:

Historical Context:

The view of older adults has shifted dramatically from respect and reverence to marginalization and neglect. This chapter traces these changes through different historical eras and cultural shifts.

Industrialization and modernity played a key role in altering the traditional role of older adults, as younger generations took on more leadership roles due to the demands of new economies.

Cultural Influences:

Western societies, in particular, emphasize youth, productivity, and appearance, often making aging a source of shame. This cultural bias against aging has permeated media, advertising, and even health systems.

Age-related stereotypes are reinforced by the portrayal of older adults as burdens, helpless, or irrelevant in the media.

Medicalization of Aging:

As medicine advanced, aging was increasingly seen as something to be "fixed" or "fought against." This medicalization of aging led to an emphasis on youthfulness and health as measures of success, sidelining the natural aging process.

Ageism in the Workplace:

The workplace is a common site for age bias. Older workers are often viewed as less adaptable or less innovative, which influences hiring practices, promotions, and even the way older workers are treated.

Summary: This chapter highlights the struggles of older adults in housing, homelessness, and prisons. It discusses their heightened vulnerability during natural disasters due to physical frailty, medical needs, and inadequate support. Many face homelessness due to limited income and rising housing costs, with health crises exacerbating their situation. Older adults in prison also face unique challenges, including chronic illness and cognitive decline, often in harsh conditions. Advocates call for compassionate release for frail inmates, but legal obstacles persist. The chapter emphasizes the need for better healthcare, housing support, and prison reform to address the needs of aging individuals.

pg 31 - Long-Term Solutions: Policymakers must create systems to address the growing issue of aging prisoners with specialized care.

• Reentry Programs: Providing support for reentry into society for older prisoners may help reintegrate them and improve public health outcomes.

• Social Justice: Addressing age-related issues in the justice system is a key part of social justice and human rights for all.

pg 30 - Public Awareness: The public needs to understand the humanitarian crisis of aging in prison and advocate for systemic changes.

• Elder Rights: Advocacy for older adults both in the community and in prison, focusing on care, dignity, and compassionate release.

• Future Solutions: Exploring alternatives to incarceration for older adults, including home confinement or community-based healthcare programs.

pg 29 - Prison Aging Crisis: As the prison population ages, there is an urgent need for dementia care and end-of-life services.

• Medical Conditions: Older inmates have high rates of chronic diseases, which are exacerbated by prison conditions.

• Legislative Support: Calls for better healthcare access and housing adjustments for aging inmates.

pg 28 - Overcrowded Prisons: Rising prison populations make it more difficult to meet the needs of aging inmates.

• Federal vs. State Approaches: Different approaches to elder care in prisons, with some states expanding facilities for aging inmates, while others struggle with overcrowding.

• Dying in Prison: Many older prisoners, particularly those serving life sentences, will die behind bars due to limited release options.

pg 27 - Declining Prison Health: Prisons are not suitable for aging, causing physical and mental deterioration.

• Aging Inmates' Needs: Older inmates have a range of needs, including mobility aids, mental health care, and chronic illness management.

• Legislative Change: To address the issue, there is a need for policy change around compassionate release and prison reform.

pg 26 - Reform Needs: Prisons need reform to better address aging populations, including adequate medical care, appropriate housing, and dementia care.

• Financial Burden: Increased numbers of older prisoners will put a strain on the prison system’s healthcare budget.

• Compassionate Release Impact: Releasing older prisoners could save costs and improve their quality of life but remains a difficult challenge due to legal barriers.

pg 25 - Compassionate Release: Advocates call for early release of older, frail prisoners on humanitarian grounds, including dementia or terminal illness.

• Recidivism Rates: Older ex-prisoners have very low recidivism rates (3.2% for older adults vs. 50% for younger adults).

• Barriers to Release: Despite support, compassionate release is rarely granted due to strict sentencing laws and convictions for certain crimes.

pg 24 - Prison Conditions: Prisons are ill-equipped to handle aging populations, leading to issues like frailty, cognitive decline, and increased medical needs.

• High Costs: Older inmates cost 3-9 times more to incarcerate due to frequent healthcare visits.

• Dementia Care: Some prisons, like Fishkill, provide special care for dementia patients, but this is limited.

pg 23 - Prison Population: Older adults are increasingly imprisoned, with an estimated 165,000 inmates aged 55+.

• Prison Aging: Older prisoners experience significant health issues like mobility problems, chronic illnesses, and dementia.

• Growing Crisis: The number of older inmates is expected to rise, with one in three inmates projected to be over 55 by 2030.

pg 22 - Shelters & Risks: Shelters can be unsafe and uncomfortable, leading to abuse, depression, and physical decline.

• Family Support: Family may provide abuse rather than care for homeless older adults.

• Physical Health Decline: Aging worsens on the streets, with frailty, incontinence, and cognitive impairment becoming common in middle-aged homeless adults.

pg 21 - Homelessness Triggers: Job loss, health crises, medical bills, and death of a spouse can cause older adults to lose their housing.

• Limited Resources: Existing programs, like low-income housing and Social Security, are insufficient to address homelessness in older adults.

• Health Risks: Homeless older adults face heightened health issues, including ADL impairments, cognitive decline, and mental health issues.

pg 20 - Rising Numbers: In 2014, around 306,000 people aged 50+ were homeless, accounting for one-third of the homeless population.

• Veterans & Homelessness: Vietnam War veterans are particularly at risk for homelessness.

• Economic Vulnerability: Loss of income, health issues, or family loss can push older adults into homelessness.

pg 19 - Rising Numbers: In 2014, around 306,000 people aged 50+ were homeless, accounting for one-third of the homeless population.

• Veterans & Homelessness: Vietnam War veterans are particularly at risk for homelessness.

• Economic Vulnerability: Loss of income, health issues, or family loss can push older adults into homelessness.

pg 18 - Homeless Older Adults: A growing number of older adults, particularly black men from disadvantaged backgrounds, are homeless.

• Financial Strain: Older adults are often rent-burdened and at risk of homelessness due to medical bills, job loss, and other financial crises.

• Historical Factors: Long-term homelessness is linked to deinstitutionalization, mental illness, and the crack epidemic.

pg 17 - Climate Change & Extreme Weather: Heat waves and cold snaps pose risks like hypothermia and hyperthermia to older adults.

• Power Loss: Loss of power affects air conditioning, heating, and critical medical devices like nebulizers and oxygen.

• Raynaud's Syndrome: Cold temperatures can cause circulatory issues, leading to amputations.

pg 16 - Older Adults in Crisis: Older adults face heightened challenges during disasters, including medical resource strain, transportation issues, and medication access.

• Distrust: Some older adults may distrust social services due to past mistreatment.

• Short-term Support: Short-term relief, like evacuation during disasters, is sometimes ineffective.

pg 15 - Innovative Solutions: Age-friendly communities, elder co-housing, and intergenerational programs being explored.

• Awareness: Elder rights groups work to combat abuse and neglect.

pg 14 - Healthcare Strain: Aging population strains healthcare systems, especially for long-term care.

• Public Policy: Policies need to evolve to address Medicare, Social Security, and elder care.

pg 13 - Family Caregivers: Caregivers face stress and burnout.

• Technology: Telemedicine and robotic assistants offer potential, but access remains limited.

pg 12 - Poverty: Many older adults, especially minority and unmarried individuals, face poverty.

• Housing: Affordable housing is a major concern; many are at risk of homelessness.

pg 11 - Poverty: Many older adults, especially minority and unmarried individuals, face poverty.

• Housing: Affordable housing is a major concern; many are at risk of homelessness.

pg 10 - Global Aging: Aging is global, but support systems differ across countries.

• Cultural Differences: Attitudes toward aging vary; some cultures respect the elderly more.

pg 9 - Living Options: Choices include independent living, assisted living, and nursing homes.

• Aging in Place: Many older adults want to stay in their homes, using community support.

pg 8 - Chronic Health: Common health issues include arthritis, heart disease, and dementia.

• Mental Health: Depression and cognitive decline are common, worsened by isolation.

pg 7 - Financial Insecurity: Reliance on Social Security and pensions is often insufficient.

• Workforce: Older adults stay in the workforce longer but face age discrimination.

pg 6 - Disparities: Minority and low-income older adults face worse health outcomes.

• Technology: Older adults are using technology for healthcare, but barriers exist (digital divide).

pg 5 - Elder Abuse: Physical, emotional, and financial abuse is widespread in institutions.

• Limited Services: Older adults lack sufficient support for healthcare and daily needs.

• Unmet Needs: Service gaps persist due to underfunding.

pg 4 - Ageism: Negative attitudes towards aging lead to discrimination in work and healthcare.

• Family Care: Traditional family support is declining.

• Living Arrangements: Choices include independent living, assisted living, and nursing homes.

pg 3 - Chronic Diseases: Health issues like arthritis, heart disease, and dementia are prevalent.

• Functional Limitations: Many struggle with ADLs like dressing, bathing, and eating.

• Long-Term Care: Rising demand, putting strain on families.

pg 2 - Economic Strain: Fixed incomes and rising medical costs affect older adults.

• Social Isolation: Loneliness leads to depression and mental health issues.

• Disability: Common in older adults, affecting daily tasks.

pg 1 - Aging Population: Older adults increasing globally, creating challenges for healthcare, social services, and communities.

• Golden Years Myth: Aging brings poverty, health issues, and disabilities, not always an ideal phase.

pg 8 - Average annual earnings of older workers lag behind those os younger workers (but not as big as it once was in 1964/ narrowing) - Gap in 1964 between older and younger workers was $5,200 older to $26,900 younger - Gap in 1987 was $27,600 older to $49,000 younger - Gap in 2023 was $58,600 older to $73,700 younger - The gap as narrowed in part because older workers are working more hours than they used to in 1964 56% of older workers worked full time to 1987 47% but today 62% of 65+ work full time (65+ today work 1,573 hrs from 1,212hrs in 1987)

pg 7 - Adults 65+ is projected to be 8.6% of the labor force in 2033 up from 6.6% in 2022 - The Bureau of labor Statistics projections says that 21% of older adults will be in the labor force in 2032 from 19% in 2022

pg 6 - Today’s older Americans tend to have higher education levels than older workers did in the past (more education means more likely employment) - Older adults are healthier and less likely to have a disability than in the past (possible to extend their working lives) - Retirement plans have evolved (old-style pensions incentivized workers to retire at a specific age but contribution plans don't encourage early retirement) - Policy changes have discouraged early retirement (Social Security raised the age that workers receive their full retirement benefits form 65 to 67 encouraging older adults to delay retiring) - The nature of jobs has changed (Older workers prefer jobs that need less physical activity and allow for greater independence and more flexible work schedules and many occupations since 1990 have become more "age friendly") - Insurance salesperson, proofreader and financial manager are the more "age friendly" jobs today - 45% of employed older adults consider themselves to be retired as they can work part time

pg 5 - There are nearly 11 million older adults in the work force today (4x as much from the mid-1980s because of the bulk of the Baby boom generation) - But there are more available jobs for older adults too from an increase from 11% in 1987 to 19% now (similar to the 18% of 65+ workers in the early 1960s) - in 2000, the jobholding among people aged 25-634 peaked at 77% before the Great Recession - Employment of men aged 25-54 has decreased for decades while women's employment rate peaked around 2000 (unforntunately not returned to that level yet)

pg 4 - Today 59% of workers between the ages of 25-65 are white compared to 75% of 65+ workers - 19% of workers among the younger workforce are Hispanic and 9% are older workers - Immigrants/foreign born people are 20% of younger workers and 16% of older workers

pg 3 - Women also make up 47% of employed adults between the ages of 25 and 64 an increase from 44% in 1987 and 33% in 1964 - Older women also are more educated with a 4 year college degree at 42% from only 12% in 1987 (men and women are now as likely to have a bachelor's degree than ever before)

pg 2 - In 2023 older adults accounted for 7% of all wages and salaries paid by U.S. employers from 2% in 1987 - Older adults find more satisfaction with their jobs and less stress than younger workers today - Women make up a larger share of older workforce than in the past as women represent 46% of all workers aged 65+ by comparison to 40% in 1987 and 33% in 1964

pg 1 - 1/5 Americans ages 65+ were employed in 2023 (increase in older workers and also earning more) - 62% of older workers are full time compared to 47% in 1987 (older workers working more now than in the past) - Older workers also have more education with a bachelor's degree 44% from 1987 when there were only 18% - Also more likely to have benefits such as pensions plans and health insurance by their employer with 401(k) plans up from 36% now from 33% in 1987 and this has decreased the percent of younger workers having access from 55% in 1987 to now only 41%

Terminology Page: - An older worker refers to an employed person age 65 or older. - A younger worker refers to an employed person age 25 to 64. - The workforce refers to the employed population ages 16 and older. - The labor force includes all who are employed and those who are unemployed but looking for work. - Full-time work is defined as 35 hours a week or more.

pg 8 - The youth's vigor and yearning for the charismatic fresh face is ingrained into the cultural impulse that tends to disregard many of the qualities that make an effective political - Young politicians need time to learn the job without blowing significant opportunities

pg 7 - Pelosi, Schumer, and Biden believed in a similar worldview that accounts for their productivity for the ability to legislate in sync which they have been very successful especially at the start of their careers when Republicans were no match

pg 5 - Pelosi is not shy from punishing her members of Congress when she is not able to control them - Pelosi was not born with psychological acumen (good judgements) and self-confidence by the product of a long career

pg 4 - They spent heavily to decarbonize the economy and maintain national competitiveness in for generations and expanded child tax credit, a missive intergenerational transfer of wealth

pg 3 - Younger people are smart and quick but they don't have the experience that older candidates like Kevin McCarthy has a he try's to become speaker - Biden, Schumer, and Pelosi have presided over one of the most prolific legislative sessions in recent history - 1 Criticism to gerontocracy is that senior citizens are incapable of thinking towards the future, because they won't be around - Congress has passed a series of bills containing significant investments in clean energy in semiconductor manufacturing but the older leaders might not even live to fully enjoy

pg 2 - By hoarding leadership, the ruling oldsters have kept successor generations on the bench depriving them of their turn to run the country - The triopoly is over as Pelosi is stepping down and so is Biden

pg 1 - Nancy Pelosi (82), Chuck Schumer (72), and Joe Biden (80) have participated in politics for a combined 140 years - They have been politicians since 1987

pg 8 - Using Biden's exit as an example for mandatory age maximums for all federal elected officials and judges would require a constitutional amendment

pg 7 - Age restrictions are not perfect as if there was an age limit of 75 for political candidates, we wouldn't have had Benjamin Franklin (81) or Oliver Wendell Holmes and John Paul Stevens both Supreme Court justices retired at 90 - Age limits don't preclude people from serving their country: they can offer counsel and influence in many ways beyond holding an elected political position or judgeship

pg 6 - It is risky for higher age cutoffs like Vermont judges at 90 as at 80, risk of Alzheimer's dementia is 20% and 33% for 85 - The first signs of cognitive impairment appear at average 76 (Emanuel proposes cutoff at 75)

pg 5 - Age-related mental decline is not the same for ever person - Age limits are arbitrary and so are age minimums - We don't have the testing needed to make less arbitrary age limits

pg 4 - When someone did try to run against President Biden, his career as a political ended - Biden won the primary even though people saw him as old and too impaired

pg 3 - South Dakota voting on ballot to limit the age of its congressional candidates to 80 - 80% of the American public endorses an age limit for federal elected officials and 74% for Supreme Court Justices - People opposed to age limits argue that democracy self-corrects (if Biden had been on the ballot, no one would have been forced to vote for him) - Biden's 2024 presidential campaign was a clear example for rejecting cognitively declining politicians

pg 2 - The country has an interest in ensuring that cognitively impaired people are not elected to office and in particular, to the presidency the most powerful job in the world - The fairest solution is placing an age limit for all federal elected officials and judges; 32 states and DC have age limits for judges ranging 70-75 (Vermont is 90)

pg 1 - Plenty of occupations in U.S. with justifiable age limits: Commercial-airline pilots can't be ver 65, federal law enforcement officer can't be over 57... - Presidency doesn't right now have an official age restriction - President Biden told by Democrat party to step down due to worsening cognitive function but Republicans still want Trump to be their candidate after being 78 years old and delivering incoherent speeches

pg 2 - The 4 approved drugs fro Alzheimer's have no effect on the disease providing only temporary memory boost - Scientists who have possible cures for Alzheimer's are falling through the cracks and their research hidden from the public's view - Amyloid hypothesis for the cause of Alzheimer's is one of the most tragic stories in disease research neurobiologist Rachael Neve of Mass General says (billion down the drain) - Neve thinks that the reason that Alzheimer's hasn't been cured is because of the amyloid camp that dominated the field (Neve had to join to get grants) - Dr. Daniel Alkon started a company to develop an Alzheimer's treatment says if there wasn't such total dominance of the idea of amyloid, we would be 10-15 years where we are right now

pg 10 - A longtime pharma scientist who recently joined a biotech startup offered one explanation: If company executives greenlight the development of an amyloid drug and it fails, they don’t lose their jobs because “the smartest guys in the room, meaning academia, said this was the way to go,” he said. “But if you greenlighted a different kind of Alzheimer’s therapy, and it failed, good luck with your career.”

pg 9 - Alkon discovered in human neurons growing in lab dishes, bryostatin provided protection against amyloid and preserved synapses. In mice, it improved learning and memory even when amyloid levels remained high - Bryostatin was extremely safe but the only way they would consider it was if it stopped amyloid insted of the interest with the effects on synapses - It isn’t hard to understand why hundreds of academics lined up behind the amyloid model over the years, Fitzpatrick said. “Once a field commits to a particular hypothesis, the research resources — funding, experimental models, and training — all get in line,” she wrote in a 2018 analysis. That brings backers of the dominant idea accolades, awards, lucrative consulting deals, and well-paid academic appointments.

pg 8 - It is not worth fighting in the Alzheimer's war - For young academics, biotech executive Dr. Raymond Tesi said, “it’s difficult to break into a field with so many strong voices supporting a single target. Alzheimer’s has egos and superstars and big personas unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere - In 2015, Tesi and others eventually scraped together enough support, including a $1 million grant from the Alzheimer’s Association, to found INmune Bio and develop a compound to quell neuroinflammation. That year, he estimated, 90% of NIH, industry, and private foundation spending on Alzheimer’s research and drug development was premised on the idea that eliminating or reducing amyloid was the route to success - If n anti-inflammatory helps such patients, that could have been discovered millions of ravaged minds ago. “We probably lost five years,” said Tesi

pg 7 - Mid 1990s a defunct San Francisco biotechnology company engineered mice with a mutated amyloid-producing human gene and it filled with amyloid plaques and memories were destroyed - If you stop[ed the amyloid the mice got better Alkon former NIH neuroscientist said (then big pharma did the same) - Despite success in millions of mice, none worked in patients - Although brains of elderly Alzheimer's patients had amyloid plaques, so did the brains of people the same age who died with no signs of dementia (study in 1991) - Nikolaos Robakis neuroscientist of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai said Somehow the field believed all the studies supporting it, but not those raising doubts, which were very strong. The many weaknesses in the theory were ignored - Perry fared better, rising to become dean of the College of Sciences at UT San Antonio, but saw many of his NIH grant proposals rejected by NIH study sections. A friend on one “told me my NIH grant was sacked due to my anti-amyloid stance”

pg 6 - Mount Sinai and Harvard tied infectious agents to Alzheimer's more strongly than any previous research supporting the idea that targeting pathogens and not the response of pathogens (amyloid plaques) might prevent or slow Alzheimer's - A Taiwan study found that people diagnosed with herpes infections were 2.6 times as likely to develop dementia as herpes-free individuals but antiviral drugs cut the risk to 90% - In 1906 German neuropathologist Dr. Alois Alzheimer examined the brain of a 51 year-old women who had died from what he called presenile dementia and identified sticky plaques between neurons and tangles of filamentous proteins with them - In 1984 scientists determined the weight, length, and precise molecular sequence of the protein fragment that makes up the brain plaques (beta-amyloid) - 1987 discovery by Neve and her colleagues of one amyloid related gene came several more, all linking mutations in genes called PS1, PS2, and APP to early-onset Alzheimer’s, which accounts for about 5% of cases - 1991 discovery of one APP mutation (there are many) was the most-cited paper in all of biomedicine that year. The mutations all raise amyloid levels, and people with them develop Alzheimer’s before age 65

pg 5 - The Alzheimer’s Association awards its Zenith Fellowships to scientists "on the cutting edge” of research, acknowledging that their studies “may not conform to current conventional scientific wisdom or may challenge the prevailing orthodoxy." - In 2004 Itzhaki applied for a grant to fund a study on the role of herpes simplex virus in Alzheimer's but was given 2 bad reviews along with 2 outstanding ones showing the power of the amyloid camp - The same year, Itzhaki's colleague neuroscientist George Perry from the University of Texas at San Antonia talked the Alzheimer's Association International Conferences into giving Itzhaki 10 minutes to persuade them for a grant - in 2009, Itzhaki showed that herpes simplex virus type 1 is a strong risk in factor for Alzheimer's and in 2007 that beta-amyloid accumulates in a mouse brains that are infected with it

pg 4 Ruth Itzhaki said she felt like she was in a house of mirrors (molecular neurobiologist at University of Manchester) - Nearly half a dozen journals rejected Itzhaki's paper before it was accepted by the Journal of Medical Virology (not a leading journal) - Itzhaki wasn't dismissing the idea that amyloid has a role in Alzheimer's but was questioning if it was the cause and a good drug target (she saw the consequences of the true cause)

pg 3 - There have been red flags over the decades for amyloid alone (risk of putting all eggs into 1 basket Susan Fitzpatrick the president of James S. McDonnell Foundation said) - Zaven Khachaturian spent years NIH overseeing its early Alzheimer's funding said that it went from scientific inquiry to almost religious belief system - 5.8 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer's (1-10 over 65 and 5th leading cause of death in 65+) - Dr. Paul Aisen of University of Southern California said we wouldn't be further if there was more openness to other ideas - Dr. Dennis Selkoe of Harvard a prominent amyloid research said that low NIH funding for Alzheimer's from 1980s through 2000s, is to blame for alternative ideas languishing

pg 1 - 30 years of biomedical research has cut death from cardiovascular disease by more than 50% and cancer drug treat incurable tumors

pg 18 - Getting used to the idea of dying is difficult both emotionally and physically - Healthy neurons form structures like train tracks which giude nutrients and molecules from the body down to the ends of axons but when affected by Alzheimer's, these structures collapse

pg 2 - Parents lived through suck a tragedy which gave Debaggio optimism - Debaggio feels something uneasy one warm sunny day

pg 4 - Aducanumab rebranded to Aduhelm and was approved - The first FDA-approved drug that claimed to slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease which could be greet with jubilation instead of a means for justification against objections from doctors, nurses, and others - Sarah Gilbert's mom has Alzheimer's and to find the truth about Aduhelm was like the rug being pulled out from under them - Leqembi was approved in 2023. Donanemab is on track for FDA approval. More drugs are in the pipeline that appear to be effective at eliminating the amyloid plaques but have undetermined clinical efficacy and safety profiles - Alzheimer's disease affects 6.7 Americans and nearly 50 million may have preclinical iterations of the disease

pg 3 - People still discussing if the amyloid theory is viable (lack of genuine breakthrough vs. new class of drugs) - Begley in 2019 mentioned the failed 2019 drug abucanumab which halted in clinical trail for risk of dangerous side effects just 2 years later created the next crisis of confidence in Alzheimer's research

pg 2 - Scientist haven noticed that people with Alzheimer's had a lot of plaque in their brains primarily made up of amyloid protein. They theorized that his build-up could be responsible for Alzheimer's uniquely devastating symptoms which over time will rob a person of their very identity and always leads to death (amyloid hypothesis) - Begely documented that institutional inertia that dismissed any alternative theories of the disease and quashed funding that might support outside-of-the-box investigations

pg 1 - No real improvement to understanding cause of Alzheimer's - Alzheimer's study is among the most cited papers ever to be retracted after accumulating nearly 2,500 citations over the past 18 years (doctored images)

pg 26 - But James walks out wandering into the street until the grandsons will find him - Debbie will feel guilty and take James's condition more seriously - Debbie can't believe her father anymore when he says he won't wander or everything is okay

pg 25 - James remembers memory through old sons - Debbie has had a good day and all of the major problems like how to get help for her father can wait

pg 24 - Rob Hagans feels guilty like there was something to stop his father that day and maybe he would be alive today

pg 23 - Hagans originally thought his father was the victim of a crime but has come to the conclusion it was more likely that Bob wandered and got lost - A decent amount of people die from wandering but there isn't a stat

pg 22 - Hagans is 48 divorced and living in with his parents in New York - Bob spent his whole life avoiding doctors (dislocated shoulder for 2 months and then went to the hospital) - Bob's father was 76 and took a walk when he went missing for days (mostly had a form of Alzheimer') - People found his skull 18 months later

pg 21 - Debbie's father said he wouldn't wanderer anymore and she believed him - But her father doesn't have control over that anymore

pg 20 - Berry says his mind is scattered trying to remember his house and stores - The police suggested a gps but Debbie thinks that it will give her father a false sense that he can come and go when he wants - Debbie can also fill out a MedicAlert bracelet but she hasn't had the time to do so

pg 19 - You can do everything right most of the time, but things still go wrong with wandering dementia persons - "You know the saying it takes a village to raise a child?” she says. “Well, it takes an army to care for a wandering senior”

pg 18 - Patricia's mother wandered to a funeral home - Another story with Patricia's mother - They put special locks on the doors of their home, put a MedicAlert bracelet on, and tried not to leave her mother alone with schedules

pg 17 - Patricia Triantafilou was running an errand on her lunch break when she saw an elderly women dressed in really warm close in late-September - The old women fell and called the police - Patricia said she is always her heightened awareness around senior citizens helps as her mother was a wonderer

pg 16 - Old friend and neighbor found Debbie's father (8 km away) - The police brought him back but the problem wasn't over

pg 15 - They move till they get stuck and then go to places their families wouldn't expect like deep woods

pg 14 - Robert J. Koester came up with a questionnaire for dementia wanderers - Koester says "it's the ultimate detective game" - After 2,200 wandering cases, Koester has learned that most dementia-driven wanderers in cities are found within 3.2 km from home or the location they disappeared

pg 13 - Sargent Robert Sandford says that they take lost dementia people like amber alerts - If not found within the first 24 hrs, there is 50% you won't find them - 300 meter search around last known property

pg 12 - Alzheimer's impairs judgment and it doesn't come to mind to ask for help - Wanderers may not realize how cold or far they are or to eat or drink; maybe not even that he/she is lost

pg 11 - Hippocampus: horseshoe-shaped chunk of the brain essential for creating new memories - When Alzheimer’s sets in, the window opens and papers begin blowing off the top. You may forget about the conversation you had an hour ago but remember every detail of your wedding in 1956 - Getting lost isn't just about forgetting as you need to know where you are going to remember the destination, but to get there you need not only memory but the ability to navigate

pg 10 - Dr. Carmela Tartaglia says "Getting lost is not a normal part of the aging process" - Most wanderers have Alzheimer's which is a dementia-causing disease that disrupts communication among neurons in areas of the brain responsible for memory, thought, language, and judgment

pg 9 - Debbie got home and was nowhere to be found - It was supposed to get below zero and Debbie called the police

pg 7 - Debbie wanted to stay and watch her father but had to make bills for family (she worked 6 days) - She called the house to no response and had a weird feeling so she left work early and called her son to see if he knew

pg 8 - Debbie hadn't had a kind life (parents divorce, pregnant at 17, divorce of her own, financial troubles, mother died, moved into mother's house - Debbie's 40 year old son doesn't help much and her 39 year old son has schizophrenia

pg 6 - Wandering is one of the least manageable and most emotionally draining behaviors busy working family remembers have to deal with and eventually leads to nursing homes - Silver alert program for missing elders in 2011 by provincial government - Problem is families don't see risk of people getting lost

pg 5 - In Toronto, police say 5 seniors are reported missing every day -Around 207,000 people in Ontario live with dementia which means about 124,000 of them will wander - Population expected to grow to 250,000 in 5 years + 30,000 more wanderers

pg 4 - With 80 years of history in Toronto, James Berry could be anywhere - There wasn't a warning because his family accepted the possibility

pg 4 - Nina Silverstein and colleagues wrote the 2006 book Dementia and Wandering Behavior - People with dementia often begin to wander toward a past they think is the present (lost literally and in history) - Berry remembered where he grew up, djing in the 1970s, etc

pg 3 - 750,000 Canadians have Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias - 6 in 10 people with dementia, or 450,000 Canadians, will wander at least once - 1.4 million Canadians will have dementia by 2031 in the absence of a cure - 900,000 of them will wander - $1,500 estimated per hour cost of a missing person search for a dementia wanderer - $33 billion cost per year to Canadian economy in dementia-related medical expenses and lost earnings - $293 billion cost per year to Canadia

pg 2 - He lived with his daughter and 2 grandsons - Berry took a step and a gear shifted in his brain and he couldn't recognize his surroundings - Debbie Berry had warned her father not to go out alone when she was at work

pg 1 - 60% of people with Alzheimer's and forms of dementia become lost at least once - James Berry left his house and got lost at age 78

Summary: - Steve Block can't remember 1st day as homeless person - Steven escaped a nursing home at age 69 - Steven has dementia and his brain fills blank spaces with stories - Steven does remember growing up on a farm in Minnesota, married, studied journalism in community college, moved to New Mexico - Steven was popular in his town and was kind to his ex-wife - Says he was hit by a car but actually fell in his home around noon - Steven had alcohol-induced dementia - Steven was moved to a nursing home to heal for 8 months and thinks he works as a supervisor - Steven smoked and so he was discharged (it made news) - Steven somehow travelled to Santa Fe and stays in homeless shelter - In 2019, 250,000 Americans over 55 spent some part of the year homeless - Steven now lives in an apartment alone in Minnesota smoking and watching ESPN (with some family assistance)

ch 2 pg 4 - Whatever can be proved to be good must be so by being shown to be a means to something admitted to be good without proof - there is a comprehensive formula, including all things which are in themselves good, and that what ever else is good, is not so as an end, but as a mean, the formula may be accepted or rejected, but is not a subject of what is commonly understood by proof - Mill will attempt to enter into the philosophical grounds which can be given for assenting to the utilitarian standard, I shall offer some illustrations of the doctrine itself; with the view of showing more clearly what it is, distinguishing it from what it is not, and disposing of such of the practical objections to it as either originate in, or are closely connected with, mistaken interpretations of its meaning

ch 2 pg 22

Unacknowledged Influence of Utility: - Mill is suggesting that when people make moral decisions, they often do so unconsciously, allowing personal desires or biases to influence their decisions. This is seen as a subtle misuse of utility—using it to justify selfish or biased behavior without realizing it. - He argues that this potential for misuse exists in all ethical systems, but it becomes more apparent in utilitarianism, where decisions are often justified by the consequences they produce (in terms of happiness or well-being).

Conflict Between Secondary Principles: - Secondary principles are the general rules or guidelines that people follow, such as "do not lie" or "help others." These rules are derived from the core principle of utility (i.e., maximizing happiness), but they function independently for practical purposes. - However, conflicts between secondary principles can arise. For example, telling a lie might seem justified in a situation where it could prevent harm, but this contradicts the secondary principle of veracity (truth-telling). - Mill asserts that only in such cases of conflict between secondary principles is it necessary to refer back to the primary principle—utility (maximizing happiness) —to decide which course of action should take precedence.

Moral Obligation and Secondary Principles: - Mill emphasizes that in every case of moral obligation, there is always at least one secondary principle involved. This means that even when we're deciding between competing actions, there is some guiding moral rule that we follow. - If only one secondary principle applies, there should be little confusion in recognizing what action is required, provided we understand the principle and its consequences.

ch 2 pg 21

Objection: The Difficulty of Applying Utilitarianism in Complex Situations In this section, Mill addresses another set of criticisms often leveled against utilitarianism. Critics argue that utilitarians will inevitably manipulate the principle of utility to justify unethical actions in their own particular case. Specifically, they contend that an individual, when under temptation, might see a greater utility in breaking a rule than in following it, thereby making exceptions for themselves. Mill defends utilitarianism against this charge by highlighting the broader philosophical context of moral systems.

The Role of Secondary Principles - Mill begins by reminding us that every ethical system requires secondary principles to apply its fundamental moral theory. Secondary principles are rules of conduct or guidelines derived from the primary moral principle (in this case, the principle of utility). He acknowledges that all ethical systems—whether utilitarian or otherwise—use secondary principles to guide moral decision-making. These secondary principles are crucial for translating abstract ethical principles into practical rules of behavior. - No System Can Be Without Secondary Principles: Mill argues that it is impossible to have a moral system that does not rely on secondary principles. All ethical systems, including utilitarianism, must have these principles to apply the fundamental moral guideline to the specific circumstances of life. Therefore, any argument against utilitarianism based on the supposed absence of secondary principles is not valid because all ethical systems rely on them. - Experience as a Guide: Utilitarianism, like any other moral system, depends on human experience. Just as humans have learned over time what leads to human flourishing and happiness, they have also learned how to apply these lessons in a practical way through secondary rules. These principles are drawn from empirical experience and historical understanding, making them grounded in human life rather than theoretical abstraction.

The Common Problem of Conflicting Obligations - Mill turns to a key criticism: the tendency of all moral systems, including utilitarianism, to permit exceptions or to create moral dilemmas when rules conflict. Critics argue that utilitarianism provides a dangerous latitude, allowing individuals to make exceptions to moral rules based on self-interest. - Conflicting Moral Duties: Mill argues that this problem of conflicting duties is not unique to utilitarianism. All moral systems have to contend with situations in which two moral rules conflict with each other, making it impossible to fully observe both. The existence of conflicting moral duties is not a flaw of utilitarianism but a reflection of the complexity of human life itself. - No Moral System is Exception-Free: Every moral system must allow for some flexibility in applying its rules. In practice, conflicting duties arise frequently, and no ethical system is without the potential for self-deception or moral compromise in such cases. It is not the fault of utilitarianism, but rather the complicated nature of human affairs, that moral rules often need to be adjusted to fit particular circumstances.

The Practical Benefit of Utilitarianism in Resolving Conflicts - A Common Standard for Resolving Conflicts: Mill asserts that the presence of a single, unifying principle—in this case, the principle of utility—provides a clearer framework for resolving moral conflicts than moral systems that lack such a common standard. When two duties conflict, utilitarianism can serve as a "common umpire" that judges which action maximizes happiness. This is a critical strength of the utilitarian approach, as it offers a way to prioritize and resolve competing obligations. - Moral Systems Without a Common Standard: In contrast, other ethical systems that claim independent authority for different moral laws (such as deontological ethics) have no common principle by which to resolve conflicts between duties. Without a single, overarching principle, these systems are left with competing and sometimes contradictory rules, making it difficult to determine which rule should take precedence. In such cases, moral reasoning often falls into sophistry or arbitrary decision-making. - Utility as a Unifying Standard: Mill maintains that the principle of utility serves as a unifying standard for moral decision-making. It provides a clear, rational way of resolving conflicts between competing duties and obligations. Although the application of this standard may be difficult, Mill argues that it is still better than having no ultimate guiding principle at all. Without such a principle, moral systems can become incoherent and ineffective.

ch 2 pg 20

The Historical Experience of Moral Learning - Moral Learning Over Time: Mill begins by rejecting the notion that we need to re-assess the morality of every action from scratch. Humanity has had ample time to learn from experience the effects of actions on human happiness. Over the course of human history, people have learned, through trial and error, the consequences of behaviors like murder, theft, and deceit. These lessons are not new; they have been accumulated over generations. - Moral Experience is Already Available: The idea that every individual needs to start from square one when considering whether an action (like theft or murder) is harmful to human happiness is, according to Mill, absurd. Such actions are already widely recognized as damaging to societal well-being. Therefore, people don’t need to "reinvent the wheel" every time they face a moral dilemma; the essential lessons of morality have already been learned and passed down through culture, education, and law. - The Role of Shared Beliefs: Mill argues that if utilitarianism were adopted as a general moral principle, people would quickly come to a shared understanding of what promotes happiness and what harms it. Laws, societal norms, and education would be aligned to teach people what actions contribute to the general good. The idea that the principle of utility would leave people without moral guidance is misleading. On the contrary, such a principle would provide the foundation for moral rules and laws that help guide behavior.

The Progress of Moral Philosophy and its Practical Application - Moral Codes Aren’t Infallible: Mill acknowledges that humanity still has much to learn about the effects of different actions on happiness. Ethical codes and moral principles are not divinely ordained or perfect; they are the result of collective human experience. Philosophers and moral thinkers have made progress over time, and this process of refining ethical principles is ongoing. - Moral Rules Are Secondary to the First Principle: However, Mill stresses that it is crucial to separate the first principle of utility (that happiness is the ultimate aim of morality) from the secondary rules or guidelines that we follow in daily life. The first principle doesn’t require constant recalculation of happiness in every action. Just as a traveler doesn’t need to constantly refer to a map to understand their final destination, a person following utilitarian ethics doesn’t need to constantly evaluate the effects of every action in terms of utility. General rules of morality, based on the principle of utility, can serve as reliable guides, and these rules have been developed over time. - The Use of Secondary Rules: Mill uses the analogy of navigation to illustrate his point. Just as sailors don’t recalculate their route by starting from astronomical principles every time they set sail, people do not need to continuously compute the effects of their actions in terms of happiness. Instead, they use secondary rules (such as "don’t steal" or "don’t lie") that have already been shown to lead to happiness and well-being in the long run. These rules are derived from the fundamental principle of utility but serve as practical, actionable guidelines for everyday life. - A Rational Approach: The key idea here is that rational creatures do not need to constantly re-derive the fundamental principles of morality in every situation. Instead, they operate based on accumulated wisdom and rules that have already been practically calculated and proven effective. This is not a form of intellectual laziness; rather, it is a sign of rationality. Just as sailors rely on the Nautical Almanac (which has already been calculated for them) to navigate the seas, individuals use established moral rules to navigate the moral landscape of life.

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Expediency vs. Utility - The Stigma of Expediency: Mill begins by addressing a common misconception: that utilitarianism is simply a form of expediency, which implies an unethical or selfish approach to morality. "Expedient" is often used in everyday language to describe actions that are pragmatic or convenient, but at the expense of principles or morals. For example, a political leader might sacrifice the long-term interests of their country for personal gain or to maintain power. - Expedient vs. Useful: Mill makes an important distinction here. When the word "expedient" is used in contrast to "right," it often refers to actions taken for immediate personal gain or temporary benefit, without regard for longer-term consequences or moral rules. In this sense, expediency may even lead to harmful outcomes. The "expedient" thing to do may be short-sighted, violating higher moral principles that are more beneficial in the long term. For example, telling a lie might seem expedient to achieve a short-term goal, but it violates a fundamental moral rule: truthfulness. - The Importance of Veracity: Mill emphasizes the importance of veracity as a fundamental principle that upholds the trustworthiness of human communication and relationships. Deception, even if it serves a short-term gain, weakens this essential social bond and has far-reaching consequences. The truthfulness of human assertion is a cornerstone of social order, virtue, and happiness on a large scale. A single act of dishonesty can undermine this trust and have detrimental effects on society as a whole. Therefore, even if it seems expedient to tell a lie to solve an immediate problem, it is not truly expedient in the broader sense of utility, as it ultimately harms social well-being and long-term happiness. - Exceptions to the Rule: However, Mill acknowledges that there are exceptions to this rule of truth-telling. For example, withholding the truth to prevent harm—such as not telling a murderer where a victim is hiding, or not informing a terminally ill patient of their condition—may be morally justified if it prevents greater harm to others. Mill argues that these exceptions should be carefully considered and defined. The principle of utility can help to balance these conflicting moral considerations, helping us to determine when the utility of telling the truth outweighs the utility of withholding the truth (or vice versa). - Weighing Conflicting Utilities: The key idea here is that utilitarianism is not a rigid system of rules but a flexible, pragmatic framework that allows us to weigh different kinds of utility against each other. The utilitarian approach can provide guidance on how to navigate situations where principles conflict, and it encourages us to make decisions based on the overall utility, or happiness, of those affected.

Objection: Lack of Time for Calculation - The Criticism of Impracticality: Mill addresses a common objection: that there is not enough time to calculate the effects of a course of action on the general happiness before taking action. Critics often argue that utilitarianism is impractical because it demands that we calculate and weigh the consequences of our actions in real-time, which can be time-consuming and difficult, especially in urgent situations. - A False Objection: Mill dismisses this objection by suggesting that it is based on a misunderstanding of the practical application of utilitarianism. He argues that just as we don’t calculate every single action based on moral principles before acting, we also don't need to pause and consciously calculate the consequences of our actions before making every decision. Most of the time, our habits, instincts, and education already guide us to make moral decisions quickly and effectively. These judgments may not always be based on explicit calculations of utility, but they are still consistent with the principle of promoting happiness and reducing suffering. - The Role of Moral Training: Mill argues that, in practice, we are often able to act in a morally appropriate way without consciously calculating utility because we have been trained to recognize and value actions that lead to the greatest happiness. Over time, society, education, and personal experience help us internalize these moral rules and understand how our actions affect the happiness of others. - Utilitarianism's Long-Term Application: The key point is that utilitarianism is not a system of constant, immediate calculation but one that is based on general principles that we can apply without needing to consciously measure every single action. In everyday life, our knowledge of what generally leads to the greatest good allows us to make quick decisions that align with utilitarian principles, even if we don’t explicitly consider the consequences of every action.

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Misunderstanding Utilitarianism as a "Godless" Doctrine - The Charge of Being "Godless": Mill acknowledges that one frequent accusation against utilitarianism is that it is a godless doctrine. Some critics believe that because utilitarianism focuses on the pursuit of happiness, it does not recognize or integrate a divine moral law. Mill takes issue with this charge, asserting that the question of whether utilitarianism is "godless" hinges on how one conceives of the moral character of God. - God's Desire for Happiness: If one holds the belief that God’s central desire is for the happiness of His creatures and that He created humanity with this purpose in mind, then utilitarianism, which also centers around maximizing happiness, can be seen as deeply religious. In fact, Mill suggests that utilitarianism aligns more closely with the divine will than other moral systems because it seeks to promote the well-being and happiness of individuals, which is presumed to be God's ultimate purpose. - Revealed Will of God and Utility: Mill further clarifies that a utilitarian who believes in the perfect goodness and wisdom of God would necessarily believe that any moral guidance or revelation from God would be in harmony with the principles of utility. He suggests that, in such a view, God’s moral will would align with the promotion of happiness or utility. Therefore, utilitarianism is not inherently "godless"; rather, it can be seen as fulfilling divine moral intentions if one accepts the view that God desires happiness for all. - Religion's Role in Ethics: Mill also addresses the point that others, even outside of utilitarianism, believe the Christian revelation—or religious teachings more generally—was intended to inspire human beings to discern and pursue what is right, rather than providing specific moral rules. He argues that this is compatible with utilitarianism because utilitarians can still use religious teachings as guidance on what promotes happiness or reduces suffering. Whether one views religion as an authoritative source of moral law or as a guide to moral sentiment, utilitarianism can incorporate religious insights, provided they are understood in terms of their practical utility for human well-being. - The Practical Role of Utilitarianism in Ethical Decision-Making Utilitarianism's Mode of Decision-Making: Mill emphasizes that utilitarianism provides a tangible and intelligible mode of deciding moral questions, even when different moral systems or standards of right and wrong are in conflict. While moral differences are inevitable, utilitarianism offers a clear framework to resolve such differences by focusing on the consequences of actions in terms of happiness. This practical approach is something that can guide ethical behavior in real-world situations, offering a unified standard for determining what actions increase or diminish happiness. - Repression and Prevention of Immoral Conduct: Mill defends utilitarianism’s role in promoting the moral law by arguing that it highlights the importance of repressing and preventing conduct that violates moral principles—specifically, conduct that causes unnecessary suffering or unhappiness. By focusing on the consequences of actions, utilitarianism brings attention to the importance of maintaining social order and harmony, which aligns with the goal of reducing human suffering.

Clarifying Common Misapprehensions About Utilitarianism - Voluntary Ignorance and Prejudice: Mill points out that people often misunderstand utilitarianism because of their prejudices or voluntary ignorance. Even well-educated individuals can misinterpret ethical doctrines, especially when they are biased against a particular system. He notes that this failure to engage with utilitarianism in a thoughtful way leads to many common misconceptions about its nature. For example, some people dismiss it as godless without understanding its deeper implications. - Utilitarianism and Moral Judgments: Another subtle criticism Mill addresses is the tendency of critics to misunderstand the nature of utilitarian moral judgments. They may think that utilitarianism is cold, calculating, or indifferent to personal qualities, but as Mill has previously argued, utilitarianism does recognize human feelings and the moral qualities of actions—it simply judges actions by their outcomes, which are more directly tied to human happiness and suffering.

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Action vs. Character: The Role of Virtue in Utilitarianism - The moral judgment of actions: Mill stresses that the moral evaluation of an action should not depend on the qualities of the person performing it, such as whether they are brave, amiable, or benevolent. The rightness or wrongness of an action should be judged solely based on its consequences in terms of happiness and suffering. This is central to the utilitarian approach: the ethical value of an action comes from its ability to increase happiness or reduce suffering, not from the character of the person performing it. If the objection to utilitarianism is that it fails to consider the personal qualities of the agent, Mill counters that this is a flaw in any ethical system that aims to judge actions independently of the agent’s character. - The importance of the agent's qualities: While utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions, Mill acknowledges that human beings are concerned not only with the rightness or wrongness of actions but also with the qualities of the people who perform them. The utilitarian system does not disregard these qualities; it simply recognizes that they are more relevant to our evaluation of the person, rather than the action itself. The Stoic approach, which conflates virtue with everything else, is, for Mill, too narrow. He does not claim that the virtuous person is inherently superior in every regard, but rather that their actions, in the long run, are the best evidence of their moral character. - Good character and good actions: Mill is clear that, for utilitarians, the best proof of a good character is consistently good actions. A person may have virtuous intentions or good qualities, but if their actions tend to produce bad outcomes, their character is not deemed truly virtuous. This stance makes utilitarianism unpopular with those who emphasize the importance of personal qualities regardless of outcomes. However, Mill maintains that this is an unpopularity shared by anyone who takes the moral distinction between right and wrong seriously. The focus on good actions is what makes utilitarianism a practical and consistent ethical theory, but it does not mean that virtues like courage, kindness, or generosity are unimportant. They are seen as qualities that are to be cultivated because they tend to lead to actions that promote happiness. - The Criticism of Utilitarianism's Exclusive Focus on Action A possible overemphasis on actions: Mill admits that some utilitarians may, indeed, place too much emphasis on the morality of actions at the expense of other qualities that make a person lovable or admirable. This critique is not unique to utilitarianism, as it applies to any moral system that prioritizes actions over character development. He suggests that such utilitarians may lack a fuller understanding of the subtler aspects of human nature, such as the cultivation of sympathies, artistic appreciation, and other qualities that make life rich and meaningful. - Room for improvement: Mill argues that the issue of an overemphasis on action is one of degree and perspective. Some utilitarians may be too rigid in their moral judgments, while others may be more lenient or indulgent. However, he defends the utilitarian approach, suggesting that if there is to be an error in moral thinking, it is preferable for it to be on the side of being too concerned with action (and its consequences) rather than neglecting its importance. - The balance of virtues: Mill also acknowledges that, like any moral system, utilitarianism has its own range of application. Some utilitarians may focus on the rigid application of the standard, while others may allow for more flexibility. What matters is not the rigidity or flexibility, but the fundamental principle that human actions should promote happiness and alleviate suffering. In practice, this leads to an appreciation of a wide range of qualities, both in terms of actions and the virtues that motivate them.

The Value of Other Qualities Beyond Virtue - Admitting the importance of non-virtuous qualities: Mill is clear that utilitarianism does not ignore qualities other than virtue. He explicitly states that utilitarians acknowledge the worth of qualities like intelligence, beauty, charm, and personal grace. Virtue alone does not make a person admirable in every respect, and a person who acts virtuously does not automatically possess every other desirable quality. Utilitarianism recognizes that there are a variety of factors that contribute to a person's overall goodness, and it is willing to give value to these qualities. - Humanizing utilitarianism: In this sense, Mill seeks to humanize utilitarianism. It is not just a dry, impersonal calculus of consequences but also a system that accounts for the complex, multifaceted nature of human beings. While actions are the focal point of moral evaluation, utilitarianism is not indifferent to the richness of human character. Mill is careful to make clear that good character, in the utilitarian sense, is not only measured by the outcomes of one’s actions but is also connected to qualities that nurture and sustain happiness in both oneself and others.

ch 2 pg 16 Clarifying the Role of Duty and the Scope of Consideration - Narrowing the scope of moral consideration: Mill argues that the majority of good actions are not made for the benefit of society at large, but rather for individuals. This is an important distinction. In utilitarianism, the good of the world is the sum of the good of individuals. The vast majority of virtuous actions occur in the context of private relationships and the immediate interests of those involved, rather than on a broad societal scale. Only in rare instances, when an individual has the ability to impact society more broadly (for example, being a public benefactor), does the utilitarian principle of maximizing public happiness come into play. For the most part, people act on behalf of their friends, family, or community, and this is entirely consistent with utilitarian ethics. - Focus on private utility: In the majority of cases, the utilitarian simply needs to consider how their actions affect the well-being of those directly involved in the situation. The utilitarian principle asks that one considers whether their actions may harm others (i.e., infringe on rights or legitimate expectations), but the focus is not on distant or abstract concerns like society at large. Instead, the utilitarian's main concern is the happiness or well-being of the individuals they are directly interacting with, unless the action would affect broader society in a significant way. - Obligations in cases of abstinence: Mill acknowledges that there are certain actions (such as abstaining from harmful behavior) where people are required to act in accordance with general moral principles that consider society as a whole. For example, refraining from doing something that could be individually beneficial but harmful in the broader context is an important part of moral decision-making. In this case, the utilitarian must understand that while the specific action may be advantageous to one person, its general practice would be harmful to society. This recognition is important for understanding the moral obligation to refrain from such actions.

Addressing the Reproach of Coldness and Lack of Sympathy - Countering the accusation of coldness: Mill confronts the criticism that utilitarianism reduces people to calculating machines, devoid of empathy or personal affection. Critics often argue that utilitarianism "chills" moral feelings by focusing exclusively on the consequences of actions, which seem detached from the emotional or relational aspects of human life. Mill rejects this critique, stating that utilitarianism does not disregard personal relationships or feelings. Instead, it simply prioritizes actions that maximize happiness, and personal relationships, which often promote happiness, are central to this system. - Recognition of personal feelings and relationships: Mill emphasizes that the utilitarian ethics is not "cold" because it requires a dispassionate calculation of happiness. On the contrary, it acknowledges the deep importance of personal relationships. The happiness of individuals, especially those we care for, is a key part of the overall utility that utilitarianism seeks to maximize. It is precisely these close relationships and personal feelings that make certain actions morally right or wrong, as they directly contribute to the well-being of the individuals involved.

ch 2 pg 15 - Misunderstanding of the utilitarian standard: Mill acknowledges that some critics of utilitarianism may misunderstand its demands, suggesting that it asks too much of individuals by requiring them to always act with the promotion of the general good in mind. However, Mill argues that this critique confuses moral standards with motives. The standard of morality, according to utilitarianism, tells us what our duties are (i.e., what actions promote the greatest happiness). However, the system does not demand that the motive behind every action be purely selfless or altruistic. - Motives are secondary to the morality of the action: Mill makes an important distinction between the morality of an action and the motive behind it. He states that ethics concerns itself with determining whether an action is right or wrong based on its consequences (the promotion of happiness or the reduction of suffering), not the internal motives of the agent. For example, if someone saves a person from drowning, their action is morally right, regardless of whether their motive is duty or the hope of receiving a reward. The same applies to negative actions: a betrayal is morally wrong, even if the motive is to serve a greater good for another person. - Criticizing the focus on motives: Mill points out that utilitarianism has, in fact, gone further than most ethical systems in separating the worth of an action from the motive behind it. While the motive can influence the worth of the agent (i.e., whether the agent's character is virtuous or not), it is the consequences of the action, not the motive, that determine its morality. Utilitarianism, therefore, focuses on the impact of actions on the happiness of others, rather than on whether the person acting had noble intentions or selfish ones.

ch 2 pg 14 - Conscious renunciation as the key to happiness: Mill argues that the conscious ability to forgo personal happiness actually enhances one's ability to achieve happiness. This mindset helps an individual overcome life's uncertainties, freeing them from excessive anxiety about misfortunes. By accepting the inevitability of life's troubles, a person can focus on cultivating contentment in the present moment, much like the Stoics who maintained peace and satisfaction in the harshest circumstances. - Self-devotion in utilitarianism: Utilitarianism acknowledges the virtue of self-sacrifice for the well-being of others, but it refuses to consider the sacrifice itself as inherently good. Instead, it sees the only legitimate form of self-renunciation as one that contributes to increasing the sum total of happiness. The sacrifice should benefit others or the collective good, and any self-sacrifice that does not contribute to greater happiness is regarded as wasted. - Impartiality and the utilitarian standard: Utilitarianism is rooted in the idea that the happiness of all people is equally valuable, not just the agent’s own. This principle mirrors the spirit of the Golden Rule in Christianity—“do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The ethics of utility advocate impartiality between one's own happiness and the happiness of others. This moral ideal envisions a society where the happiness of individuals aligns closely with the collective interest of society, ensuring that each person's well-being is in harmony with the general good. - Social arrangements and education for the common good: Mill emphasizes that laws, social arrangements, and education should aim to align individual interests with the happiness of the whole. By instilling in every individual an understanding that their own happiness is intertwined with the happiness of others, society can promote behaviors and values that foster collective well-being. In this ideal society, individuals would not only be unable to imagine personal happiness in opposition to the general good, but the promotion of collective happiness would become an integral and habitual part of human action and motivation.

ch 2 pg 13 - Conquest of suffering through effort: Much of human suffering, such as poverty, disease, and misfortune, can be addressed through human effort, care, and improved social structures. Although this progress is slow, the work toward alleviating suffering offers profound satisfaction to those who contribute to it, regardless of how small or unnoticed their part may be. Even when complete eradication of suffering seems far away, participating in this collective endeavor brings joy and a sense of fulfillment that is far greater than selfish indulgence. - The notion of renunciation and self-sacrifice: It is possible to live without happiness, either involuntarily (as the majority of people do) or voluntarily (as the hero or martyr does). However, these sacrifices are typically made for a higher purpose, such as the happiness or welfare of others. The self-sacrifice itself is not the ultimate goal; it must be for a greater end. If a hero renounces their happiness but does not believe that this will bring about a positive change for others, their sacrifice loses its noble purpose. - Noble sacrifice for the greater good: Self-sacrifice for the sake of virtue is admirable only if it leads to the greater happiness of others. Those who give up their personal happiness to improve the lives of others are deserving of honor. However, if someone sacrifices their happiness without any positive consequence for others—just to place others in the same state of renunciation—they are not truly virtuous, though they may show impressive self-discipline. - Virtue in an imperfect world: In the current imperfect state of the world, self-sacrifice for the greater good is the highest form of virtue. While it may seem paradoxical, the willingness to sacrifice one's own happiness to improve the lives of others is indeed noble, even if this world is far from perfect. Nonetheless, while such sacrifices are virtuous, they are only necessary because of the imperfections and injustices present in the world.

ch 2 pg 12 - Importance of mental cultivation: A cultivated mind—one that has been exposed to knowledge and learned to use its faculties—finds endless sources of interest in nature, art, poetry, history, and human affairs. Such a mind can engage deeply with the world, appreciating its complexity and beauty, beyond mere curiosity. - Universal access to intellectual engagement: There is no inherent reason why everyone born in a civilized society cannot inherit a level of mental culture that allows them to appreciate these aspects of life. People are not necessarily born selfish or egotistical; with proper upbringing, they can develop genuine private affections and an interest in the public good. - Potential for an enviable existence: A person with a moderate level of intellectual and moral development, who has the freedom to access the joys and improvements of life, can lead a truly enviable existence. Problems arise when bad laws, oppressive systems, or physical and mental suffering—such as poverty, disease, and loss of loved ones—restrict this potential. - The challenge of overcoming life's great evils: The primary struggle in life is dealing with significant hardships like poverty, disease, and the loss of affection. These are often unavoidable, but there is hope for reducing them through social, moral, and scientific progress. - Removable sources of suffering: Many of the major sources of suffering, such as poverty and disease, are removable. With wiser societal structures and individual action, poverty could be eradicated, and diseases could be greatly reduced through education, proper care, and scientific advancement. - Hope for future progress: The ongoing progress in science and medicine promises further reduction in suffering. Advances in health and wellness will alleviate both the physical and emotional hardships that many face, helping to improve the overall quality of life for humanity.

ch 2 pg 11 - Misconception of happiness: The idea that happiness means a continuous state of intense pleasure is a misconception. True happiness, as intended by philosophers, is not about constant rapture, but rather a life made up of fleeting moments of joy, few pains, and a general predominance of active pleasures over passive ones. Happiness is also about accepting life's limitations and not expecting more than it can offer. - Attainable happiness: Many people experience a form of happiness in their lives, marked by transitory pleasures and minimal pain. Poor education and social structures prevent this from being available to everyone, but it is within reach for many. - Satisfaction with moderate happiness: Critics might argue that humans would not be content with a modest amount of happiness, but historically, many people have been satisfied with far less. The key components of a fulfilling life are tranquillity and excitement, either of which can be sufficient alone for happiness. - Balance of tranquillity and excitement: Tranquillity and excitement are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they complement each other. People generally desire excitement after periods of rest and, conversely, enjoy peace after excitement. Only those who are excessively lazy or overly addicted to excitement fail to see this balance. - Selfishness and lack of affection: When people focus solely on their own interests and lack deeper connections to others, they often find life less enjoyable. In contrast, those who form personal bonds and engage with broader human interests tend to find life more meaningful, even as they approach death. - Mental cultivation as a key to satisfaction: Another major cause of dissatisfaction in life is a lack of mental development or intellectual engagement. Without mental cultivation, people are less likely to find lasting fulfillment.

ch 2 pg 10 - Noble character and happiness: While a noble character may not always guarantee happiness for the individual, it unquestionably benefits others and makes the world a better place. Utilitarianism can only achieve its goal by fostering nobleness of character in society, even if an individual’s personal happiness is not directly increased by their own nobility. - The ultimate goal of utilitarianism: According to the Greatest Happiness Principle, the ultimate aim is an existence free from pain and rich in both quantity and quality of enjoyment. The test of quality is based on the preferences of those most experienced in these pleasures, guided by self-awareness and reflection. - Morality as a guide to happiness: Morality, in utilitarianism, is the set of rules and precepts that maximize happiness for all sentient beings, securing an existence free from pain and abundant in pleasures to the greatest extent possible. - Objections to happiness as life's purpose: Critics argue that happiness cannot be the rational aim of human life because it is unattainable. Some claim humans do not need happiness and that true nobility comes from renunciation (Entsagen), which is seen as a necessary step to virtue. - Response to the unattainability objection: The objection that happiness is unattainable would undermine the basis of utilitarianism if true. However, even if happiness were impossible, utilitarianism still has merit, as it also emphasizes the prevention or mitigation of unhappiness. Thus, the pursuit of happiness might be impossible, but reducing suffering remains a valid goal. - The possibility of happiness: The claim that human life cannot be happy would weaken the argument for happiness as the end of morality. However, even in this scenario, the reduction of unhappiness would still be a key focus of utilitarian ethics, providing practical benefits even in the absence of perfect happiness.

ch 2 pg 9 - Decline into lower pleasures: People who abandon higher pleasures in favor of lower ones often do so not by choice, but because their capacity for the nobler pleasures has diminished due to lack of opportunity or practice. - Loss of higher faculties: As people age or become more entrenched in mundane activities and social settings, their higher faculties (intellect, moral sentiments) often wither, leaving them more inclined to seek base pleasures. Incapacity for higher pleasures: Most individuals do not deliberately choose inferior pleasures, but are unable to enjoy higher ones due to a lack of mental and emotional cultivation or the conditions that foster them. - Competent judgment on pleasures: The judgment of those who have experienced both higher and lower pleasures is final in determining which pleasures are more valuable. The opinion of the majority of those knowledgeable in both realms should be trusted. - No alternative tribunal: There is no other way to judge the value of different pleasures or pains except by the experiences and judgments of those who are familiar with both. - Higher faculties' pleasures preferred: When experienced individuals declare that pleasures derived from higher faculties (intellect, emotions, morality) are qualitatively superior to animalistic pleasures, their judgment should be regarded with authority. - Just conception of happiness: The discussion on the value of different pleasures is a necessary part of understanding utilitarianism, but the utilitarian standard does not necessarily require the agent's personal happiness, but rather the greatest overall happiness.

ch 2 pg 8 - Desire for higher faculties: Humans with higher faculties (intellect, emotion, morality) would not willingly give them up for a lower existence, even if life is temporarily more pleasurable in simpler forms. - Suffering of higher beings: While beings with higher faculties are more capable of suffering, they would never willingly choose to descend to a lower level of existence, as they value dignity and fulfillment more than mere contentment. - Unwillingness to degrade: The preference for higher existence, even at the cost of greater suffering, is rooted in a sense of dignity and self-respect, which plays a crucial role in human happiness. - Happiness vs. contentment: A lower being may have simpler desires and thus greater satisfaction, but the higher being, despite imperfection in their happiness, still values their intellectual and moral faculties more. - Better to be dissatisfied: It is better to be a dissatisfied human (like Socrates) than a satisfied animal (like a pig), because the human has a broader understanding of happiness and the flaws in simpler pleasures. - Objections to the theory: Some may argue that people often prioritize lower pleasures over higher ones due to temptation or character weaknesses, but this does not diminish the intrinsic value of higher pleasures. - Short-term choices: Even those who know the superiority of higher pleasures may occasionally choose immediate gratification (like bodily pleasures), though they understand the long-term benefits of the higher options.

ch2 pg 7 - Higher faculties of humans: Humans possess faculties beyond mere animal appetites, and true happiness involves the gratification of these higher faculties (intellect, feelings, imagination, moral sentiments). - Epicurean limitations: While Epicureans emphasized mental pleasures over bodily ones, their framework could be enhanced by incorporating Stoic and Christian values for a more complete moral system. - Mental vs. physical pleasures: Utilitarian writers typically argue that mental pleasures are superior because they are more permanent, safe, and less costly. However, a deeper philosophical stance could emphasize the intrinsic superiority of mental pleasures over mere sensory ones. - Quality over quantity in pleasures: It is essential to recognize that not all pleasures are of equal value; the quality of pleasure should be considered alongside its quantity. Preference for higher pleasures: If, after experiencing both, people prefer a particular pleasure—even if it involves greater discontent—then that pleasure is of a higher quality. - Real-life example: Few would exchange their higher faculties for the life of lower animals, even for the promise of greater animalistic pleasure. People value their intellect, morality, and emotions over base pleasures, showing that higher faculties lead to more desirable, meaningful happiness.

ch2 pg 6 - Rescue from degradation: Utilitarian thinkers feel compelled to restore the term "utilitarian" to its true meaning, away from its current misinterpretation. - Greatest Happiness Principle: Actions are considered morally right if they promote happiness (pleasure and absence of pain) and wrong if they lead to unhappiness (pain and the lack of pleasure). - Definition of happiness: Happiness is pleasure and the absence of pain, while unhappiness is pain and the deprivation of pleasure. - Broader implications: The theory suggests that all things are desirable either for the pleasure they bring or as means to promote pleasure and prevent pain, forming the core of utilitarian morality. - Criticism of utilitarianism: Many find the theory distasteful, believing that reducing life to the pursuit of pleasure is lowly and degrading, comparing it to the life of swine. - Epicurean defense: The Epicureans argue that their critics misunderstand human nature, as the pleasures humans seek are far more complex and refined than those enjoyed by animals, making the comparison unjust and degrading. - Human vs. animal pleasures: The contrast is drawn between human conceptions of happiness and animalistic pleasures, with the latter seen as insufficient for fulfilling human nature.

ch2 pg 5 - Misconception about utility: Some incorrectly interpret "utility" as merely the opposite of pleasure, which is a gross misunderstanding. - Apology for confusion: Philosophers who support utilitarianism do not equate utility with mere pleasure or reject pleasure in its broader sense. - Contradictory accusations: Utilitarianism is often criticized both as "too dry" when associated with utility and as "too voluptuous" when associated with pleasure. - Correct meaning of utility: From Epicurus to Bentham, utilitarian thinkers have equated utility with pleasure, including the avoidance of pain, rather than opposing the useful to the pleasurable or ornamental. - Popular misconception: The term "utilitarian" is often misapplied by the general public and writers, who see it as rejecting beauty, amusement, or certain pleasures, or as a sign of superiority to triviality. - Misunderstanding in the public sphere: The popular, misinformed use of "utilitarian" is shaping a distorted understanding for new generations, far from the original philosophical intent.

ch1 pg 3 - Happiness principle of utility as Benetham later called it, has had a large share in forming the moral doctrines even of those who most scornfully reject its authority - Mill disagrees with Kant as Mill says Kant failed almost grotesquely to show that there would be any contradiction or any logical impossibility in the adoption by all rational beings of the most outrageously immoral rules of conduct

ch 1 pg 2 - Science is the roots of a tree where particular truths precede the general theory, the contrary might be expected to be the case with a practical rules of action it seems natural to suppose - Our moral faculty supplies us only with general principles of moral judgement - Philosophers have different doctrines for understanding right and wrong and truth and falsehood

ch 1 pg 1 - Summum bonum: same thing concerning the foundation of morality - After 2,000+ years the same discussions continues with little progress

pg 19 - Ranganath's daughter's birthday parties are a blur because he focused on taking videos and pictures instead of staying in the moment - Cameras can help reshape and remind us of our experiences - We tend to think of memory as something that allows us to hold onto the past, when in fact the human brain was designed to be more than simply an archive of our experiences<br /> - Forgetting isn't a failure to memory but a consequence of processes that allow our brains to prioritize information that helps us navigate and make sense of the world

pg 18 - Aerobic exercises like running increases the release of brain chemicals that promote plasticity, improves vasculature that delvers energy and oxygen to the brain and reduces inflammation and susceptibility to cerebrovascular disease and diabetes - Strategies such as simply repeating a person's name can help but is insufficient (connect with memory to make meaningful connections)

pg 17 - Earl Miller says "There is no such thing as multitasking; you just end up alternating between doing different tasks badly" - People who got long Covid changed the brain structure in some parts of the prefrontal cortex which accounts for brain fog - Stress can also zap prefrontal function - Alcohol adversely affects the prefrontal cortex (have healthy diet)

pg 16 - Prefrontal cortex is one of the first areas to decline as we transition into old age (why older adults are forgetful) - Older adults are worse than younger adults at remembering things when they are required to pay attention and ignore distractions but they can be as good as, or better at remembering the distracting information (older people have trouble focusing on details) - Regardless of age, there is no shortage of factors that can make you feel as if your prefrontal cortex is fried such as multitasking

pg 15 - Many factors can affect the functioning of the prefrontal cortex such as some patients that Ranganath who seemed to possibly have Alzheimer's but really were depressed (they look similar) - Prefrontal cortex is the one of the last areas of the brain to mature - Children with ADHD struggle in school not due to a lack of comprehension but because they have difficulty paying attention in class, developing effective study habits, and using strategies to help them preform well on tests

pg 14 - Areas in the back of the brain had cell assemblies that seemed to store memories for specific kinds of information - The prefrontal cortex was intensely activated when a person had to use interruption to stay on task, focus on distinctive information, resist distractions, or initiate some kind of mnemonic strategy - The MRI studies and observations of patients supported a different theory that the prefrontal cortex was the "central executive" of the brain

pg 13 - One reason these patients had difficulty had trouble retrieving these memories that that they did not use any kind or memorization strategy and instead focused on whatever grabbed their attention - In contrast, healthy individuals typically used straggles that would help them perform well on both the recall and recognition tests - Ranganath worked with Dr. Mark D'Esposito who was pushing the envelop to develop newer and better MRI techniques to study working memory

pg 12 - Ranganath was given the job to administer a series of cognitive test to inform diagnosis and treatment - Patients with prefrontal dysfunction commonly complained that they had problems with memory but something else was going on as these patients didn't have memory problems - They struggled with focusing while faced with distractions - These patients also preformed inconsistently on test of long-term memory in which Ranganath when told to memorize a long list of words; they could recall the words without giving them any additional cues, the patients could only remember a few words but if they were asked whether a specific word was on the list, they could easily recognize whether a specific word was on the list