Random Thoughts

I came across an interesting article on BBC (Finger length 'key to aggression' ) today and The Economist has a similar article ( Neuroeconomics: Digitally enhanced ). They report a positive correlation between the length of mens' ring fingers and their success in high-stress securities trading. Actually, the more correct comparison s between the ratio of the ring to index finger and success/aggression. In women, the ring and index fingers are comparable, however the ring finger is significantly longer than the index finger in men. In this study, the researchers only looked at men's fingers. Apparently the level of testerone in a fetus is exposed to during pregnancy affects length of fingers as well as the level of aggression. More aggressive traders tend to have longer ring fingers and they happen to be more successful, after factoring out the effect of experience. They also reached a similar conclusion when looking at college students. Having a short ring finger...

According to this NY Times article , there is a consistent correlation between people's religious standings and their positive self-control. I have always suspected that, as have many others, but it is always nice to have your suspicions confirmed scientifically. Why is this correlation of much interest to me? Well, I have self-control and discipline problems that could really use a solution. I am not religious but I may choose to be "extrinsically religious" if that could help. ... That idea, while intriguing is not something I will pursue for many reasons. It takes a certain kind of wiring to be religious and I don't have that. I am (or have become) a rather mechanical and less spiritual person which makes it difficult to engage full-heartedly in anything that has a spiritual dimension. I will keep thinking though ...