John B. Calhoun’s “Mouse Utopia” experiment warns of what could happen when life is too easy. He created a large pen called “Universe 25” and introduced eight mice into it (four male, four female). The big rodent housing project had room for nearly 4,000 mice, with food and water capacity far exceeding that. The mice got clean litter and fresh air, and were protected from predators and disease. With nobody moving their cheese, these mice had it made—or did they?
Much like so many utopian schemes devised by meddlesome social engineers, the mouse pen became a catastrophe. In the beginning, there was a population explosion. However, the rate of increase slowed after nearly a year. The population eventually peaked at 2,200 mice, still well within capacity. After day 600, no more mice were born. Meanwhile, their culture was degenerating. Here’s what happened:
Among the aberrations in behavior were the following: expulsion of young before weaning was complete, wounding of young, increase in homosexual behavior, inability of dominant males to maintain the defense of their territory and females, aggressive behavior of females, passivity of non-dominant males with increased attacks on each other which were not defended against. After day 600, the social breakdown continued and the population declined toward extinction. During this period females ceased to reproduce.
Does any of that sound familiar?
Their male counterparts withdrew completely, never engaging in courtship or fighting. They ate, drank, slept, and groomed themselves—all solitary pursuits. Sleek, healthy coats and an absence of scars characterized these males. They were dubbed “the beautiful ones.” Breeding never resumed and behavior patterns were permanently changed.
http://www.returnofkings.com/129965/the-importance-of-having-struggle-in-our-daily-lives
Omdat vrouwen veelal tegenslagen wordt bespaard en ontnomen groeien zij op met deze mentaliteitm, terwijl het juist het te boven komen van uitdagingen is wat je karakter en persoonlijkheid scherpt en leidt tot werkelijk groei...
Mike