Scientists with the Swedish Neurological and Behavioral Analysis Research Center (NABARC) in Oslo have finished 25 years of studies and are publishin their results in next month's World Science Monitor. Their years of research have concluded, scientifically, that "life is not fair."
The scientists, headed by Dr. Erik Fredicksten, studied thousands of people throughout the world from different races, cultures, sexes, and ages. During the 25 year study, Fredicksten used multiple methods research: interviewing, neurological scaning, and observation. Of the 4,200 cases, the scientist were able to prove their theory after determining that 97% have had lives that were not fair.
One such case, 14 year old Bianca Johnson from Brooklyn, New York was interviewed and stated that her older sister, Stacia (16) had more freedom and less punishment. Bianca believed that her mother was more apt to be agreeable with Stacia and says, "It's so unfair."
Another case involved 38 year old investment banker from New Delhi, India, Raj Bradeep who, after the tech boom in the 1990's was one of a few people who lost money as tech start-ups were going into the million dollar market. His wife and children were so ashamed of Bradeep that they left him for his wealthy younger brother, Hamsi, and later bore more children. Bradeep eventually lost everything he owned and now sells trinkets in the New Delhi market.
"I had everything that I had ever wanted." Raj explained. "I felt that nothing could go wrong. Then it did and it just got worse. It's not fair." He said that he could not blame his Hindi gods, but gave up his dharma because it had let him down. When asked if he felt it was his fault, he said no, explaining that "life itself is to blame. I got all my fortune from karma, then I lost it all."
Dr. Fredicksten also used advanced Electroencephalography (EEG) tests to determine the brain waves of individuals as they describe there gains and losses. Tests showed that when describing pleasurable experiences or fortunate circumstances, subjects brain waves showed increased activity. While describing the unfortunate events in their life, brain waves were shown to move in a different pattern. However, the EEG showed a baseline reading when subjects were asked to explain the reasoning or explaination behind the unfortunate events.
"The 97% of test subjects not only believed that they were not to blame for these circumstances, but they showed no increased heart beat or elevated blood pressure when describing it. The EEG showed no change in normal thought patterns. If this were a lie detector test, we would conclude that they were telling the truth."
Dr. Fredicksten concludes that study was one of the most conclusive research program ever. "With such a large percentage of subjects showing one way over another, we can only infer that our research is complete, and life is, in fact, not fair."
