So, I was always diagnosed with ADHD/ADD, Depression and Anxiety, but always was different, So many things that you mention relate to me so closely, now in retrospect at the age of 29 and having actually brought this up with my Therapist and taking an initial screening. I am off to go see a licensed psychologist to go through the proper test to ensure that I've actually been on the spectrum this who time, just that it wasn't caught. You mentioned so many things that by the end of the video I was in tears before I realized I was as I had related to so many of the examples you brought up. Strangely emotional, but Thank you. I am super interested in the other videos on this!
I enjoyed this video. Spock's character resonated with so many us who have felt different. For me it was a different reason, but your points seem perfectly valid. I think Leonard Nimoy did such a great job because also knew what it was like to be different. Immigrant parents. Jewish faith in Catholic Boston. He understood and what the character meant to many of us. Also very much appreciate you pointing out that Spock and Data are NOT the same. Spock has emotions. He just does not express them the way the majority do. As you pointed out, the way he does, is similar to how someone with Asperger's or autism does.
Thanks for talking about Autism, btw Aspergers is not recognized as a separate condition anymore, according to DSM-5 it is just a point in the spectrum
No, but it is a smaller collection of attributes that is on the grander spectrum of autism, so I don't see an issue with it's non-medical use, if the shoe actually fits, that is.
I agree that data's a robot, but there's still a larger undercurrent of autism spectrum issues throughout the various Trek series, including: Odo's internal turmoil over feelings of impersonation and alienation, detail-orientedness, and affinity for (object) masking; Seven of Nine's delayed social development, technical aptitude, emotional forthrightness, brusqueness, and desire to acquire knowledge (sometimes without regard to her own safety); Ensign Tilly in Discovery who will be learning to navigate the officer's program and the complexities of command; and (potentially) Deanna Troi, who has trained as a psychologist to tap into her innate receptivity to the emotions others display (or attempt to hide). It's a serious continuing theme.
As a person who has worked with many folks on the spectrum, this video is fascinating and validating to the things I've witnessed. Lots of good secular parables in Star Trek, I love seeing analyses like these.
You, Dave, are a soul-brother. I have been touched by this video. I'm 65 and so a bit older and due to retire in a couple of years as an aerospace-defense developer/analyst. I remember watching the original episodes when they actually aired instantly forming an attachment to the character of Spock. Thank you.
My dad has autism and he was a army ranger. He lead men into combat and jumped out of airplanes into warzones. He is super logical, super literal, has a high pain tolerance, and he was trained to kill.
I have been watching the original star trek recently and relate so much to spock. I definitely think he has autistic traits and am happy to have a character that is as respected and loved on and off show as he is!
Damn, that reminds me a lot of me as a kid. I can't think of an exact example, but I visualised pretty much everything. Elephants in rooms, bulls in china shops, anything like that.
When I think of Vulcan emotions, I remember how Spock's dad was nearing the end of his life and due to his emotions raging out of control, he had to mind-meld with Kirk (or was it Picard?), which ultimately made the captain understand the father through that shared experience.
@@TimurTripp2 Bit late to respond, but that part of Star Trek was deep and extremely well thought out. It struck our human emotion at just the right tone as it gave us a little more insight into about people who bottle up their emotions. Autistic people are a prime example of that, but not exclusively limited to.
Sarek was dying from a Vulcan disease similar to Dementia in humans. It effected their emotional area of the brain. The episode was TNG Unification. It was a 2 Parter.
Dave: As an Aspie/Asperger myself and also in IT (kind of why my handle is IT-smurf), and a huge Star Trek fan I will just say that your videos (both this and previous, though also your MS Intern video) describes it so amazingly well! My complete deepest respect to you both for your great work in IT, but as an Aspie especially also how you so well describes how it is to be an Aspie. Thank you so much for that! Though on the side about emotions, I can definitely say, we have emotions, lots of emotions! They can just be so extremely difficult to handle and even worse to try to convey to others, for the first emotions are so difficult to understand (like humans and human behavior can be), you can't calculate or try to understand them with your logically part of the brain, you can't like in computers and code really analyze them to fully understand them, you can only kind of accept them and try to approximate them into logic and by that try to describe it to others, which is difficult and can be very hard - also emotionally stressful in fact (and again you have to try to decipher why that is, it is on and on with those difficult emotions). One thing though, where I don't think you should dismiss Data is, I don't know how it is for you, but his desire to often be human, I have most definitely also felt that. Proud to be an Aspie, it helps me a lot in work, though at private gatherings it can be difficult to feel outside the "normals", so sometime I at least for several seconds just wish I could be like or at least understand the "normal humans" better
Even though it’s unconfirmed because Vulcans were different than humans, Spock is a character who is a kindred spirit to me. Growing up, I always felt like an “alien” because I was different from my school peers. Autism wasn’t really mainstream in the late 90s and early 2000s, so kids always made fun of me and bullied me. I tried to approach them logically but bullying is illogical. It got to a point where my mom pulled me out of school because the school staff was doing f-ck all to help me. As an adult, I found Star Trek-and Spock. I was so obsessed with him that my dad would jokingly refer to me as “Mrs. Spock”. 🤣 I prefer subtle representation rather than it being on the nose like it is nowadays. Spock was the perfect subtle representation for me.
I'm autistic and I'm watching TOS for the first time. I love it! And of course Mr. Spock catched my attention completely being so literal and logical, he is amazing! I understand him very well and makes me appreciate Kirk more, since he respects Spock a lot and is a good friend! And McCoy is like lots of people I've met saying always that I'm "cold", "a computer", "emotionless freak", "alien", or a interesting "you are far too logical, you are nonfunctional for love." and things like that. McCoy is funny, tho, I don't find him offensive or anything because I'm 31 and I've learned to apply logic to any bully comment 💁🏻♀️ About the meltdowns, I feel Spock, I usually hyde them from people (including family) because since I was very young I understood it was not "supposed to happen" and only few times have someone seen me like that. Anyways, loved this video! Your review is objetive and informative. Very nice content!
I was diagnosed with high-functioning Autism as an adult, but strangely I've always had a gift for metaphors and allegories. However, ironically, I was often slow on jokes growing up, and occasionally I still am, especially if subtle. Growing up, I remember being baffled at how boys would insult each other playfully. I often thought they were actually being emotionally hurt by these comments, and that there was a serious component to them, or that they were completely serious. I also had very restricted interests to such an extreme that if a classmate's interest wasn't Star Wars or Legos, I didn't really care about it. I eventually opted to force myself to be interested in some things that were vaguely related to my interests. I have used this technique throughout my life.
Someone: try and put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Me: try to feel how someone else feels. My brain: steal there shoes, run away, and turn there shoes into a giant living space. Me: WHY BRAIN!? my brain: honestly, I don’t know.
Oh, I just discovered your channel, and it explained a lot of things to me. I imagined the two next to each other in the room. And well, I had many meltdown, which was always in inconvenient times of my life : I had big plans (they evolved and are even bigger now), but everytime I were to finally beat procrastination and I was able to get going, stupid bad luck made it that someone always had to come at this exact moment to tell me that I am doing nothing with my life, and always cause a dispute with this... When you left something aside because the last time you tried, someone ruined everything by making you literally loose control by saying you aren't doing anything, but then, when you start again, someone (the same person or someone else) literally decide it is the perfect time to do it again, so you again have a huge dispute and loose control, again... It happened dozen of times, EVERYTIMES within the one or two weeks I got back at my projects after month of not doing them. And now I realize everytime it was a meltdown, I didn't knew it was an autistic specific thing. I can clearly confirm that I don't like "talking about what's wrong", not only I never feel better after that as it doesn't "evacuate", but everytime it just make thing worse by remembering me all those things, and this is so tiring when peoples can't understand that, despite me saying that I won't feel better, and they insist about me talking about it. This video was really interesting !
When I was really young someone asked if I'd like an ice cream sandwich. I pictured bread, mayo, and ice cream. They didn't know why I found the concept horrifying.
Simply one of the best videos I have ever seen on this topic. I would really love to see more of these. I never managed to explain my issues to my partner or friends. But these videos are great! Thank you so much!
I don't think Spock was modeled after someone with autism. I think he was modeled after stoicism, and even buddhism. In order to stop fighting, and to survive as a people the Vulcans adopted logic as both a way of life, and a religion. this is much like buddhism, in fact I think Spock has a lot of qualities very similar to that of a Buddhist monk. Spock's ability to control his emotions, and use logic, always served him well, because Star trek was essentially science fiction horror.
The privilidge i have had working alongside young people with Autism and Asperge is immense.. I question myself every day as to my perception of who i am and who we are and what is normal?..the most wonderfull evaluation of the human spirit was that as I heard on a street in Vietnam from the counterfeit Raulf Lauren T shirt sales seller-- "same same but different" she said. That reminds me always that we are all "same same but different". A good You Tube by the way..
Wow, this is really good and so interesting. What you said about Spock and people with Autism looking up to him because he has learned how to master his emotions... my favorite actors are people who seem to be able to control their emotions immensely, even to the point where they can seem "cold." Not that they ARE actually cold, but that they are able to control themselves under intense pressure, which may make them seem "cold" when it is really just emotional control. They are people who by all means could be complete disasters, but they have mastered themselves to the point where they are able to master their emotions, and I love that. The ability to control emotions is absolutely essential to me. To be able to be logical and think rationally and control ones emotions, particularly in debates and differences of opinions and controversies, is essential. "Logic should be what you have underneath, guarding your emotions, not instead of them." BINGO! "Imagine, perhaps, if there is a missing or somehow restricted connection from the emotional part of the brain to the brain's social communication circuits, and that is a very different thing from the emotional part being absent." So well said! I have always feel like this connection that you describe is missing, but I could not describe it like that. "And so, there you have it, a highly intelligent loner who does not suffer fools gladly..." I do not know about the highly intelligent part, but I get this so much. I see the good in humanity, but people individually so often just seem gratingly foolish to me, and I struggle with this a lot. I especially get the part about bullying, and a friendship developing out of Spock standing up for himself. I was bullied a lot for being "different," and I would try to hold back to give people a chance. But I have literally developed friendships when someone who was bullying me finally pushed me too far, and I turned on them. Then they told me how ever after that they really liked me. Go figure! This was so interesting, thoughtful, insightful and well presented. It gave me a lot to "chew" on - thank you for this!
I'm still thinking about Data as a piece of a fully functional exercise equipment :D. fantastic video, I always identified with Spock as the most relatable character.
Wow !! Thanks for doing this episode on Spock. Like most Star Trek fans I too admired Spock greatly. And like many others he was my most favoured of the characters. I remember this episode on his fight to control himself. It was a heart rending performance to witness and Nimoy did a stellar job. I have likely used all of your code over the years, on all of the MS OS versions - possibly with the exception of the OS on my first computer which was a Zenith ZFL-171-42 - a definitely lunch pail shaped. unit. Still have that one, in fact. Thanks again, Dave. James.
"In 2013, the DSM-5 replaced Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders with the umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder."
Yet another person on the spectrum (diagnosed in mid 50s). Growing up, I definitely liked Spock the best. He made sense to me -- someone that I looked up to. I started watching your programming language shoot out with interest. But as soon as I saw your autism videos and watched this one, I jumped straight in and subscribed. I don't subscribe to a channel unless I am *really* interested.
Not even young life I still regularly hear hypothetical situations and start imagining how those would be possible and then what could result from such a situation. I find it very fun but I do realise others are entirely confused and think I am a bit out there. To add to this, never been diagnosed at all but just from looking at how I deal with the world around me I suspect I am on the spectrum.
I've been attached to Mr. Spock since episode 1. He has quickly become my favourite fictional character. Despite relating to him on some levels, I didn't entirely understand to what extent Mr. Spock was capable of emotions (I accidentally dozed off during the episode where he had a meltdown and I assumed he could feel very little.) This video has given me a different perspective on his character. Despite my already-established notion about this character having been contradicted, I actually resonate with Mr. Spock *more* now. Thank you for the in-depth video.
I always took metaphors and jokes too literally my ADHD dad found it hilarious but always wanted to stimulate my imagination. One of my favorite ones was the small man in the box taking pictures of speeding cars. 😂 yeah thats how he explained radars ro me. We still joke about it.
But it is explained that Vulcans do have emotions, even stronger ones than humans do have, and that they ölearn and undergo certain disciplines in order to keep them in check. The Vulcan version of Alzheimer's is a condition where they are no longer able to do that.
I’ve only recently found your channel. I really enjoy the current and historical technical content. I would appreciate more autism related content. I find it helpful. I think I am mildly(?) autistic. I’ve made a set of rationalizations about my path in life. I don’t need to be, "normal". I’m on my own path and didn’t see much value in getting a formal diagnosis. Hearing you talk about things I can relate to has helped to show me that my self-understanding may not be as complete as it could be. It would be illogical not to avail myself of an outside objective expert perspective that could allow me to formulate better rationalizations. When the threat of this pandemic has diminished I believe I will seek out an LCSW or psychologist to see if I am classifiable on the autism spectrum. I will increase my understanding and continue to chart my own life path. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I value your perspective.
OK, so one of my earliest memories of literal interpretation of an instruction was in kindergarten 48 year's ago was; the instructions to cut out a Christmas ornament. On a piece of red craft paper was memeographed a 5 point star, a pentagon with fire equalateral triangles. Instruction as fallows, "Cut out the shape by cutting on the lines." So my ornament was a pentagon and five triangles. Teacher quickly pointed out my error and I was branded different. As an engineer all these years latter, literal interpretation of instructions that most would be fine with, I found 6 instants of verbage that conflicted with each other. Only after weeks of study did I realize that I was being too literal. Once I got to that point I was able to get past those conflicts and succeed. The first time in 53 years that I self diagnosed an issue that kept me from being normal.
I think I'm the opposite of autistic. I was born with a malfunctioning pituitary and blind in one eye. I later learned that is called "Septo-Optic Dysplasia". Sense of smell is almost non-existent as well. Also left-handed I tend to think outside the box. BTW - I love Star Trek.
The simile that comes to my mind that really made me think was the phrase, "finer than a frogs hair" simply because I know frogs don't have hair, they're rather slimy but when you really think about the hair follicles, could they have at one point in evolution?
super cool! thanks for the video, i really liked it, ill be watching the others of this series most definitely i wish your channel and you good luck :) (sadly im not much of a car guy so forgive me if i dont show up too often for anything vehicle-y lol. but either way, appreciate it, i hope to see more TOS stuff since im just starting the second season tomorrow.)
I can agree with what you've about aspies, I was diagnosed with asperger syndrome 3 years ago and I am 6 years older that you. Aspies have emotions, feel emotions but don't know how to show or use emotions. I can relate to about 95% of what you say, as for the difference, it's because we're different. Is the mesmerizer a visual release/entertainment for yourself as well as the fact you like to code? Linear thinking, tangents and the next steps in the process are all part of the thought process, like coding, in any (computer) language.
Thanks for explaining my lifetime of identification with Mr Spock. I realized this through Sheldon Cooper @ Big Ban Theory more recently, but never actually made that intellectual leap with Mr Spock.
It is convenient to see everything as a matter of black and white, but not accurate. I love to do a lot of planning and carrying it out so would fit right in as an Ops officer on a Starfleet vessel.
I have the variant of this where I actually really live what is going on as if I am there even if I have never lived through it. That can be very awkward when someone is telling a joke that may be a little strange or not very nice. It can also be a bit interesting when someone is messing with me and telling me about something I really wouldn't want to do. Having to re-live that can sometimes almost bring me to tears.
Hey! I'm glad to see someone speaking about this topic from his own perspective so openly. However I will say, I'd appreciate if you'd not devalue Data. He is indeed not at all a good fit for Autism, and the Eposiode you mention where he had Sex is... Not good and not consistent. That said though, on the whole Data is still a good representation of the struggles of some other groups of persons that are unusual in their thinking. In fact I do at times identify with him somewhat, and you putting him down as completely made up stung a little bit. If I were tested I'd most likely end up getting diagnosed as high on the autism spectrum, however I do not believe that that's an accurate representation. I think my abnormality is rather a result of the combination of my diagnosed ADD (non-hyperactive) and an unusual personality type. It's not like I do not have emotions of course, but I'm not always very much aware of them.
I actually E-mailed Gary Lockwood about this topic. He said that aspergers wasn't known about in the 60s and that spock wasn't written (at least not intentionally) as atustic
Its also possible that Lenard nimoy had atusim but was simply never diagnosed. Considering how much of him is in the character. I don't believe this is true but its not out of the question
My mother used to say things like if u don't clean up your room the shit is going to hit the fan of course I pictured it like a movie clip in my head then I would laugh wich would make her mad lmfao I'm 61 now still funny
Wow. I'm processing. I'm gob smacked. (And I want to re-read "My Secret Life with Star Trek Creator Gene Roddenberry" and see if offers clue to an influence.)
When I was young people would say "your as light as a feather", so I believed them. one day my dad installed a new fence, and I thought it would be smart to balance myself on a huge fencing nail. I thought "if feathers could do it, then so can I", of course the nail went strait through my shoe & foot. My dad ran outside, pulled the nail out of my foot, & I was on my way to the ER for a tetanus shot.
Brother, I appreciate this video! Anyone interested in the relationship between Logic and Emotion NEEDS to read a book by Demazio, Descartes' Error. There, as a Neurophysiologist, he explains how he Scientifically proves that one cannot separate Logic and Emotion... Fascinating book! Hopefully Dave will read it, would be very interesting to see his reaction to that... As for me, I'm 51, learned I had Aspergers' about 9 years ago. I hate the fact that I am different honestly, it tends to put distance between me and others, which is the very last thing I've ever wanted...
Who is Majel Hudack? She was listed as Majel Barrett before marrying Rodenberry. In the scene you showed of Spock's meltdown he was under the influence of an alien virus, which you left out. Spock was not considered to have a learning disability until Discovery (which is not considered canon). Vulcans were a very emotional and violent race until Surak led them to the logical way of life. Star Trek's Autistic fans could not have picked a better character than Spock or man like Leonard Nimoy to immolate. I'm not autistic but I am dyslexic.
What about Drax from Guardians of the galaxy he gets confused by metaphors and says things that are insulting and doesn't understand why people get upset when he says insulting things
High functioning here. I thought "Milquetoast" was ""Milk Toast" and visualized someone pouring milk on toast until I was 26 years old...and I still visualize it, I just know the correct spelling now lol.
i have been told that some people cant see things in there head, i have also been told that some people cant talk in there own head either. both of these things break my brain, the beep in the background, how do you ignore that? maybe im not catching the emotion with edits?
There was a character on Boston Legal that was portrayed with Asperger's and it was presented as mostly a physical manifestation with some nervousness. At the time I thought that Autism was reserved for the non communicative or the savants (i.e. Rainman vs House) while Asperger's was something completely different.
Technically all Vulcans would be diagnosed with some form of autism by Earth’s standards; they are extremely sensitive to emotion, impulsive and can be aggressive and even violent. They are a volatile species. And Surak himself had the Vulcan equivalent of Aspergers Syndrome (a form of autism). I can only guess at this, but before and during the Time of Awakening, there was an increase in the number of Vulcans developing autistic traits in the same way we are today (we don’t know if this is due to biology or due to the increase in testing, but let’s assume both) and the already volatile Vulcan species was becoming far more dangerous to themselves than ever before. At some point, Surak discovered the use of logic to order minds and used it as the foundation for a spiritual yet grounded religion (it is a religion, and I will explain why) using meditation to focus impulsive and chaotic minds. I am going to embellish this slightly, but Vulcans consider Logic to be God, they refer to is as ‘Sha Ka Ree’ which is ‘Omnipotent God Creator’ in Vulcan. A few passages from the teachings of Surak: "Who has measured the height of Sha Ka Ree, and the breadth of the earth, and the depth of the abyss? Who has examined the wisdom of the Supreme Intelligence, which precedes all things? Wisdom was created before all things, and the understanding of prudence is before all time. The logos is the source of wisdom, whose steps are eternal commandments. To whom has the root of logic been revealed, and who has recognized her astuteness? To whom has the discipline of wisdom been revealed and made manifest? And who has understood the infinite diversity of her steps? Awaken to a’Tha, the constant Vulcan awareness of the omnipotent Creator. He is One, and he is the Supreme Intelligence, and he is the sovereign Logos. He created wisdom through divine logic, and he saw her, and numbered her, and measured her. And he poured her over all his works, and over all flesh, to the extent of his favor, and he has offered her to those who logic him. The understanding of logos is wisdom, and honor, and rejoicing, and a crown of exultation. The study of logic will delight the mind, and will give joy and gladness and length of days." To Vulcans, the universe is created using the order of logic (the laws of physics), that it permeates all things, and that being logical is to serve the Sha Ka Ree as it stands in judgment of those who are illogical. In other words, you’re punished for being an idiot and persevere when you’re logical. Every Vulcan acknowledges this fact and holds it as self evident. Vulcans can and do indulge emotional desires, there is no prohibition on experiencing or sharing emotion, but the moment and time has to be appropriate, in this way, they are certain their composure is not compromised. The reason Pon Farr is a controversial subject is because it overrides composure, as we see with multiple Vulcans across Star Trek.
2:40 - You of course would first need to put the horse in a giant horse sized blender. The reason being that it is always useful to have horse parts on tap for demonic ritual purposes.
When you asked him if it would be strong enough he probably took it as an insult, like you were putting him down. I find that asking simple questions often makes people offended because they take everything as having hidden meanings and insults when I just wanted to know the answer.
Love this episode Dave, but your definitely wrong about Data. There has been some research that Some children on the Autistic spectrum have better social connections with robots than with people in a social context. Of course Data isn't flesh and blood, but he serves as a function to remind other crew members of their own social and mental health. He more an emotional device than a social crutch on which to rest on. The Vulcans on the other hand CHOSE to distance themselves from their own emotional lives through culture, laws and meditation, than being afflicted with the absence of neurotypical behaviour. In Artificial intelligence and cybernetics can help with building function into what can be perceived as biologically or socially restrictive, whether losing a leg, recovering from having a stroke or dealing with diabetes, the same can be said with the short comings in dealing neurodiversity in a neurotypical world.
Not a metaphor but: I remember asking my kindergarten(?) teacher how dinosaurs could've lived millions of years ago if we were only in the year ~2000. I also remember seeing pictures of all the presidents back in 4th(?) grade and thinking it was a mighty coincidence that all of them were white males...this was before I learned about slavery and whatnot.
Here is a hint...You still don't fit in. Then again, neither do I. As I have said...I'm introverted with extroverted tendencies. [INFP] The good news is [I can only speak for myself] I can accept others for who they are and the same for myself. I automatically earn self respect by an innate characteristic of compassion and altruism so that at the end of the day I can look in the mirror and like what I see because I didn't say no to an opportunity to serve others with the gifts the Father has given me. You certainly throw a new perspective on the series. I have copies of every series/movie ever made. I can do the Vulcan salute with both hands without flinching. "Live Long and Prosper." And yes Spock was the one that I most identified with in the original series.
Loved this video, am sharing it on my facebook. I am grateful the rise of autistic awareness and nerd culture and power and this video combines all these things. Will check out more of your stuff, check out my music if you are interested.
Don't think so. Vulcans where mostly based on the Stoics. Poorly, but I do see the the caricature in them. Stoics often appeal to reason as the highest, well not virtue, but abllity. So the "we must always do logical things" caricature makes sense.
Dave's Garage I know that when I was interested in the concept of Vulcan philosophy as a teen (I know it’s fictional but as a aspie with too many emotions I was intrigued by concept lol) many people pointed me in the direction of stoicism
Lenard Nimoy is just one hell of an actor. He sells the combination of logical Vulcan and emotional human so well.
So, I was always diagnosed with ADHD/ADD, Depression and Anxiety, but always was different, So many things that you mention relate to me so closely, now in retrospect at the age of 29 and having actually brought this up with my Therapist and taking an initial screening. I am off to go see a licensed psychologist to go through the proper test to ensure that I've actually been on the spectrum this who time, just that it wasn't caught.
You mentioned so many things that by the end of the video I was in tears before I realized I was as I had related to so many of the examples you brought up. Strangely emotional, but Thank you.
I am super interested in the other videos on this!
I enjoyed this video. Spock's character resonated with so many us who have felt different. For me it was a different reason, but your points seem perfectly valid. I think Leonard Nimoy did such a great job because also knew what it was like to be different. Immigrant parents. Jewish faith in Catholic Boston. He understood and what the character meant to many of us. Also very much appreciate you pointing out that Spock and Data are NOT the same. Spock has emotions. He just does not express them the way the majority do. As you pointed out, the way he does, is similar to how someone with Asperger's or autism does.
Thanks for talking about Autism, btw Aspergers is not recognized as a separate condition anymore, according to DSM-5 it is just a point in the spectrum
No, but it is a smaller collection of attributes that is on the grander spectrum of autism, so I don't see an issue with it's non-medical use, if the shoe actually fits, that is.
I agree that data's a robot, but there's still a larger undercurrent of autism spectrum issues throughout the various Trek series, including: Odo's internal turmoil over feelings of impersonation and alienation, detail-orientedness, and affinity for (object) masking; Seven of Nine's delayed social development, technical aptitude, emotional forthrightness, brusqueness, and desire to acquire knowledge (sometimes without regard to her own safety); Ensign Tilly in Discovery who will be learning to navigate the officer's program and the complexities of command; and (potentially) Deanna Troi, who has trained as a psychologist to tap into her innate receptivity to the emotions others display (or attempt to hide). It's a serious continuing theme.
As a person who has worked with many folks on the spectrum, this video is fascinating and validating to the things I've witnessed.
Lots of good secular parables in Star Trek, I love seeing analyses like these.
❤️
You, Dave, are a soul-brother. I have been touched by this video. I'm 65 and so a bit older and due to retire in a couple of years as an aerospace-defense developer/analyst. I remember watching the original episodes when they actually aired instantly forming an attachment to the character of Spock. Thank you.
My dad has autism and he was a army ranger. He lead men into combat and jumped out of airplanes into warzones. He is super logical, super literal, has a high pain tolerance, and he was trained to kill.
I am not on the spectrum, but I love The Original Series, and this was incredibly interesting.
I have been watching the original star trek recently and relate so much to spock. I definitely think he has autistic traits and am happy to have a character that is as respected and loved on and off show as he is!
Damn, that reminds me a lot of me as a kid. I can't think of an exact example, but I visualised pretty much everything. Elephants in rooms, bulls in china shops, anything like that.
Lol - "bull in a china shop" always did exactly that to me ! Complete with collapsing trestle tables.
When I think of Vulcan emotions, I remember how Spock's dad was nearing the end of his life and due to his emotions raging out of control, he had to mind-meld with Kirk (or was it Picard?), which ultimately made the captain understand the father through that shared experience.
It was Picard, I remember that as the episode which established Vulcans are internally more emotional than humans, not less.
@@TimurTripp2 Thanks so much for pointing that one out, I missed it by not looking at ST:TNG!
That was a bogus story,by a person who knew nothing about the Vulcan mind.
@@TimurTripp2 Bit late to respond, but that part of Star Trek was deep and extremely well thought out. It struck our human emotion at just the right tone as it gave us a little more insight into about people who bottle up their emotions. Autistic people are a prime example of that, but not exclusively limited to.
Sarek was dying from a Vulcan disease similar to Dementia in humans. It effected their emotional area of the brain. The episode was TNG Unification. It was a 2 Parter.
Dave: As an Aspie/Asperger myself and also in IT (kind of why my handle is IT-smurf), and a huge Star Trek fan I will just say that your videos (both this and previous, though also your MS Intern video) describes it so amazingly well! My complete deepest respect to you both for your great work in IT, but as an Aspie especially also how you so well describes how it is to be an Aspie. Thank you so much for that!
Though on the side about emotions, I can definitely say, we have emotions, lots of emotions! They can just be so extremely difficult to handle and even worse to try to convey to others, for the first emotions are so difficult to understand (like humans and human behavior can be), you can't calculate or try to understand them with your logically part of the brain, you can't like in computers and code really analyze them to fully understand them, you can only kind of accept them and try to approximate them into logic and by that try to describe it to others, which is difficult and can be very hard - also emotionally stressful in fact (and again you have to try to decipher why that is, it is on and on with those difficult emotions).
One thing though, where I don't think you should dismiss Data is, I don't know how it is for you, but his desire to often be human, I have most definitely also felt that. Proud to be an Aspie, it helps me a lot in work, though at private gatherings it can be difficult to feel outside the "normals", so sometime I at least for several seconds just wish I could be like or at least understand the "normal humans" better
Even though it’s unconfirmed because Vulcans were different than humans, Spock is a character who is a kindred spirit to me. Growing up, I always felt like an “alien” because I was different from my school peers. Autism wasn’t really mainstream in the late 90s and early 2000s, so kids always made fun of me and bullied me. I tried to approach them logically but bullying is illogical. It got to a point where my mom pulled me out of school because the school staff was doing f-ck all to help me. As an adult, I found Star Trek-and Spock. I was so obsessed with him that my dad would jokingly refer to me as “Mrs. Spock”. 🤣 I prefer subtle representation rather than it being on the nose like it is nowadays. Spock was the perfect subtle representation for me.
I'm autistic and I'm watching TOS for the first time.
I love it! And of course Mr. Spock catched my attention completely being so literal and logical, he is amazing! I understand him very well and makes me appreciate Kirk more, since he respects Spock a lot and is a good friend! And McCoy is like lots of people I've met saying always that I'm "cold", "a computer", "emotionless freak", "alien", or a interesting "you are far too logical, you are nonfunctional for love." and things like that.
McCoy is funny, tho, I don't find him offensive or anything because I'm 31 and I've learned to apply logic to any bully comment 💁🏻♀️
About the meltdowns, I feel Spock, I usually hyde them from people (including family) because since I was very young I understood it was not "supposed to happen" and only few times have someone seen me like that.
Anyways, loved this video! Your review is objetive and informative. Very nice content!
I was diagnosed with high-functioning Autism as an adult, but strangely I've always had a gift for metaphors and allegories. However, ironically, I was often slow on jokes growing up, and occasionally I still am, especially if subtle. Growing up, I remember being baffled at how boys would insult each other playfully. I often thought they were actually being emotionally hurt by these comments, and that there was a serious component to them, or that they were completely serious. I also had very restricted interests to such an extreme that if a classmate's interest wasn't Star Wars or Legos, I didn't really care about it. I eventually opted to force myself to be interested in some things that were vaguely related to my interests. I have used this technique throughout my life.
Well... Spock was inspired by Sherlock Holmes- which some have pointed out- could have been written as autistic.
Good point, wish I had included that!
Sherlock Holmes was based on a real person that Doyle knew
Someone: try and put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
Me: try to feel how someone else feels.
My brain: steal there shoes, run away, and turn there shoes into a giant living space.
Me: WHY BRAIN!?
my brain: honestly, I don’t know.
I know, right?!?
Does the star beam background make me look a little bit like the Sun in the Teletubbies?
Dave's Garage lolololol I’ve never watched it it but that’s funny
I can picture the way that little baby in the sun laughed on Teletubbies superimposed perfectly over Dave's face.
No. That sun is a baby and you are old.
I have to admit that image did cross my mind. LOL
Yes
Oh, I just discovered your channel, and it explained a lot of things to me.
I imagined the two next to each other in the room.
And well, I had many meltdown, which was always in inconvenient times of my life :
I had big plans (they evolved and are even bigger now), but everytime I were to finally beat procrastination and I was able to get going, stupid bad luck made it that someone always had to come at this exact moment to tell me that I am doing nothing with my life, and always cause a dispute with this...
When you left something aside because the last time you tried, someone ruined everything by making you literally loose control by saying you aren't doing anything, but then, when you start again, someone (the same person or someone else) literally decide it is the perfect time to do it again, so you again have a huge dispute and loose control, again...
It happened dozen of times, EVERYTIMES within the one or two weeks I got back at my projects after month of not doing them.
And now I realize everytime it was a meltdown, I didn't knew it was an autistic specific thing.
I can clearly confirm that I don't like "talking about what's wrong", not only I never feel better after that as it doesn't "evacuate", but everytime it just make thing worse by remembering me all those things, and this is so tiring when peoples can't understand that, despite me saying that I won't feel better, and they insist about me talking about it.
This video was really interesting !
When I was really young someone asked if I'd like an ice cream sandwich. I pictured bread, mayo, and ice cream. They didn't know why I found the concept horrifying.
Thank you, Dave. Speaking as an Aspergian, I find this analysis of Spock most thought-provoking.
Simply one of the best videos I have ever seen on this topic. I would really love to see more of these. I never managed to explain my issues to my partner or friends. But these videos are great!
Thank you so much!
Data was my kindred spirit in Trek.
I don't think Spock was modeled after someone with autism. I think he was modeled after stoicism, and even buddhism. In order to stop fighting, and to survive as a people the Vulcans adopted logic as both a way of life, and a religion. this is much like buddhism, in fact I think Spock has a lot of qualities very similar to that of a Buddhist monk. Spock's ability to control his emotions, and use logic, always served him well, because Star trek was essentially science fiction horror.
This episode is a thing of great beauty and truth. Dave's Garage is a treasure--on every topic it undertakes. Thank you, Mr. Dave.
Very imaginative video. I have a daughter on the spectrum. She will enjoy this video.
did Edward scissorhands Autism or Asperger's
The privilidge i have had working alongside young people with Autism and Asperge is immense.. I question myself every day as to my perception of who i am and who we are and what is normal?..the most wonderfull evaluation of the human spirit was that as I heard on a street in Vietnam from the counterfeit Raulf Lauren T shirt sales seller-- "same same but different" she said. That reminds me always that we are all "same same but different". A good You Tube by the way..
Wow, this is really good and so interesting. What you said about Spock and people with Autism looking up to him because he has learned how to master his emotions... my favorite actors are people who seem to be able to control their emotions immensely, even to the point where they can seem "cold." Not that they ARE actually cold, but that they are able to control themselves under intense pressure, which may make them seem "cold" when it is really just emotional control. They are people who by all means could be complete disasters, but they have mastered themselves to the point where they are able to master their emotions, and I love that.
The ability to control emotions is absolutely essential to me. To be able to be logical and think rationally and control ones emotions, particularly in debates and differences of opinions and controversies, is essential. "Logic should be what you have underneath, guarding your emotions, not instead of them." BINGO!
"Imagine, perhaps, if there is a missing or somehow restricted connection from the emotional part of the brain to the brain's social communication circuits, and that is a very different thing from the emotional part being absent." So well said! I have always feel like this connection that you describe is missing, but I could not describe it like that.
"And so, there you have it, a highly intelligent loner who does not suffer fools gladly..." I do not know about the highly intelligent part, but I get this so much. I see the good in humanity, but people individually so often just seem gratingly foolish to me, and I struggle with this a lot.
I especially get the part about bullying, and a friendship developing out of Spock standing up for himself. I was bullied a lot for being "different," and I would try to hold back to give people a chance. But I have literally developed friendships when someone who was bullying me finally pushed me too far, and I turned on them. Then they told me how ever after that they really liked me. Go figure!
This was so interesting, thoughtful, insightful and well presented. It gave me a lot to "chew" on - thank you for this!
I'm still thinking about Data as a piece of a fully functional exercise equipment :D. fantastic video, I always identified with Spock as the most relatable character.
Fun fact autism can make you over expressive
thank you child of the summer of love
Wow !! Thanks for doing this episode on Spock. Like most Star Trek fans I too admired Spock greatly. And like many others he was my most favoured of the characters. I remember this episode on his fight to control himself. It was a heart rending performance to witness and Nimoy did a stellar job. I have likely used all of your code over the years, on all of the MS OS versions - possibly with the exception of the OS on my first computer which was a Zenith ZFL-171-42 - a definitely lunch pail shaped. unit. Still have that one, in fact. Thanks again, Dave. James.
What the hell am I watching at 3 am
"In 2013, the DSM-5 replaced Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders with the umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder."
Yet another person on the spectrum (diagnosed in mid 50s). Growing up, I definitely liked Spock the best. He made sense to me -- someone that I looked up to.
I started watching your programming language shoot out with interest. But as soon as I saw your autism videos and watched this one, I jumped straight in and subscribed. I don't subscribe to a channel unless I am *really* interested.
Not even young life I still regularly hear hypothetical situations and start imagining how those would be possible and then what could result from such a situation. I find it very fun but I do realise others are entirely confused and think I am a bit out there.
To add to this, never been diagnosed at all but just from looking at how I deal with the world around me I suspect I am on the spectrum.
I've been attached to Mr. Spock since episode 1. He has quickly become my favourite fictional character.
Despite relating to him on some levels, I didn't entirely understand to what extent Mr. Spock was capable of emotions (I accidentally dozed off during the episode where he had a meltdown and I assumed he could feel very little.)
This video has given me a different perspective on his character. Despite my already-established notion about this character having been contradicted, I actually resonate with Mr. Spock *more* now.
Thank you for the in-depth video.
Pushing up daisies, litterally imagined somebody undetgroud pushing up flowers.
I always took metaphors and jokes too literally my ADHD dad found it hilarious but always wanted to stimulate my imagination. One of my favorite ones was the small man in the box taking pictures of speeding cars. 😂 yeah thats how he explained radars ro me. We still joke about it.
But it is explained that Vulcans do have emotions, even stronger ones than humans do have, and that they ölearn and undergo certain disciplines in order to keep them in check. The Vulcan version of Alzheimer's is a condition where they are no longer able to do that.
I’ve only recently found your channel. I really enjoy the current and historical technical content. I would appreciate more autism related content. I find it helpful.
I think I am mildly(?) autistic. I’ve made a set of rationalizations about my path in life. I don’t need to be, "normal". I’m on my own path and didn’t see much value in getting a formal diagnosis. Hearing you talk about things I can relate to has helped to show me that my self-understanding may not be as complete as it could be. It would be illogical not to avail myself of an outside objective expert perspective that could allow me to formulate better rationalizations. When the threat of this pandemic has diminished I believe I will seek out an LCSW or psychologist to see if I am classifiable on the autism spectrum. I will increase my understanding and continue to chart my own life path.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I value your perspective.
OK, so one of my earliest memories of literal interpretation of an instruction was in kindergarten 48 year's ago was; the instructions to cut out a Christmas ornament. On a piece of red craft paper was memeographed a 5 point star, a pentagon with fire equalateral triangles. Instruction as fallows, "Cut out the shape by cutting on the lines." So my ornament was a pentagon and five triangles. Teacher quickly pointed out my error and I was branded different.
As an engineer all these years latter, literal interpretation of instructions that most would be fine with, I found 6 instants of verbage that conflicted with each other.
Only after weeks of study did I realize that I was being too literal. Once I got to that point I was able to get past those conflicts and succeed.
The first time in 53 years that I self diagnosed an issue that kept me from being normal.
Watching this, but my brain is being overstimulated by the background.
I've watched this video several times. It's great. Thank you ❤
I think I'm the opposite of autistic. I was born with a malfunctioning pituitary and blind in one eye. I later learned that is called "Septo-Optic Dysplasia". Sense of smell is almost non-existent as well. Also left-handed I tend to think outside the box. BTW - I love Star Trek.
The simile that comes to my mind that really made me think was the phrase, "finer than a frogs hair" simply because I know frogs don't have hair, they're rather slimy but when you really think about the hair follicles, could they have at one point in evolution?
Thank you Dave for this great video. I have never really watched Star Trek nor thought much about the spectrum. Thx for this video (:
I thought this question a couple days ago
Wait a goddam minute this is the dude who wrote task manager
super cool! thanks for the video, i really liked it, ill be watching the others of this series most definitely i wish your channel and you good luck :) (sadly im not much of a car guy so forgive me if i dont show up too often for anything vehicle-y lol. but either way, appreciate it, i hope to see more TOS stuff since im just starting the second season tomorrow.)
I can agree with what you've about aspies, I was diagnosed with asperger syndrome 3 years ago and I am 6 years older that you. Aspies have emotions, feel emotions but don't know how to show or use emotions. I can relate to about 95% of what you say, as for the difference, it's because we're different. Is the mesmerizer a visual release/entertainment for yourself as well as the fact you like to code? Linear thinking, tangents and the next steps in the process are all part of the thought process, like coding, in any (computer) language.
We had a friend who both looked liked spock and had aspergers, therefore we named him spock.
Hi Dave. Great video. Were the follow-up videos you mentioned published?
Thanks for explaining my lifetime of identification with Mr Spock. I realized this through Sheldon Cooper @ Big Ban Theory more recently, but never actually made that intellectual leap with Mr Spock.
It is convenient to see everything as a matter of black and white, but not accurate. I love to do a lot of planning and carrying it out so would fit right in as an Ops officer on a Starfleet vessel.
I have the variant of this where I actually really live what is going on as if I am there even if I have never lived through it. That can be very awkward when someone is telling a joke that may be a little strange or not very nice. It can also be a bit interesting when someone is messing with me and telling me about something I really wouldn't want to do. Having to re-live that can sometimes almost bring me to tears.
Incredible video. Thank you.
You need to make more videos like this!
Hey! I'm glad to see someone speaking about this topic from his own perspective so openly.
However I will say, I'd appreciate if you'd not devalue Data. He is indeed not at all a good fit for Autism, and the Eposiode you mention where he had Sex is... Not good and not consistent. That said though, on the whole Data is still a good representation of the struggles of some other groups of persons that are unusual in their thinking.
In fact I do at times identify with him somewhat, and you putting him down as completely made up stung a little bit.
If I were tested I'd most likely end up getting diagnosed as high on the autism spectrum, however I do not believe that that's an accurate representation. I think my abnormality is rather a result of the combination of my diagnosed ADD (non-hyperactive) and an unusual personality type. It's not like I do not have emotions of course, but I'm not always very much aware of them.
I actually E-mailed Gary Lockwood about this topic. He said that aspergers wasn't known about in the 60s and that spock wasn't written (at least not intentionally) as atustic
Its also possible that Lenard nimoy had atusim but was simply never diagnosed. Considering how much of him is in the character. I don't believe this is true but its not out of the question
My mother used to say things like if u don't clean up your room the shit is going to hit the fan of course I pictured it like a movie clip in my head then I would laugh wich would make her mad lmfao I'm 61 now still funny
It is really funny 😂
Spock is half human so I think he can be autistic.
Wow. I'm processing. I'm gob smacked. (And I want to re-read "My Secret Life with Star Trek Creator Gene Roddenberry" and see if offers clue to an influence.)
What a lovely person!
When I was young people would say "your as light as a feather", so I believed them. one day my dad installed a new fence, and I thought it would be smart to balance myself on a huge fencing nail. I thought "if feathers could do it, then so can I", of course the nail went strait through my shoe & foot. My dad ran outside, pulled the nail out of my foot, & I was on my way to the ER for a tetanus shot.
Brother, I appreciate this video! Anyone interested in the relationship between Logic and Emotion NEEDS to read a book by Demazio, Descartes' Error. There, as a Neurophysiologist, he explains how he Scientifically proves that one cannot separate Logic and Emotion... Fascinating book! Hopefully Dave will read it, would be very interesting to see his reaction to that... As for me, I'm 51, learned I had Aspergers' about 9 years ago. I hate the fact that I am different honestly, it tends to put distance between me and others, which is the very last thing I've ever wanted...
Did you follow up on this? I can't find a further video on your channel.
I can't believe you called me out about the gorilla being on top of the elephant
Who is Majel Hudack? She was listed as Majel Barrett before marrying Rodenberry. In the scene you showed of Spock's meltdown he was under the influence of an alien virus, which you left out. Spock was not considered to have a learning disability until Discovery (which is not considered canon). Vulcans were a very emotional and violent race until Surak led them to the logical way of life. Star Trek's Autistic fans could not have picked a better character than Spock or man like Leonard Nimoy to immolate. I'm not autistic but I am dyslexic.
What about Drax from Guardians of the galaxy he gets confused by metaphors and says things that are insulting and doesn't understand why people get upset when he says insulting things
High functioning here. I thought "Milquetoast" was ""Milk Toast" and visualized someone pouring milk on toast until I was 26 years old...and I still visualize it, I just know the correct spelling now lol.
i have been told that some people cant see things in there head, i have also been told that some people cant talk in there own head either. both of these things break my brain, the beep in the background, how do you ignore that? maybe im not catching the emotion with edits?
There was a character on Boston Legal that was portrayed with Asperger's and it was presented as mostly a physical manifestation with some nervousness. At the time I thought that Autism was reserved for the non communicative or the savants (i.e. Rainman vs House) while Asperger's was something completely different.
It's all one big wide spectrum, but people within it can be VERY different of course!
Flip the Vulcan greeting upside down and it all makes sense
I Think The Reason Why Bones Teased Spock so Much in TOS Was Just to Try,&,Hide His Own Neurodiversity
Spock was always my favorite.
So, the remaining question is, "Who did Roddenberry have in mind when he wrote the Rock Hudson character in 'Pretty Maids All In A Row'?"
As a teacher, I've worked with autistic people. I think every one is on the spectrum.
I mean I’m autistic and I found that many do not understand when I explain how I see things, so I wouldn’t say that true
Multiplication Tables, I pictured round wooden tables....I had to learn humor, now I wonder why so many don't get it.
What does it mean if I pictured the gorilla inside the elephant's colon with X-ray vision?
I don't understand why it took 98 years to prove the Poincare Conjecture. who can't instantly visualize everything about that problem?
Technically all Vulcans would be diagnosed with some form of autism by Earth’s standards; they are extremely sensitive to emotion, impulsive and can be aggressive and even violent. They are a volatile species. And Surak himself had the Vulcan equivalent of Aspergers Syndrome (a form of autism). I can only guess at this, but before and during the Time of Awakening, there was an increase in the number of Vulcans developing autistic traits in the same way we are today (we don’t know if this is due to biology or due to the increase in testing, but let’s assume both) and the already volatile Vulcan species was becoming far more dangerous to themselves than ever before.
At some point, Surak discovered the use of logic to order minds and used it as the foundation for a spiritual yet grounded religion (it is a religion, and I will explain why) using meditation to focus impulsive and chaotic minds. I am going to embellish this slightly, but Vulcans consider Logic to be God, they refer to is as ‘Sha Ka Ree’ which is ‘Omnipotent God Creator’ in Vulcan. A few passages from the teachings of Surak:
"Who has measured the height of Sha Ka Ree, and the breadth of the earth, and the depth of the abyss?
Who has examined the wisdom of the Supreme Intelligence, which precedes all things?
Wisdom was created before all things, and the understanding of prudence is before all time.
The logos is the source of wisdom, whose steps are eternal commandments. To whom has the root of logic been revealed, and who has recognized her astuteness?
To whom has the discipline of wisdom been revealed and made manifest? And who has understood the infinite diversity of her steps?
Awaken to a’Tha, the constant Vulcan awareness of the omnipotent Creator.
He is One, and he is the Supreme Intelligence, and he is the sovereign Logos.
He created wisdom through divine logic, and he saw her, and numbered her, and measured her.
And he poured her over all his works, and over all flesh, to the extent of his favor, and he has offered her to those who logic him.
The understanding of logos is wisdom, and honor, and rejoicing, and a crown of exultation.
The study of logic will delight the mind, and will give joy and gladness and length of days."
To Vulcans, the universe is created using the order of logic (the laws of physics), that it permeates all things, and that being logical is to serve the Sha Ka Ree as it stands in judgment of those who are illogical. In other words, you’re punished for being an idiot and persevere when you’re logical. Every Vulcan acknowledges this fact and holds it as self evident. Vulcans can and do indulge emotional desires, there is no prohibition on experiencing or sharing emotion, but the moment and time has to be appropriate, in this way, they are certain their composure is not compromised. The reason Pon Farr is a controversial subject is because it overrides composure, as we see with multiple Vulcans across Star Trek.
2:40 - You of course would first need to put the horse in a giant horse sized blender. The reason being that it is always useful to have horse parts on tap for demonic ritual purposes.
When you asked him if it would be strong enough he probably took it as an insult, like you were putting him down. I find that asking simple questions often makes people offended because they take everything as having hidden meanings and insults when I just wanted to know the answer.
Love this episode Dave, but your definitely wrong about Data. There has been some research that Some children on the Autistic spectrum have better social connections with robots than with people in a social context. Of course Data isn't flesh and blood, but he serves as a function to remind other crew members of their own social and mental health. He more an emotional device than a social crutch on which to rest on. The Vulcans on the other hand CHOSE to distance themselves from their own emotional lives through culture, laws and meditation, than being afflicted with the absence of neurotypical behaviour. In Artificial intelligence and cybernetics can help with building function into what can be perceived as biologically or socially restrictive, whether losing a leg, recovering from having a stroke or dealing with diabetes, the same can be said with the short comings in dealing neurodiversity in a neurotypical world.
Not a metaphor but:
I remember asking my kindergarten(?) teacher how dinosaurs could've lived millions of years ago if we were only in the year ~2000. I also remember seeing pictures of all the presidents back in 4th(?) grade and thinking it was a mighty coincidence that all of them were white males...this was before I learned about slavery and whatnot.
Leonard Nimoy is in a better place, will be missed , and was an honorable man.
Here is a hint...You still don't fit in. Then again, neither do I. As I have said...I'm introverted with extroverted tendencies. [INFP] The good news is [I can only speak for myself] I can accept others for who they are and the same for myself. I automatically earn self respect by an innate characteristic of compassion and altruism so that at the end of the day I can look in the mirror and like what I see because I didn't say no to an opportunity to serve others with the gifts the Father has given me.
You certainly throw a new perspective on the series. I have copies of every series/movie ever made. I can do the Vulcan salute with both hands without flinching. "Live Long and Prosper." And yes Spock was the one that I most identified with in the original series.
Brother, Asperger’s hasn’t been a thing for over a over 10 years now
So ummm, why is this recommended to me?
Loved this video, am sharing it on my facebook. I am grateful the rise of autistic awareness and nerd culture and power and this video combines all these things. Will check out more of your stuff, check out my music if you are interested.
How can you ascribe a human disorder to an alien species?
Could vulcans also be compared to introverts
What the hell is this and why is there a advertisement for this.
Who here has ocd and wants to see the omega molecule?
Thank you.
4:45 I'm autistic, and I resent the implication that I quack.
Edit: 19:25 Um....
Spock is half human.
Don't think so. Vulcans where mostly based on the Stoics. Poorly, but I do see the the caricature in them. Stoics often appeal to reason as the highest, well not virtue, but abllity. So the "we must always do logical things" caricature makes sense.
Granted Jedi make better Stoics, but that's because they're space Buddiests, and Stoics and Buddists share a lot of similarities.
Interesting! Do you have a source or any evidence that Roddenberry based them on the Stoics? I didn't run across any!
Dave's Garage I know that when I was interested in the concept of Vulcan philosophy as a teen (I know it’s fictional but as a aspie with too many emotions I was intrigued by concept lol) many people pointed me in the direction of stoicism