[Zerbie]

I gather that what science is finding is that neuroplasticity involves possible change in brain structures. There have been some who say that PTSD untreated over time leads to a permanent change (for the worse) in a certain brain area. I believe that area is the hippocampus (but don't go blindly trusting my memory on this point -- my knowledge of brain anatomy is extremely scant and vague.)

The amygdala mediates our emotional responses, yes? So the question then becomes, what shapes the amygdala? Does experience alter it? I think science is going to find that early learning experiences DO affect the function of the amygdala, if that isn't something already found. Perhaps they will discover that killers are, 98% of the time, MADE, not born.

I understand that neuroplasticity does not mean we can just wake up one day and say, "Hey, I'm filled with faulty beliefs, let me trade 'em in for new ones," and just go 'buy' a new wiring system. I have deep understanding of how difficult the process of change is. Everything is wired to resist change, and that's on a survival level. Before change can happen, you have to throw a log jam into the entire "I must believe X in order to survive" program. That's harder than anything. But it CAN be done, and it is SO worth it.

Forget about Fred. He may never change, and while it's possible, I won't bet on it. I am saying, focus on us. Focus on ourselves and making ourselves whole and free. If we can get out of crappy programming, the world opens wide to possibility.