What Sheep Can Teach Us About Human Diversity

Something New I learned today from My Readings. 

This posting is inspired from my recent readings about sheep as well as the HBO Max TV show, Heated Rivalry, Season 1 completion.  https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2026/01/why-heated-rivalry-is-highest-rated-tv.html

What Sheep Can Teach Us About Human Diversity

I recently came across a fascinating scientific article reporting that among sheep, about 12% show exclusive same-sex preference, while another 22% display bisexual behavior. At first glance, this might sound surprising or even amusing but it opens the door to a much deeper and more meaningful conversation about nature, diversity, and what it means to be human.

Sexual Diversity Exists in Nature

Sheep are far from the only animals where same-sex or bisexual behavior has been observed. Scientists have documented similar patterns in hundreds of species, from birds and dolphins to primates. These behaviors are not learned from humans, nor are they rare anomalies. They are part of the natural world.

What makes the sheep studies particularly interesting is that they show stable, consistent preferences, not momentary behaviors. Some rams repeatedly prefer same-sex partners, even when female partners are available. In other words, sexual diversity appears to biological, not accidental.

How Does This Compare to Humans?

When we turn to humans, the picture becomes more complex, not because sexuality is more complicated, but because human societies are.

Global surveys suggest that:

• Roughly 3–5% of adults identify as gay or lesbian

• Another 4–6% identify as bisexual

• Younger generations report significantly higher numbers, especially for bisexual identity

In some countries, particularly where social acceptance is higher, nearly 1 in 10 young adults identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Researchers also point out that when studies ask about attraction or behavior, rather than identity labels, the percentages rise even further.

So while the exact numbers differ, the overall range is not wildly different from what we see in sheep and other animals. especially when we remember that many humans may choose not to disclose their true feelings due to cultural, religious, or legal pressures.

Identity vs. Attraction vs. Behavior

One important difference between animal and human studies is how sexuality is measured.

• In animals, scientists observe behavior and biological markers

• In humans, surveys rely on self-identification

A person may experience same-sex attraction but identify as heterosexual. Another may identify as bisexual without having had relationships with both sexes. These distinctions matter and they help explain why human numbers may appear lower than those observed in animals.

What This Tells Us

The takeaway is not that humans are “like sheep,” but that diversity is a feature of life itself. Sexual orientation exists on a spectrum, and that spectrum appears again and again across species, cultures, and centuries.

This understanding challenges the idea that same-sex or bisexual orientation is unnatural, modern, or socially invented. Instead, it suggests something quieter and more profound: difference has always been part of creation.

A Gentle Reflection

Across cultures and faith traditions, we often speak of compassion, dignity, and humility. Science, in its own way, echoes those values by reminding us that nature rarely fits into rigid categories. Life is complex, varied, and beautifully untidy.

Perhaps the lesson here is not about percentages at all, but about learning to look at one another, and ourselves, with a little more curiosity and a little less fear.

In a world that often insists on simple answers, nature keeps offering us a richer story.

In Addition, the latest information on this topic is on the website below: 

https://www.them.us/story/gallup-lgbtq-population-nine-percent-increase-united-states?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=app.dashsocial.com/them/library/media/628214563

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the above Topic:

Sheep offer profound metaphors and scientific insights into human diversity, individuality, and community behavior. By observing their social structures and biological traits, we can better understand the value of differing perspectives and the importance of inclusive environments.

1. The Value of the "Black Sheep"

The metaphor of the "black sheep" is a powerful tool for understanding human individuality and non-conformity. 

• Individual Courage: Just as a black sheep stands out in a white flock, individuals who defy social norms often possess the courage to remain authentic.
• Driving Progress: History shows that "black sheep"—outliers like Galileo or Rosa Parks—are often the catalysts for societal evolution and innovation.
• Warning Systems: In a flock, the outlier might be the first to notice a danger the others ignore; similarly, diverse thinkers in human groups can identify risks when a majority is headed toward an unwise decision. 

2. Cognitive Complexity and Recognition

Sheep possess advanced cognitive abilities that mirror human skills in recognizing and valuing diversity. 

• Facial Recognition: Scientific studies in 2026 have reaffirmed that sheep can recognize at least 50 individual faces (both sheep and human) and remember them for years.
• Interpreting Emotions: Sheep can differentiate between human facial expressions, often showing a preference for "smiles" over "frowns". This highlights a biological capacity for empathy and social intelligence that transcends species.
• Holistic Processing: Sheep can recognize familiar people even when seen from new perspectives or tilted angles, a complex cognitive task previously thought to be unique to humans. 

3. Community and Interdependence

Sheep behaviors teach us about the essential nature of human connection and collective responsibility. 

• The Necessity of Belonging: Sheep thrive in community and become vulnerable to predators when isolated. This mirrors the human need for social support and the dangers of extreme isolation.
• Collective Intelligence: Wild bighorn sheep transmit cultural knowledge about migration routes through generations. This suggests that a community’s success depends on the preservation and transmission of diverse experiences and knowledge.
• Mutual Support: Sheep in a flock protect the very young and very old, reflecting a natural drive to care for the vulnerable within a diverse population. 

4. Critiques of "Flock Mentality"

The term "sheep" is also used to warn against blind conformity. 

• The "Excellent Sheep" Critique: In academic and professional settings, the term "Excellent Sheep" describes individuals who are highly talented but lack a sense of purpose because they only follow prescribed paths.
• Flock Mentality: Research indicates that humans often "flock" subconsciously, with as little as 5% of a group able to influence the direction of the other 95% without their realization. Awareness of this trait is crucial for fostering independent thought and true diversity of opinion. 

Fernando Mendoza- College Football Hero

BREAKING NEWS: Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza just delivered a powerful message that left some of the world’s richest and most influential people stunned, and then he backed it up with action.

SEE FULL HERE : https://thecurrentnewsroom.com/.../breaking-news.../...

At a star-studded black-tie charity gala in Indianapolis, surrounded by Fortune 500 CEOs, Big Ten boosters, and celebrities dripping in designer gowns and tuxedos, Mendoza took the stage to accept the Walter Camp Foundation’s National Community Impact Award, but instead of the safe, rehearsed speech everyone expected from a breakout college quarterback, the 22-year-old spoke straight from the soul.

He didn’t thank boosters by name or brag about the Big Ten title. Instead, he looked out at a room packed with millionaires and billionaires and said:

“If you are blessed with success, use it to lift others. No man should celebrate victories while children have no chances. If you have more than you need, it is not truly yours; it belongs to those who need hope.” The ballroom went dead silent.

According to guests, several high-profile donors froze; no polite applause, no smiles; just stunned stillness as the words of a kid from California who just beat Ohio State hung in the air. Of course they didn’t clap right away. Truth hits different when it’s delivered by someone who actually lives it.

Because Fernando wasn’t talking envy. He was talking responsibility.

And he didn’t stop at words. That same night, Mendoza announced he is personally donating his entire $1.7 million in NIL earnings from this season to fund after-school programs, tutoring centers, and college scholarship funds for underserved kids in his hometown and across Indiana, proving leadership isn’t just spoken; it’s lived.

Mendoza’s message was simple, timeless, and undeniably human:

“Success means nothing if it doesn’t serve others.” While boosters chase rings and headlines, a quarterback who just won the Big Ten reminded the world that true greatness isn’t measured by what you keep; but by what you give.

In an era where college athletes are called mercenaries, Fernando Mendoza didn’t just speak tonight. He made the world listen.

BREAKING: Fernando Mendoza Named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Global Culture, a defining moment for a leader who refused to be boxed in.

Details: https://powerstride.forum/.../fernando-mendoza-shocks...

From relentless competitor to emblem of pride for the Indiana Hoosiers, Fernando Mendoza’s unwavering drive, discipline, and fearless presence have reshaped conversations far beyond the field. This recognition cements what supporters have long known: he isn’t just an athlete, he’s a cultural force who sets the standard, challenges expectations, and leaves a lasting mark.

For Details visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_Mendoza

Finally, Did You Know that.....

After the 1960s, Filipino nurses didn’t just migrate, they reshaped global healthcare systems. As hospitals in the U.S., Middle East, Europe, and Asia became heavily staffed by Filipino nurses, institutions quietly adjusted shift structures, teamwork norms, bedside practices, and training methods around Filipino nursing culture.

Hospitals noted Filipino nurses’ strengths in patient-centered care, adaptability, English proficiency, and crisis resilience. Over time, some nursing schools abroad even modeled curricula on Philippine training standards, while hospitals adapted scheduling around collective work ethics and strong peer support systems common among Filipino staff.

In effect, Filipino nurses became an invisible backbone of modern global healthcare, so essential that systems bent around them, even if rarely acknowledged.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2026/01/nursing-in-philippines-and-abroad.html

Finally, the top five news of the Day:

1. Greenland’s political parties reject U.S. threats — All five parties in Greenland’s parliament issued a joint statement saying they want to decide the island’s future without interference, in response to repeated comments from U.S. President Trump about potentially asserting control over the strategically important Arctic territory. 

2. Pro-government crackdown intensifies as Iran protests spread — Anti-government demonstrations have expanded across Iran, with the supreme leader warning security forces won’t back down and rights groups raising alarm about communication blackouts and escalating tensions. 

3. Russia uses new hypersonic missile in major strike on Ukraine — Russia launched its new hypersonic missile in a significant attack on Ukraine, signaling a heightened phase of the conflict and sending a message to Western nations supporting Kyiv. 

4. Philippines: rescuers find signs of life in garbage avalanche disaster — After a massive collapse at a waste facility in Cebu city, Filipino rescuers have detected signs of life amid the rubble, as search operations continue for dozens missing. 

5. Swiss canton leader blasts lack of safety checks after deadly bar fire — The head of a Swiss canton expressed outrage that a bar which recently caught fire had not been inspected for years; the blaze killed about 40 people and authorities are investigating. 

Money is Not Always a Guarantee for Happiness

Money Isn’t Always a Guarantee of Happiness

Personal Reflections on Wealth, Purpose, and Four Generations of Blessings

Reading the Wall Street Journal article by Juliet Chung about the record number of billionaires in the world reminded me of a simple truth I have learned over 91 years: money alone is never a guarantee of happiness.

According to the report, there are now nearly 2,900 billionaires with a combined wealth of almost $16 trillion. Some earned their fortunes, others inherited them, and many spend their lives chasing even more. But I’ve lived long enough to see that the size of one’s bank account does not always reflect the size of one’s joy.

For me, happiness has always been something quieter, simpler, and far more personal.

Comfort, Not Excess

I have never wished to be a billionaire. What I wished for and still cherish is enough.

Enough to live comfortably. Enough to provide for my family. Enough to enjoy simple pleasures like travel, hobbies, writing my blogs, and in earlier years, singing in choirs with Macrine (RIP) and doing our medical mission work free of financial worries.

Money has its place. It gives security and stability. But beyond a certain point, the rest is just numbers on paper. The richest people I have known were not always the happiest. Some lived with stress, loneliness, or constant fear of losing what they had.

As I look back, the true wealth of my life came from something money could never buy.

The Accomplishments That Matter

My happiest moments were never tied to material possessions, but to accomplishment and purpose:

• A long and meaningful career with the FDA.

• My involvement with the 9/11 response.

• The medical missions my wife and I supported in the Philippines.

• And of course, my 15+ years of blogging, sharing memories, reflections, and life lessons with readers around the world.

These achievements gave my life meaning. They kept me engaged, curious, and grateful. No billionaire could purchase that feeling of fulfillment.

Four Generations of Joy

If money were the measure of happiness, then the richest would be the happiest. But the greatest treasure of my life came this year with the arrival of two great-grandsons.

Seeing four generations grow, thrive, and flourish has been my true legacy. This is the kind of wealth that deepens with time, not with interest.

Every milestone of my children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren tells me I have lived a life of purpose. You cannot buy that type of joy, not even with a billion dollars.

Health and Relationships: The Real Foundations of Happiness

As I approach 91, I am reminded daily that good health is priceless. It is the foundation on which all happiness is built.

Equally important are relationships, the people who stand by you, the communities you belong to, the love you give and receive. Whether at church, in my neighborhood, or here at THD, these connections enrich my days.

Even now, living with Stage 4 Kidney Disease, I find happiness in the kindness of others, the support of family, and the peaceful acceptance of life’s final chapters. No amount of wealth could substitute for these bonds.

Final Thoughts

When I read about billionaires multiplying every year, I do not envy them. I do not wish for their fortunes. I only wish that each of them finds the happiness that money alone cannot provide.

Because at the end of a long life, you learn that:

Happiness is enough, not excess.
Happiness is purpose, not possessions.
Happiness is love, not luxury.
Happiness is health, gratitude, and the family that carries your legacy into the future.

By these measures, I am wealthier than any billionaire in this Planet Earth.

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the Above Topic

That's a widely accepted truth: 

money helps by reducing financial stress and meeting basic needs, increasing life satisfaction up to a point, but it doesn't guarantee happiness, which also relies heavily on strong relationships, purpose, health, and gratitude, with diminishing returns for more money beyond a certain income level. While wealth can provide comfort and security, true fulfillment comes from deeper sources, making the phrase "money isn't always a guarantee of happiness" accurate, as it's a tool, not the end goal. 

How money helps happiness

• Reduces stress: Financial security removes the anxiety of not meeting basic needs, which significantly boosts well-being.
• Increases life satisfaction: More money correlates with higher overall life satisfaction, even if it doesn't always boost daily joy, according to some studies.
• Provides options: Money buys freedom from worry and the ability to invest in experiences and support loved ones. 

Where money falls short

• Diminishing returns: Beyond a certain income (which varies but is often cited around $75k-$100k+), more money doesn't proportionally increase happiness.
• Doesn't replace core needs: Strong relationships, a sense of purpose, social support, and good health are crucial and aren't bought by wealth.
• Can create new problems: Excessive focus on money can lead to materialism or unhealthy financial behaviors, as noted in YouTube. 

Key takeaways

• It's a means, not an end: Money is a tool to achieve well-being, not happiness itself, like a printing press for a newspaper.
• It's about perspective: How you use money and your mindset towards it (gratitude, comparison) matters more than the sheer amount.
• Balance is key: Financial stability is important, but prioritizing relationships, purpose, and health alongside it leads to genuine happiness. 
• Lastly, here are some of my Favorite Quotes on Happiness
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  Last but not Least,  I asked Chat GPT this Query: What does it mean to be Wealthy in the US this year? How much Money is Needed to be considered wealthy in the US today?

  
  

  ChatGPT said: Good question,  “wealthy” in the U.S. is a bit slippery, because it depends a lot on how you measure it (income vs net worth vs ability to live how you want), where you live, and what lifestyle you’re used to. But there are some recent data-driven benchmarks and widely used definitions that give us a sense of what “wealthy” tends to mean for many Americans in 2025.

  Key benchmarks for “wealthy” in the U.S. (2025)

  Net worth (assets minus debts)

  • According to a 2025 survey by Charles Schwab, the average American now says you need about US$ 2.3 million in net worth to be considered “wealthy.” Fortune+2Charles Schwab Press Room+2

  • By contrast, the same survey found that many consider ≈ US$ 839,000 sufficient to be “financially comfortable.” Charles Schwab Press Room+1

  • Other sources place being in the top 10% of American households (by net worth) around US$ 1.6 million, with the 95th-percentile (top ~5%) around US$ 3.8–4 million. Harness+2MarketWatch+2

  • To be among the top 2% of households by net worth, estimates often point to around US$ 5.5 million. Yahoo Finance+1

  So depending on how “wealthy” is defined (top 10%, top 5%, top 2%, or simply “wealthy enough” per survey), the net-worth threshold ranges from roughly $1.6 M to $5.5 M+,with the “average American perception” hovering near $2.3 M.

  Income (annual household or personal income)

  Because wealth isn’t just what you own but what you earn, income thresholds also matter:

  • According to Pew Research Center, a three-person household with an annual income above ≈ US$ 169,800 is considered “upper-income”, that is, comfortably above the median. Pew Research Center+1

  • For those aiming to be in the top 1% of earners nationally, some estimates place the required annual household income around US$ 731,000+. SmartAsset+1

  • But as experts note, “high income” doesn’t automatically equal “wealthy”,  especially in expensive areas. Money Talks News+1

  Why “wealthy” is more than just a number

  • Cost of living and location matter a lot. What looks “wealthy” in a low-cost rural area might be just “upper-middle class” in a high-cost metro region (e.g. near big cities, coastal areas). Yahoo Finance+2MarketWatch+2

  • Assets vs. liquid assets. Net worth includes everything, real estate, investments, savings, debts. Someone may have a high net worth tied up in real estate but little in liquid assets (cash, stocks), which affects flexibility and “wealth feel.”

  • Lifestyle, obligations, and family structure. Costs like mortgages, children’s schooling or college, healthcare, and retirement goals dramatically shift what “wealthy enough” means for different people.

  • Subjective perception matters. Surveys show many people think ~$2.3 M net worth or ~$200,000+ a year income qualify as wealthy today, but that might reflect aspirations, not actual long-term financial security. Fortune+2Investopedia+2

  What “wealthy” means for a place like Walnut Creek / Bay Area (High Cost of Living)

  Given your location in Walnut Creek (within the broader Bay Area), the thresholds for “wealthy” are likely higher than national median or “comfortable.” In high-cost regions:

  • Even a household net worth of ~$2–3 M might not feel “wealthy” long-term if property values, taxes, housing costs, and desired lifestyle are high.

  • Household income that puts you in the “upper-income” bracket nationally (say $170K–$200K) may not afford a “rich lifestyle” in the Bay Area without savings, investments, or home equity.

  • To have true financial flexibility and long-term security,  including homeownership, retirement savings, kids or other obligations, aiming for the top 5–10% nationally (net worth of ~$3–5 M+ and/or significant investable assets) might feel more like “wealthy.”

   Wealth vs. “Financial Security” vs. “Rich Lifestyle”

  It helps to think of “wealthy” not as one single category, but as a spectrum and to distinguish between:

  • Financial security / comfort- being able to meet needs, have savings, not worry about basic stability.

  • Affluence / upper-middle class -having more discretionary income, nicer home/car, vacations, some luxuries.

  • True “wealthy” or financially independent- having enough net worth and income to sustain lifestyle without worrying about employment, emergencies, retirement, or large expenses.

  Finally, what qualifies as “wealthy” shifts based on expectations: are you thinking of being comfortable in retirement? Providing for a family in an expensive area? Having freedom to travel or pursue passions?