Easy access to information does not make people more knowledgeable; an American lifestyle is becoming more influential all over the world because of globalization. An indifferent and lazy society is replacing a society that carries out research and thinks over social problems. A book or article is not read thoroughly; instead, people prefer a brief scan. In this way, a Mankurt type of people is gradually emerging. "Mankurt" refers to a person who has lost his core values and his identity and become defenseless against his enemy. This is a personality described in a novel by Kyrgyz novelist Cengiz Aytmatov in 1980. The people of the 21st century now lead a mobile lifestyle. Cell phones are products of this tendency; this lifestyle promotes use of small but comfortable household items and frequent business travels. The people of the 21st century do not have time for extensive and thorough thinking. Because of the daily rush of life, they do not have time for even their families. In such a lifestyle, it is not possible to read, think or generate solid knowledge. At this point, the strategic research institutions and think tanks assume a great role in filling this void. These institutions challenge the Mankurt type of people; these are modern units created by people who have the luxury to reserve time for extensive thinking in an attempt to generate knowledge and thought. Think tanks have greatly contributed to effective and expedited thinking, but people employed in these institutions have started suffering from diseases caused by stressful and inactive lifestyles. Most of these diseases are caused by long periods in front of computers, pressure in connection with the need to generate more ideas, intake of excessive coffee and tea, long stays in closed areas and lengthy meetings. A great number of other diseases and conditions are observed among think tank employees, including: obesity in connection with malnutrition and excessive eating, weight loss resulting from stressful lifestyles, herpes zoster, urticaria, lipidosis in internal organs, heart disease and blood pressure, hemorrhoids, vein disorders, venous thrombosis in the legs, lung embolism, bad temper, depression, uneasiness, eye problems, posture disorders, neck and waist aches, tensed back and waist muscles, herniated discs and thoracic syndrome.
Excessive time spent using keyboards may result in hand and finger diseases, as well as joint disorders. Inappropriate positioning of the wrist and the repeated movements may lead to a common condition called carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes aches in the hands and arms and numbness as a result of tensed nerves in the wrist. Constant contact of the wrists with a hard surface may also lead to aches and numbness because of ulnar nerve compression on the elbow and other microbial conditions, including elbow bursitis. Joint disorders, such as tendonitis, in the shoulders in connection with constant use of the mouse may also be observed. While strategists have a tight and intense schedule full of meetings, conferences, brainstorming activities, conventions, cocktails, dinners, domestic and international travels and other social activities, they may become indifferent and alienated to the real world because of heavy engagement with abstract issues and activities, including the Internet, reading and writing and foreign policy; this may eventually lead to a breakout of depression.
Strategists rarely suffer from senility or diseases like Alzheimer's at early ages because they are constantly engaged in mental activities and creative thinking, whereas they frequently have to deal with disorders and diseases in connection with immobility and an inactive lifestyle. Moreover, they become more attached to life because of the happiness and satisfaction associated with the idea of generating more diverse thinking and opinions for society. For this reason, staff members working in think tanks and strategic research institutions need to engage in athletic activities through regular sporting events and maintain a balanced and healthy diet; such a lifestyle will keep them away from the negative repercussions of a stressful life and minimize the probability of heart disease. By relying on a more balanced and healthy lifestyle, strategists may stay free from mental disorders such as depression and become more productive, prolific and creative.
