What would we be if …

Much as we all like to claim our preferences, our opinions, our birthrights, one wonders :

1. What would we be if as babies we were not constantly smiled at?

Would we be sad? Unloved? Destined to lead a lonely desperate existence?

Unable to be joyous? Unable to celebrate? Unable to love?

Why is a smile infectious? Why does it convey happiness? Why do we tell each other to smile? Would the smiley face emoji only apply to lunatics?

If we did not know what a smile is would we think of it as a baring of teeth? Is it merely a socially accepted expression and facial configuration? Is it foundation laid for the fake smile?

Is it human construct? Brand promise? All the 1000 words within a picture?

Do animals smile? Do fish smile? Do insects smile?

How did we go from human construct to an association for any happiness?

2. What would we be if no one taught us “sweet”?

Would Diabetes not exist? Would there be less obesity? Would there be less childhood fun?

Even if there is a preferred taste among the six, why do we chase after one enough to cause ill health? Why do we think it is a universal preference? Why do we use the word “sweet” to indicate any preference…