Inbox

Sibling Science
I found your cover story on birth order fascinating [Nov. 12]. For years, I have attempted to interpret myriad human actions through the filter of birth order. Although I understand a theory is far from a catchall answer to psychological mysteries, I believe this one explains a large part of our behavior. Thank you for publishing the latest research.
Kathryn Bridges Pulliam,
Mobile, Alabama

I have three sons, so I read your article on birth order with interest. Example after example that you supplied showed that upbringing and parents’ expectations influence children more than birth order does. I have made a conscious effort never to compare my sons, and I have encouraged each to pursue his own dreams. Each boy has very different aspirations.
Kate Robinson,
Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey

I searched for some mention of psychology’s giants who first theorized about the behavioral differences among siblings. You didn’t mention, for example, Alfred Adler, a contemporary of Sigmund Freud’s and Carl Jung’s, who wrote extensively that birth order predicts personality. Nor did you mention the modern, highly influential ideas of Virginia Satir, who recognized that firstborn, middle, youngest and only children each have characteristic ways of forming relationships, taking responsibility and responding to authority.
Charles Kaplan,
Meriden, Connecticut

The Rise of an Underdog
Joel Stein’s repeated references to Republican Ron Paul’s campaign as “nerdy,” especially the idea of a “free-market commodity-based money,” indicates how ignorant most Americans are about the monetary system [Nov. 12]. Money affects virtually every interaction we have with other people. When this interaction is in effect controlled by a private cartel (the Federal Reserve) instead of free-market forces, there is room for manipulation. I wish media institutions like Time would stop dismissing scrutiny of something as important as the monetary system. You do a disservice not only to yourselves but to future generations as well.
Ben Johnson,
Chicago

Was Thomas Jefferson a nerd too? I suppose George Washington was an isolationist loon. I’m gung-ho for Paul because I have been reading him for years, recognize his consistency and have come to understand that he is correct on many issues. I resent Stein’s attempt to pigeonhole me and those like me.
Benjamin J. Thompson,
Elkhart, Indiana

Not Just Counting Calories
I really appreciated the article “When Lite Gets Heavy” [Nov. 5]. I worked at a Subway restaurant for a year, and it amazed me how often customers would come in talking about the diet they were on and then order a huge sandwich piled high with pepperoni, salami and “lite” mayonnaise. But focusing on calories alone is not the way to a healthful diet. The 105-calorie egg in the 1,100-cal. salad you diagrammed, for example, provides high-quality protein. Calories are an important factor in one’s diet; however, moderation is key.
Andrea Johnston,
Huntington, Indiana

Step away from my salad! I am tired of doctors picking apart my menu. I love salad with bacon bits and all. News flash: it’s not all about calories. Every body processes different foods differently. It has taken me until my late 40s to figure out what works. I know how much protein, fat and carbs I need to keep my body in tune. I feel as if I figured out my good health in spite of — not because of — the docs.
Denyse Coles,
Burlington, Canada