It’s heresy to some, but I’ve never understood the distinction between ‘civil rights’ and individual rights. The recent verdict in the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin case comes to mind. Predictably, the NAACP and others have demanded that the federal government become … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, Regarding your article, ‘An Unexpected Way to Cope With Anger and Temper’ [Daily Dose of Reason July 14]: This seems like a dangerous way to deal with something. I can understand if you live in a prison … Continue reading
Here’s a technique for coping recently described by someone I know: ‘When you’re really upset at someone, imagine what you want to do to them. It might be something completely wrong or irrational to do in reality; but visualizing it … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, My husband’s father recently passed away from a heart attack. He wasn’t a particularly healthy eater, but he wasn’t obese, either. Suddenly my husband has completely changed his eating habits. Everything is ‘organic’ and supposedly healthy. Frankly, … Continue reading
In a complex world, we often rely on the knowledge of others—auto mechanics, computer technicians, brain surgeons, etc. Does this mean it’s no longer possible to define self-confidence as trust in your own judgment? No. To rely on the expertise … Continue reading
‘I can’t trust people.’ I hear this from a lot of people, and have come to conclude it’s a widespread problem. What makes it possible to trust someone? The most common answer is, ‘Honesty.’ Or integrity. True enough. But a … Continue reading
We keep reading that Obama is suspending, delaying or possibly even eliminating Obamacare requirements, at least for favored parties and until after the 2014 Congressional elections. For the latest on this see, “It’s not just the employer mandate: Three Obamacare … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: Do you agree, in the context of our free will, that bad philosophy has the potential to push people toward madness or psychosis? Dr. Hurd’s reply: Absolutely. Actually, people drowning in madness and psychosis are, by definition, … Continue reading
It’s a rare social event where somebody doesn’t ask me to tell them what spouses and couples complain about the most. I see so many problems: money, kids, in-laws (!) — it’s tough to nail it down. But if I … Continue reading
The governor of Missouri recently vetoed a new law. The new law, among other things, would have made it illegal to publish the name of gun owners without their consent. The governor opposed the law because, he claimed, it would … Continue reading
Thank you, Dr. Hurd, for your enlightening articles. I appreciate your work.
Your essays are right on the money.