All government, in its essence, is a conspiracy against the superior man: its one permanent object is to oppress him and cripple him … The ideal government of all reflective men, from Aristotle onward, is one which lets the individual … Continue reading
People sometimes say to me how concerned they are that they — or their children — not be ‘losers.’ They’re almost always surprised when I tell them that, in a certain context, losing can actually be GOOD for your mental … Continue reading
Q: Dr. Hurd, I have few real friends and feel that people usually respond to me in a negative way, no matter how nice or reasonable I try to be. Any thoughts or advice? A: You say people seem to … Continue reading
Democracy isn’t supposed to be about the mob ruling over the individual. It also isn’t supposed to be about a political pressure group overriding the will of the majority — or the rights of a minority, either. The point of … Continue reading
Be original.
Sometimes, depression is what happens when you go too long without a sense of purpose. It’s like the engine light going on in the car when it hasn’t obtained proper maintenance. This is why depression/anxiety and other psychological problems can, … Continue reading
People insist that government must interfere in the free market economy in order to prevent — or correct — “market failure.” Let’s think about this term “market failure.” A market refers to millions of different business transactions going on at … Continue reading
If you fail to focus on, engage in and otherwise appreciate THIS moment — because of your thoughts about the next hour, the next day or the next year — then you’re cheating yourself in two respects. You’re diminishing your … Continue reading
What does the term “cognitive distortions” mean? It refers to the fact that our initial reactions are not always reliable and trustworthy. Don’t be ashamed of those initial reactions. Don’t moralize about them or ‘be ashamed.’ Simply see them for … Continue reading
It’s hard to believe, but (for those of you who are counting) this is my 200th column for The Delaware Wave! Though you’d be hard pressed to find a nicer bunch of folks than the Wave staff, I’m equally gratified … Continue reading
Look back, to better understand what to do — and not to do — now. Look ahead, to gauge where to go from here, and why. Think of the past and future, but relate everything to here and now. If … Continue reading
Premise: “Everybody is the same. No one individual is better than another.” Premise held by the same person, with the same intensity: “The little guy matters most. I like the little guy.” Premise: “What people do in their own homes, … Continue reading