Q: Dr. Hurd, I agree with your political views and philosophy. So what should I tell people when they ask if I’m a Democrat or Republican? A: Tell them what I say. “I’m not a Democrat because I believe in … Continue reading
Author Archives: D3 Support
Republicrat Big Government: Alive and Well
It looks like Rudy Giuliani will probably not be the nominee since his strategy depended on a clearcut win in Florida that now seems unlikely. I’m much less disappointed than I would have been, however. Despite his claim to be … Continue reading
Self-Hating Rich Man
Bill Gates is complaining that capitalism should be doing a better job of bridging the gap between rich and poor. (See “The Wall Street Journal,” front page 1-24-08). Now what is more annoying than someone who benefits from capitalism suddenly, … Continue reading
“They”
I really hate it when people bundle together social/moral and political notions. For example: “Smoking in public is terrible. They ought to outlaw it.” Who are “they”? The government, of course. But what gives “them” the right to impose coercion … Continue reading
The art (and science) of disagreement
In these days of political squabbles where everybody seems to have an opinion, the saying, ‘Let’s just agree to disagree’ appears to be a reasonable statement. But when asked to ‘agree to disagree,’ a person can end up feeling like … Continue reading
Psychological Populism
Q: Dr. Hurd, why do so many people become fascinated with the plight of others, especially celebrities? For example, there’s Britney Spears. Or the actor from “Brokeback Mountain” who may have killed himself? A: I don’t know that most people … Continue reading
What Courage Is–And Isn’t
Courage is not some rationalization for evasion and denial. A courageous person is someone fully rational, and fully aware of all the facts. Despite the facts, the courageous person resolves to take action anyway. This is the essence of courage. … Continue reading
Good Greed
Greed and “materialism” have their good points. The root of these things are in the emotion of wanting. It’s true that some will steal or cheat to get what they want; but most will work for it. Since cheating and … Continue reading
“Stimulate” the Economy?
Why should the government “stimulate” the economy? Productive people can take care of that. The government needs to get out of the way. The analogy our leaders are using is interesting. They’re talking about a desire to give a “shot … Continue reading
How You Love
Do you love someone for what he has…or for who he IS? Either motive is all right. But there is a difference between the two. And terms should be clear. Honesty works best, because then you’re not faced with a … Continue reading
Kids need happy parents
Couples therapy can be stressful for everyone involved. One of the questions that parents often ask me is whether it is right or wrong to stay together solely for the sake of the children. Their premise, of course, is that … Continue reading
The Self-Esteem Equation
The self-esteem equation, for a healthy person, is as follows: “I am worthwhile. I am somebody. I have skills and I know what they are. If I diligently work at these skills, I WILL produce something of worth; something that … Continue reading