Q: Dr. Hurd, you write a lot about deterministic thinking. What is deterministic thinking and how does it develop in people? A: Deterministic thinking refers to the subconsciously (or sometimes consciously) held viewpoint that a person is less in control … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: In your experience, are most psychologists and psychiatrists liberal Democrats? If so, why do you think this is? Is it because they are enamored with the idea that the government can forcibly commit people to psychiatric institutions? … Continue reading
I’m completely in favor of the separation of Church and State. My idea is that these two institutions screw us up enough on their own, so both of them together is certain death. — George Carlin
I really appreciate it when people respond to these columns. It’s nice to know that somebody’s on the other end of this keyboard. A few weeks ago I reiterated the fact that addictions to drugs, alcohol or whatever have been … Continue reading
Q: I didn’t find that your “big vs. little government” article expressed my views. I advocate “big enough” government. Only the federal government grants freedom to the people. They must be big enough to enforce it. They must be big … Continue reading
In response to my comment that there’ s no shame in hating the contemptible, an irate reader wrote in with the following quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night … Continue reading
“Good will towards men.” My reply: Good will towards anyone who deserves it. “Peace.” My reply: Peace through strength. “A time to give, and not receive.” My reply: If you are giving to someone you like, love or otherwise care about, … Continue reading
Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people. — Oscar Wilde
The quest for the supernatural and the desire for Big Government both spring from the same source: A desire to be taken care of and controlled by others. Supernaturalism is one unhealthy manifestation of this desire; and Big Government is … Continue reading
Dr. Hurd: “Forgive” in the Oxford dictionary is defined as “verb: stop feeling angry or resentful towards (someone) for an offence, flaw, or mistake.” Why would any therapist advise anyone to remain bitter and resentful towards anyone? Is that sound … Continue reading
A reporter from the Daily Iowan recently wrote Dr. Hurd the following: “I attended [Newt] Gingrich’s event today and he talked about his plan to promote more research in brain science. He said that not only will advances in this … Continue reading
Around the holidays, people often ask me about greed and why the season is so ‘materialistic.’ Well, I don’t believe there’s such a thing as ‘materialism.’ All of us need and want material things. It’s only a matter of degree. … Continue reading