People talk about “giving” as if that’s the only way to contribute something. The giver who “gives selflessly, and gives what he doesn’t have” is considered the epitome of morality, while people who actually produce something of tangible value are … Continue reading
“Integrity” involves telling the truth, but this is not the real definition of integrity. The real definition is that, with integrity, you stay true to who you are. Think of an analogy: A bridge has integrity; a building has structural … Continue reading
Everyone is so concerned about not being “mean.” We’re supposed to be nice to everyone, whether they’re particularly nice or fair back to us, or not. What about the people who ordinarily treat us well? Aren’t we betraying them by … Continue reading
A life lived by reason is a life which includes mistakes, but also lots of goodness, competence and excellence. A life lived by something other than reason is a life filled with unnecessary peril and avoidable mistakes, rationalized away by … Continue reading
Comic Wanda Sykes once said, “The older I get, the less I care–about a LOT of things.” Funny, and true, if only a part of the truth. Here’s how I view it, from the perspective of middle-age: The older I … Continue reading
A world in which everyone takes care of everyone else, and nobody takes care of himself–is a world that will perish. A world in which everyone takes care of him- or herself is a world from which everyone benefits. If … Continue reading
Absolute certainty IS possible. This is self-evident. If it weren’t, then you’d be forced to claim: “I’m absolutely certain that absolute certainty is impossible.” Or, you’d be forced to claim: “I’m certain that I can be certain of nothing.” At … Continue reading
There are worse things than bad ideas. The worst thing is a bad idea posing as a new one–or a rotten idea disguised as something different, fresh, and original. The first is merely a mistake, while the second is fraud.
When I wish someone “good luck,” it’s not a compliment. It’s not a wish of bad intentions either, but it’s a way of indicating that I think luck is the most important thing they have going for them. This isn’t … Continue reading
Working for the happiness of others cheats others out of the process of achieving happiness. It conveys to them: “You can’t become happy on your own; you need me.” This denies that happiness is an achievement. If you could somehow … Continue reading
People who show respect for reality, and for the laws of logic, will show respect for others. This is because they know they need and want others with whom to associate, for personal, business or other reasons. They appreciate that … Continue reading
No parent may say to the child, once grown, in effect: ‘I sacrificed for you; therefore you owe me.’ A sacrifice means giving up a greater good for a lesser good. If your mother or father means to imply this, … Continue reading