The best way to inspire hope in another is to show how the use of his or her own mind is efficacious, powerful and valuable. True leaders inspire individualism, not dependence. The kind of leaders to avoid are the ones … Continue reading
Category: Ethics
Relative or Objective?
Are things relative — or objective? My answer: Both. Here’s why. Imagine you and I are in a room together. We’re both looking at a lamp in the corner. I’m viewing it from the left corner, and you’re viewing it … Continue reading
Mean It
Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Do this with everyday things no less than big, dramatic and exceptional ones. By saying what you mean, you show respect for your mind. By meaning what you say, you show … Continue reading
When a Person’s Stock Goes Down
As respect for a friend, spouse or business associate erodes, you’re increasingly left with only regard. Regard can keep it going for a time, but it’s no substitute for respect. Just as respect occurs for reasons, diminished respect occurs for … Continue reading
An Explanation, Not an Excuse
An explanation tells you the cause of something. An excuse tells you why a person had no other choice except to act as he or she did. For example: “I treated you badly because I was drunk.” Being drunk explains … Continue reading
There’s No Right or Wrong–Except When I Say So
The worst kind of people are the ones who claim “there is no right or wrong”, in theory — while in practice, treat their word as right and expect you to do the same. It goes beyond hypocrisy. It’s intimidation … Continue reading
On Time
Being on time isn’t for the sake of the other person. It’s a reflection of your own self-respect, and of your own mental and physical organization. You’ll find that people who are habitually late, and who don’t care about it, … Continue reading
The Ethic of Christmas
In theory, Christmas is supposed to be about selflessness. In practice, Christmas is about giving and receiving presents. Those who condemn Christmas for being “selfishly materialistic” are ignoring that Christmas is about the giving AND receiving of presents. Christmas, as … Continue reading
Nothing in Return?
“She did me this favor, expecting nothing in return.” Most of us consider this a GOOD thing. I don’t. If someone does something nice for me — free of charge, and not asking for an exchange — then I assume … Continue reading
Where Greed Comes From
Greed doesn’t happen in a rational, self-responsible context. Greed happens in an emotional context of entitlement. “I should have this … I am entitled to this … I WILL have this!” Witness the feeding frenzy in Washington DC to bail … Continue reading
You Choose Your Obligations
There’s no such thing as an obligation you didn’t choose. You could say that you didn’t choose to be born–and that it’s therefore your obligation to thrive and survive. But even this is a choice. You can commit suicide; even … Continue reading
Toward Freedom and Dignity
Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. –Victor Frankl (The Daily Dose of Reason Returns on Tuesday)