Dispassionate objectivity is itself a passion, for the real and for the truth. — Abraham Maslow
Objective Passion (Maslow)
Category: Daily Dose of Reason
Rick Santorum’s “Blue Collar Conservative”
Ever since the 1980s (the era of Reagan), the Republican Party has consisted of two groups. One, the economic conservatives; two, the religious conservatives. The latter favor limited government in economics, with activist government in religious matters (abortion, gay relationships, … Continue reading
ObamaCare for the Military: How’s That Going?
The scandal at the Phoenix [Veterans Administration healthcare] division involved an off-the-books list allegedly kept to conceal long wait times as up to 40 veterans died waiting to get an appointment. Officials were accused of cooking the books to hide … Continue reading
“House of Cards” About to Become More Expensive
NYPost.com [5-14-14] reports: Watching “House of Cards” and other streamed programs may be about to change. The Federal Communications Commission is expected to pass revised Internet regulations Thursday that could open the door for Internet service providers to start charging … Continue reading
Was Sacrifice the Point of 9/11?
President Barack Obama praised the new Sept. 11 museum … as “a sacred place of healing and of hope” that captures both the story and the spirit of heroism and helpfulness that followed the attacks. “It’s an honor to join … Continue reading
The # 1 Problem Making Most Self-Help Books Necessary
“If I back off and mind my own business, this means I don’t care.” I find this a recurring theme in the lives of many people, especially about their loved ones. Because of what I do for a living, I’m … Continue reading
Is It Ever OK to Lie to Your Kids?
All parents lie to their kids, claims a columnist writing for “Daddy Files” on Facebook [reprinted as “19 Lies Parents Tell Their Kids” at huffingtonpost.com 5/12/14] Says who? The writer-father, Aaron Gouveia, lists a number of lies (19 total) which … Continue reading
Pot for Profit
I need help understanding a few things. It has to do with smoking cigarettes and legalizing marijuana. Take the case of Maryland. Just this last week, I learned two things about Maryland. One, they’re decriminalizing marijuana possession — not just … Continue reading
Is Academia Going Mad?
The leading indicators of insanity involve arbitrary claims and magical thinking. For examples of both, consider this recent story: A proposal by University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) junior Bailey Loverin would force professors to issue “trigger warnings” before teaching … Continue reading
What’s So Bad About an “Ego Trip”?
What does it mean to accuse someone of being on an “ego trip”? Let’s start with the concept of “ego.” In the original Greek definition of the term, “ego” basically refers to the self, or “I.” In the Freudian version … Continue reading
Envy: The Essence of Hatred (Marilyn Monroe)
Success makes so many people hate you. I wish it wasn’t that way. It would be wonderful to enjoy success without seeing envy in the eyes of those around you. — Marilyn Monroe
Affirmations: Self-Deceit or Inspiration?
A lot of people love to do affirmations first thing in the morning – to keep themselves feeling peppy and positive. I myself have some favorite go-to affirmations which I love. But, I gotta say, sometimes I’ve noticed that affirmations … Continue reading