What’s a work ethic? And if it’s important, why is it important? I found this definition of ‘work ethic’ at Wikepedia: Work ethic is a value based on hard work and diligence. It is also a belief in the moral … Continue reading
“Socialism needs democracy like the human body needs oxygen,” said the famous Marxist, Leon Trotsky. Trotsky was right. Although democratic vote (in a republic) does not necessarily have to mean socialism, socialism—by definition—feeds off the mob rule of the majority. … Continue reading
We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done. — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow And it works both ways! If you underestimate your potential, or if you ignore your prior … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, My husband and I (no children) have been very happy for the last four years. Up until now. He has become Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He’s fine one minute, then, in response to the slightest thing, … Continue reading
Which is more important: Mental health or personal responsibility? I say both—equally. Why? Because the two are intertwined. A mentally healthy person understands that emotions result from thoughts. In other words, it isn’t possible to say or think, ‘You made … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: I’ve learned to ride a bike. I cannot unlearn this, unless through a physical event such as a stroke or accident. I cannot replace this learning by learning to ride a motorcycle or any other vehicle. I … Continue reading
Ideas have consequences. Even if your ideas about matters such as free will are implicit and subconscious, you still hold them. Which philosophical ideas you hold determine how you will approach your day—indeed, your entire life. The dominant idea of … Continue reading
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz-R of Texas is calling for Republicans in Congress to defund Obamacare. MSNBC critic Chris Matthews has replied by calling Senator Cruz a ‘political terrorist.’ Actually, Congressional funding of the government is part of the Constitution. There’s … Continue reading
I often hear well-meaning people say, ‘I know what decision is best for me. But I can’t do what’s selfish, can I?’ For example, maybe you don’t want to end a relationship that’s no longer making you happy. Or maybe … Continue reading
By now, everybody knows that the Obama Administration has been using the George W. Bush-inspired Patriot Act to justify searching private citizens’ phone records and computers without a warrant, and without any Constitutional due process of law. Obama originally ran … Continue reading
I’ll start with a question from several readers of this column: Is it possible to be a ‘rush-a-holic?’ The term implies an ‘addiction’ to rushing. Is it possible that someone would actually enjoy rushing? It’s probably not rushing itself that … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, My husband and I have been together for ten years. We enjoy socializing with our coupled friends, but we find that we often like one member of the pair more than the other. To make it worse, … Continue reading