A reader asks: ‘How do you approach religious issues with depressed or troubled people, since you’re not religious yourself, and since therapists don’t usually address religion anyway?’ I find a lot of people non-committal about religion. ‘I believe in God, … Continue reading
“Since the inception of Alcoholics Anonymous — the progenitor of 12-step programs — science has sometimes been at odds with the notion that laypeople can cure themselves because the numerous spiritual references that go with the 12-step program puts AA … Continue reading
At times, you have to feel sorry for Hollywood advocates of Big Government socialist programs. They become so confused, when their own ideological premises turn against them. Consider the following dilemma of celebrity and actor Matt Damon. Matt Damon recently … Continue reading
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