The uncritical praise heaped upon the late Nelson Mandela leads one to consider: What actually is a leader? Leaders are sometimes victims. Mandela was certainly a victim. He was unjustly imprisoned for more than two decades by an authoritarian, racist … Continue reading
A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right. — Thomas Paine (one of America’s founders, author of “Common Sense”) I love this quote. It applies to all forms of human association. … Continue reading
Conclusion of yesterday’s column. Other research throughout the years has strongly suggested that most of us do not use nearly the capacity for intelligence that we possess. Those who do use their full intelligence stand out as the great innovators … Continue reading
Here’s a recent study that you probably won’t find widely discussed by the media. It would offend too many people: Religious people are less intelligent than non-believers, according to a new review of 63 scientific studies stretching back over decades. … Continue reading
In some states, including my own (Delaware), there is talk among legislators and governors of stopping the next mass shooting before it happens. How? By determining those most likely to commit the crime. “This package of gun safety measures is … Continue reading
I keep hearing this holiday season about charity campaigns to “end hunger in America.” Let’s be real. You don’t end hunger via charity. Charity programs, when they function properly, bring relief. They don’t end the problem. Relief is not the … Continue reading
The Greeks are some of the most hardworking in the advanced economies, putting in over 2,000 hours a year on average. Germans, on the other hand, are comparative slackers, working about 1,400 hours each year. But German productivity is about … Continue reading
The vast majority of Americans now believe that most people cannot be trusted. Not merely politicians or politically connected businesses, but most people period. According to a new AP poll, only one-third of Americans say they believe that most people … Continue reading
Life is for the living, not for the dead or the dying. However, we can learn a lot from those who die. In a fascinating article entitled, “Nurse Discusses 5 Regrets People Tell Her Before They Die,” [source: Bronnie Ware, … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, We enjoyed your recent column about Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan’s approach to canine (and people) psychology. [National Geographic Channel] My wife and I were invited to a party at the home of a very nice couple we … Continue reading
Obama and John Kerry have “struck a deal” with Iran. We’re now supposed to breathe easier. Because of this deal, we’re told, Iran will no longer be building nuclear weapons in order to destabilize the Middle East (translation: our oil … Continue reading
Boeing threatens to leave Washington state because of the new Socialist council member’s policies. The socialist’s answer? Forbid them from leaving. During a rally for unionized Boeing workers, Kshama Sawant, a recently elected Seattle City Councilmember and self-identified socialist, told … Continue reading