A reader asks: Is there a difference between self-pity and depression? Yes, but … I’m uneasy with the premise of the question. I’ll explain. Let’s first define self-pity. Generally, when a person accuses oneself or another of self-pity, it’s an … Continue reading
“No taxation without representation.’ According to Wikipedia, it’s a slogan originating during the 1750s and 1760s that summarized a primary grievance of the British colonists in the Thirteen Colonies, which was one of the major causes of the American Revolution. … Continue reading
Here’s a new phrase for you: anticipatory regret. It sounds a bit abstract, but it’s a very real problem inhibiting a fair number of people. The (usually subconscious) reasoning goes like this: “I could make a course correction in this … Continue reading
When people reject the need for introspection as a ‘waste of time,’ they’re denying objective reality. The objective reality at stake is their consciousness. Consciousness consists of thoughts and feelings. Thoughts and feelings—including ones outside of awareness—are mental events. This … Continue reading
It’s drummed into our heads that true friendship and true love are selfless. Nobody attempts to practice this principle consistently. It would be ridiculous. Choosing a friend (or romantic partner) selflessly? Choosing a friend precisely because he shares none of … Continue reading
You hear it all the time, at least if you’re in a profession such as mine—where people hire you for answers, objective perspective, advice or feedback. One spouse or family member says the following about another: ‘When I tell him … Continue reading
Most politicians aren’t worth the private wealth they confiscate. Let’s be honest: They’re parasites, not producers; they take away from the private wealth and psychological stamina of the population, rather than add anything to it. This wasn’t always true, but … Continue reading
‘Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.’ So says the New Testament of the Bible—the basis for the dominant Christian ethics of our society, and for much of the Western world. I don’t understand … Continue reading
Obama promised to bring ‘change’ to America. Actually, his policies of taxation, government borrowing/spending, and wealth redistribution/regulation are merely an extension of what the government has been doing for decades. We keep doing the same thing over and over again, … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: What are your thoughts on the so-called ‘doomsday preppers’? As you probably know, these are the people who build bunkers, stockpile food, practice survival skills and the like in the event of a financial collapse or terrorist … Continue reading
Most people dismiss the crisis in North Korea — including recent threats to attack the United States, once able, with nuclear weapons — as irrelevant to their daily lives. In a narrow and short-term sense, this may be true. But … Continue reading
‘I have no expectations.’ Or, ‘I didn’t know what to expect.’ (The implication being that ‘I had no expectations.’) People say this a lot. And they generally believe it when they say it; but it still cannot be true. Why … Continue reading