Q: Dr. Hurd, What causes people to choose to perform an action that they know (consciously and subconsciously) to be morally wrong? I’m thinking, for example, of those who know, through the use of reason, that theft is a violation … Continue reading
The American belief that the United States is better than other countries has declined and is now on a par with countries in Western Europe. Less than 50 percent of Americans agreed with the statement, ‘Our people are not perfect, … Continue reading
Should the rich pay more in taxes, or not? This is always the question. Notice how the question is never: Should the government spend less? Or: Should the government do less? Or, better yet: Should the government have less power? … Continue reading
In the end, the battle for the Republican nomination will be between the favorite of the conservatives/Tea Party types and Mitt Romney. Who is the favorite? First it was Michele Bachmann. Then Rick Perry. Then it was Herman Cain. Now … Continue reading
Dr. Hurd originally wrote this article for the Association of Objectivist Business Professionals. In light of the anarchist-socialist protest of those defecating patriots known as Occupy Wall Street, it deserves rereading here. Most people look at ‘business’ as something separate from … Continue reading
“The holidays are coming. It’s a time of complete emotional stress.” To say this is considered a self-evident truth. But why is it true? I maintain that holidays, while perfectly fine and pleasant, are not necessary for happy people. Happy … Continue reading
There’s no such thing as a “right” to something that somebody else created. In other words, there is no “right” to health care; or to a mortgage-free house; or to an iPhone, a television, or anything else for that matter. … Continue reading
According to Psychology Today Online, physician meltdown is on the rise. When surveyed by the American College of Physician Executives, one-third of health care facility administrators reported disruptive incidents among their physician colleagues at least once a month at their … Continue reading
Associated Press reports: Military action against Iran could have unintended consequences, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said, sounding the administration’s strongest reservations about a strike since the release of a new report on Tehran’s escalating nuclear ambitions. Panetta told Pentagon reporters … Continue reading
Conclusion of yesterday’s column. Dr. Hurd: Reverend Swarthout is right that it’s senseless to blame yourself for the suicide of another. This is because the person who kills himself wanted to do so. It was his choice and he made … Continue reading
A DrHurd.com reader sent me a clip of an article that ran in the Northwest (Illinois) Herald on November 13, 2010. It’s written by the Reverend Jim Swarthout, rector of St. Paul Episcopal Church in McHenry, Illinois. The reader suggests … Continue reading
Some months back, ABC News Online reported: ‘The deaths of three people following a sweat lodge ceremony in northern Arizona were a tragic accident—not the result of criminal negligence, said attorneys for the self-help guru who led the ceremony. Lawyers … Continue reading