I read (in the Wall Street Journal) that the new Vice President of the U.S. quipped that he’s never had a boss before. Of course it was only a joke, but it’s a revealing one. Don’t all politicians have a … Continue reading
The “stimulus” claim is based on something called the Keynesian “multiplier,” which is that each $1 of spending the government “injects” into the economy yields 1.5 times that in greater output. There’s little evidence to support this theory, but you … Continue reading
An explanation tells you the cause of something. An excuse tells you why a person had no other choice except to act as he or she did. For example: “I treated you badly because I was drunk.” Being drunk explains … Continue reading
People debate the government “rescue” of the American car industry. It’s no debate. Nobody ever questions the premise that government even CAN “save” the car industry, much less should even try. Here’s what General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz recently … Continue reading
Overly critical people lack self-esteem and self-respect. This is why they are quick to criticize. The flaws they see in others are sometimes valid, and sometimes exaggerated or overstated (in defiance of the person’s strengths). It’s the reason they criticize … Continue reading
Does suffering strengthen character? Not really. Suffering is never an end in itself. The avoidance of suffering is a goal–but not the primary one. Living a happy, self-interested and rational life is the overriding goal (and the purpose of morality). … Continue reading
Get out of your own way. Stop holding on to policies, ideas and behaviors that don’t work. If you’re happy, then fine. But if you’re unhappy, this is an indicaiton that you’re in your own way. The biggest single mistake … Continue reading
What you communicate is based on what you assume. It’s best to know what you assume, and to verify it, before you communicate it. There used to be an expression that went like this: “When you assume, you make an … Continue reading
To introspect and reflect helps you know your thoughts. If you know your thoughts and your motives, you’re more in control. People who tend to avoid introspecting are usually the types who want control. They feel like they’re losing control … Continue reading
Recently, the local paper where I live reported that there’s a problem with curbside recycling (still voluntary here). Because of local government deficits due to the economy, it’s becoming too expensive to use separate trucks to cart paper and plastics … Continue reading
“It only stands to reason that where there’s sacrifice, there’s someone collecting the sacrificial offerings. Where there’s service, there is someone being served. The man who speaks to you of sacrifice is speaking of slaves and masters, and intends to … Continue reading
I don’t understand something. I’m supposed to be overjoyed because America has a (half) black President, and it’s a historic occasion. I’m supposed to water down my criticism of this new President because of the historic nature of the occasion. … Continue reading