It’s considered an absolute that self-esteem is always a good thing. In the right context, it is. But what happens when self-esteem/self-confidence and wrong-headed thinking exist in the same person? Many people’s thinking is undercut, or even corrupted, by unsound … Continue reading
Rosie O’Donnell, comedian and celebrity, has come out against the capture and killing of Osama bin Laden — on principle. O’Donnell no doubt speaks for many liberals and some libertarians when she claims that Osama bin Laden’s execution is an injustice … Continue reading
Q: I just finished reading your article, “The Psychology of Pity”. Superb. So if pity is really contempt, is self-pity really self-contempt? A: Absolutely. It logically follows that if pity is really contempt, then self-pity is self-contempt. In the … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: I have been pondering this (Thomas) Aquinas quote from your site that seems uncharacteristic of your philosophy and I am curious as to its meaning: “Love takes up where knowledge leaves off.” I interpret this to mean: … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, I am an adjunct instructor and just finished teaching a short course “Perfectionism in addictive behaviors.” After reading your recent blog post “You can’t be too perfect” I am wondering if you would agree that maladaptive perfection … Continue reading
“Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader.” So says President Obama. You could have fooled me. Obama cites evidence that bin Laden killed Muslims as proof that he was not a Muslim leader. Now wait a minute. Imagine if a … Continue reading
In response to my last column, several people wrote in and asked: “Is pity an emotion of contempt?” My reply is that yes, pity is an emotion filled with contempt. Pity is not genuine empathy or compassion. Pity is based … Continue reading
Do traumas, tragedies, and difficulties make you stronger? I say: NO. It’s not difficulty that makes people stronger. What makes you strong are the habits of rationality and serenity which make difficulty bearable in the first place. You’re better because … Continue reading
Obama says there is no “silver bullet” or quick fix solution for bringing down gas prices. This may be true — but does this mean there’s no solution? First of all, it isn’t the government’s job to bring down (or … Continue reading
Most people assume mental health is a matter of either medicine, or moral weakness. The medicine side assumes that medical treatment will eradicate mental illness symptoms, and that’s pretty much all there is to it. The moral weakness side assumes … Continue reading
C.S. Lewis said: “It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies.” He’s right. “Robber barons” was the term for the successful businessmen of his time. There is no theft in success, however. This wrong … Continue reading
From a DrHurd.com reader who lives in Canada, where the government pays for and controls all medical care: Dr. Hurd: If you think that socialized medicine, your doctor, hospital, pharmacy, etc. is better in Canada — think twice! Just one … Continue reading