Q: Dr. Hurd, Do you think all morality is subjective or personal? Or do you think there is objective right and wrong? A: The only thing I really understand to be truly immoral is evasion—that is, refusing to acknowledge as … Continue reading
Category: Daily Dose of Reason
A Comment on Self-Centeredness
A self-centered person is not guilty of too much concern with self. We all are, or at least should be, the most important thing in our lives. Get real. Is a stranger more important to you than yourself? Of course … Continue reading
“Going There”
Even though I disagree with so many people, my attitude is not one of, “Never discuss philosophy or politics.” Instead my attitude is one of, “If you want to go there — I’ll go there.” I’m not afraid to acknowledge … Continue reading
On the Precipice
Free-market economist Ludwig von Mises wrote: “With a few exceptions contemporary commentators on economic problems are advocating economic intervention. This unanimity does not necessarily mean that they approve of interventionistic measures by government or other coercive powers. Authors of economics … Continue reading
The Premise Behind the Gloomy Gus
There’s a type of person who delights in bad news or negativity. What causes this? In most cases, it affirms for the person a sense that life is futile and hopeless. Such people don’t get inspired by the heroic or … Continue reading
Give Intolerance a Chance
I once heard of a lady who left her husband after thirty years of marriage. She was tired of his nasty attitude and controlling behavior. When he realized she was serious about leaving, he told her, “You won’t be able … Continue reading
No Such Thing
People who are frightened of risk — all risk, risk as such — are missing the point of life. The only thing that gives accomplishment meaning is the fact that you might not have accomplished it, yet you did. Without … Continue reading
Ask a Stupid Question…
“Let’s put it to the American people: Do you prefer the Republican position of doing literally nothing to rein in these abuses or should we try to rein them in?” asked Rep. Barney Frank, defending Congress’ decision to pass a … Continue reading
When the Wrong are Confident
The worst people are the ones who are confident in their errors. Error is not propped up, psychologically, by the confidence and strength of reality. Usually, people in error are propped up by a combination of their own evasion and … Continue reading
Drivng the Marketplace Out of the Market
I have two more fallacies for you regarding the push for socialized medicine. First, when politicians speak of “controlling costs” they are not talking about the cost of health insurance. These are the costs that concern those who purchase health … Continue reading
Greatness and Excellence
It isn’t necessary or possible to be great at everything. In fact, you cheapen the concepts “greatness” or “excellence” by expecting them as the rule rather than the exception, in yourself or others. Greatness and excellence are, by definition, the … Continue reading
Freedom and Happiness
Being free doesn’t make you happy. But freedom is necessary for happiness. People who are indifferent to freedom are not happy in the first place. People who don’t have freedom, but want it, can attain happiness in the fight for … Continue reading