Assume that any person you encounter is of potential value to you. If they prove otherwise, then fine; but start with the assumption that they have something to offer you, by being who they are. Let them prove you wrong. … Continue reading
It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.” So wisely written by Adam Smith back in 1776 in his classic, The … Continue reading
Most people, when they think of a “capitalist system”, think of a relationship between established businesses and politicians — the two always scratching each other’s backs for unearned favors. Each gains favors from the other: The business person is allowed … Continue reading
Being “rational” does not mean the absence of feelings. It means knowing what the reasons for your feelings are — and accepting feelings only when there are facts to back them up.
Like so many other movements in American politics, the “tea party” movement is hard to endorse — or condemn — because it’s hard to know what it is. As a case in point, look at Sharron Angle, the Republican/Tea Party-favorite … Continue reading
Obsessive anxiety comes from worrying about your anxiety. If you stop trying to fight the anxiety, it will eventually go away. Big caveat here: It won’t go away immediately. So when you tell yourself, ‘Stop fighting it, don’t worry, the … Continue reading
Obama is down in the polls — but for the wrong reasons. Instead of being down in the polls for systematically destroying the economy through nationalization of private industry, devaluation of the currency, punitive taxation and unprecedented debt, he’s down … Continue reading
To most people, “working for yourself” means working for an employer or business rather than being self-employed. This is an economic definition, but isn’t the real definition. Properly understood, “working for yourself” is actually redundant. Think about it. The alternative … Continue reading
Q: Does Obama’s march towards socialism and fascism mean that America is done and over? A: Obama’s march towards socialism and fascism is merely an extension of what government has been doing all along, for decades. It’s nothing new. Yes, it’s … Continue reading
Diagnostic labels such as “depression” and “narcissistic personality disorder” and all the rest are of limited value. In some cases, they actually do harm because they imply no personal responsibility on the part of the person with the problem for … Continue reading
A reader writes in: “Dr. Hurd, in reference to your article on individual and property rights…don’t forget the airlines that require a ‘person of size’ purchase two tickets for one person to fly. Since the airline is privately owned, it’s … Continue reading
Your soul is your consciousness — i.e., your mind. “Soul” consists of what you think, feel, perceive, hope for, feel angry about, or appraise in any cognitive, mental way. Your thoughts are the most fundamental part of your soul; all … Continue reading