A good, principled way to cut off political (or similar) discussion: “You’re not going to convince me; so we might as well talk about something else.” Reasonable people accept this because, as reasonable people they understand that conclusions cannot be … Continue reading
The problem with politics is deeper than Democrats vs. Republicans and deeper than Obama. The problem is that politics, as we know it, consists of career professionals spending other people’s money — billions and billions of dollars of it. The … Continue reading
What socialism and capitalism have in common: They both depend on capital.
Why does most self-help — even intelligent self-help — fail or flounder? Because it’s not the techniques of self-help that count most. It’s the commitment and awareness required to place such techniques into your life. Any technique a therapist suggests, … Continue reading
There are two schools of thought about ObamaCare’s fate. One is that a minority has no right to force a bill on the majority that a majority do not want. It’s clear that about a third of the country wants … Continue reading
Negative self-talk consists of the belief that reality is basically unfriendly to you personally, while it’s basically friendly to others. But reality doesn’t have a will and consciousness of its own. Reality doesn’t arbitrarily and unjustly pick out some people … Continue reading
William Shatner has a great new talk show called “Raw Nerve.” Unlike Oprah, Shatner is an interviewer, not a flatterer (although Orpah only flatters those she likes). Recently, Shatner interviewed the talk show host Jerry Springer. Jerry Springer is that … Continue reading
To love someone, you must love them as they are. You have to honestly and sincerely love them as they are. If you honestly can’t, then you can’t force it or fake it. Appeals to duty or rationalization (‘Well, I … Continue reading
Q: I know you, like Ayn Rand, write about the “virtue of self-interest” and contend that self-fulfillment is both moral and rationally healthy. Don’t you think there are situations where self-denial is a virtue and is, indeed, psychologically healthy? Can’t … Continue reading
Q: I have friends who are in relationships, but have no qualms about cheating on their partners. Still, they are able to keep their relationships. Me, however, who would be respectful of my partner, and would never lie, does not … Continue reading
Shame is a major fuel of irrational, unnecessary anxiety. Shame is not the same as guilt. The emotion of guilt applies (rightly or wrongly) to remorse over one’s actions; shame refers to remorse over one’s thoughts or even emotions (in … Continue reading
I tend to take the following policy towards anyone who has a lot of money: Assume they made it honestly and through their own efforts unless there’s evidence to the contrary. This is admittedly more complicated and confusing in a … Continue reading