There are two ways to look at people who do something well, or better than you. One is: “Why can’t I be like that?” The second is: “Wow, what a great job he does. I’m going to strive for that, … Continue reading
Two Attitudes
Category: Daily Dose of Reason
It’s Not Fair!
A growing number of “elites,” including Bill Clinton, are calling for a return of the “fairness doctrine” to talk radio, a sure indication that Congress and the new President will soon be taking on this issue. Supporters of the “fairness … Continue reading
Mean It
Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Do this with everyday things no less than big, dramatic and exceptional ones. By saying what you mean, you show respect for your mind. By meaning what you say, you show … Continue reading
Stimulate Me!
Politicians say “stimulate spending.” This sounds like a good idea if you’re not a critical thinker. If you THINK for all of three seconds, you’ll soon recognize that it’s government doing the spending, with money government took from private individuals. … Continue reading
Dealing With Another’s “Spin”
People in general, not just politicians, have their “spin.” The issue is communication. The key to communication is following the facts and logic relayed by the person speaking to you. Facts and logic are the means by which you evaluate … Continue reading
Goals are an Everyday Thing
A serious goal that involves a major life change is an all-or-nothing proposition. You either commit to it, or you don’t. If, for example, you decided to become a writer, you would write every day—or more days than not. You … Continue reading
“This is America”
“This is America. We don’t disparage wealth,” Obama said. “But what gets people upset, and rightfully so, is executives being rewarded for failure … ” He might as well be saying: “We like wealth. We just don’t like the people … Continue reading
Why Confidence Matters
Perspective comes from hope and confidence. We all know hope is valuable, but confidence is very important, too. Confidence allows us to assume that we are able to solve and resolve problems—even when in the moment we cannot solve them … Continue reading
Do Something!
“The main lesson we have learned from the New Deal is that wholesale government intervention can–and does–deliver the most unintended of consequences. This was true in the 1930s, when artificially high wages and prices kept us depressed for more than … Continue reading
“Feed Me, You Greedy SOBs!”
I find the controversy over limits on executive pay interesting. I don’t care to argue either for or against limits on pay to executives who receive government funds. My argument is that in a free society, no business should receive … Continue reading
Shame and “Disease”
The whole idea of calling mental health or behavioral problems–like depression, alcohol abuse–a “disease” was to encourage people to stop viewing them with shame. If you view your problems with shame, you’ll more likely deny or ignore them rather than … Continue reading
Thoughtful Independence
Dependence doesn’t mean delegating to others what you’re able and willing to pay for. Dependence doesn’t mean learning from, or listening to, somebody else. It’s not dependent for a medical student to go to medical school and learn what previous … Continue reading