Dear Dr. Hurd: My wife and I argue a lot. It seems destructive in some ways. But we do make up in the end. I sometimes wonder if arguing is the only constructive way to solve problems. What do you … Continue reading
Is Arguing a Solution?
Category: Daily Dose of Reason
What A Therapist Is–And Isn’t
A therapist is not your doctor; a therapist is your guide. A therapist does not “do” something “to” you to make you better. A therapist goes with you–sometimes advising, sometimes guiding, sometimes simply being there. A therapist is not your … Continue reading
Nothing in Return?
“She did me this favor, expecting nothing in return.” Most of us consider this a GOOD thing. I don’t. If someone does something nice for me — free of charge, and not asking for an exchange — then I assume … Continue reading
Being Equal Doesn’t Mean Being Even
Being equal isn’t the same as being even. You can be equal in stature — though not in ability. The opportunity of freedom can be equal for everyone; but this does not guarantee (or require) equality of outcome. Many people … Continue reading
Friendship is Mutual
A friend is someone who, by definition, gives you benefit because of who he or she is. It’s not a tangible benefit — such as money, or property. A tangible benefit arises in a business transaction, not in a friendship … Continue reading
Where Greed Comes From
Greed doesn’t happen in a rational, self-responsible context. Greed happens in an emotional context of entitlement. “I should have this … I am entitled to this … I WILL have this!” Witness the feeding frenzy in Washington DC to bail … Continue reading
Capitalism’s Comeback
The reason that socialism and fascism (i.e., government nationalization of private companies) are both on the rise in the U.S. is because capitalism is presumed to have seriously faltered — if not failed. The faulty premise here is the assumption … Continue reading
How to Prevent the Next Great Depression
When you spread the wealth, you get … equality. When you permit the creation of wealth, you get … a higher standard of living for all. When you spread the wealth, you get … the last of what’s left, equally … Continue reading
You Choose Your Obligations
There’s no such thing as an obligation you didn’t choose. You could say that you didn’t choose to be born–and that it’s therefore your obligation to thrive and survive. But even this is a choice. You can commit suicide; even … Continue reading
Toward Freedom and Dignity
Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. –Victor Frankl (The Daily Dose of Reason Returns on Tuesday)
Two Types of “Bossy”
There are two kinds of people perceived as “bossy.” The first really means well. He wants to see something done right, and he’s objective in his approach. He looks at facts and determines what makes most sense. He actually is … Continue reading
America, Watch and Learn
I don’t get it. The American auto industry is failing. For whatever reasons, they can no longer make a profit. Note that people still want cars … It’s just that not as many want American cars as foreign cars, since … Continue reading