In theory, Christmas is supposed to be about selflessness. In practice, Christmas is about giving and receiving presents. Those who condemn Christmas for being “selfishly materialistic” are ignoring that Christmas is about the giving AND receiving of presents. Christmas, as … Continue reading
As an adult, you make your own family. This is true whether you marry and have children, or not. Family are the people who deserve you, and whom you deserve. Family are people whose character and personal value are high … Continue reading
“If the Government can create money, why should not it create all that everybody wants? Why should anybody work for a living? … Why should we have any limit put to the volume of our currency?” So asked an advocate … Continue reading
President-elect Barack Obama is likely to create a new senior administrative post to work on bettering relations with Iran. The post will supposedly reduce the risk of nuclear war with Iran and pave the way for Obama and the Iranian … Continue reading
Facts won’t hurt you. They don’t bite. Sometimes facts aren’t pleasant. But they all must be faced and responded to. How can you respond to facts intelligently if you don’t know what they are? And aren’t they operating, in reality, … Continue reading
Being a grown-up means you get to make your own decisions. To independent types, this is welcome news. To others, it’s disturbing and profoundly frightening news. Too bad. Being a grown-up means you HAVE to make your own decisions. This … Continue reading
You’re not entitled to success. How do I know this? Because there’s nobody doing the entitling. Success is not the result of some unseen Santa Claus giving it away. Success comes from effort, but it also comes from other things. … Continue reading
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
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
“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 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
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