Youth is not an intrinsic virtue. Some young people are stupid, and they will stay stupid. They won’t actualize their potential, as (sadly) many people don’t. Older people can show you what they’ve got. You know what their values are, … Continue reading
Stop trying to figure out crazy. It’s called crazy for a reason. It makes no logical sense to use reason — and logic — to grasp logical reasons for irrationality. It’s a contradiction in terms even to try! The person … Continue reading
In psychology, it’s a truism: You can’t get everyone to like you. A lot of people will say, “Sure, that makes intellectual sense, but I don’t feel it.” A lot of people are, frankly, anxious, neurotic or lacking in self-esteem. … Continue reading
Critical thinking does not require intelligence so much as intellectual honesty. Of course intelligence matters, as it does with everything. But the most important factor is honesty. It’s not just an honesty with others. It starts as an honesty with … Continue reading
Actor Jussie Smollett allegedly concocted an attack on himself because he was angered that a racist letter that was mailed to him in January did not get a “bigger reaction.” [Daily Wire 2-18-19] Why on earth would anyone do this? … Continue reading
You don’t have to justify your existence by sacrificing or giving to others. You don’t have to justify your existence at all. All you need to do is take responsibility for your existence. This means your personal happiness and serenity … Continue reading
I get these notes from readers quite a bit. I particularly like this one (posted with permission). Note: It’s from a millennial, a young man. Not ALL of them are irrational, socialist, etc. A nice reminder at a good time … Continue reading
When the one you love is also your best friend in the world, you have found it all. Follow Dr. Hurd on Facebook. Search under “Michael Hurd” (Rehoboth Beach DE). Get up-to-the-minute postings, recommended articles and links, and engage … Continue reading
A lot of people have written to me, asking me for comments (since I’m a therapist) on the following suicide note recently written by a presumably successful young nutritionist, Tara Condell (age 27), in New York City. Presumably, this young … Continue reading
I recently posted the following meme and was asked to expand: How to survive a narcissist: Reality is what it is. Not what the narcissist claims it is. Objectivity trumps toxic. My point: You’re less subject to narcissists or other … Continue reading
I am a professional psychotherapist. My Ph.D. is in psychology and my Master’s is in clinical social work. I have been practicing in the field since 1988. I wrote a book on therapy entitled, “Bad Therapy Good Therapy: And How … Continue reading
When looking for honesty in a person, look for self-awareness first. Because without self-awareness, there will be no honesty. Honesty implies objectivity and truth. Self-awareness is a willingness to be objective and truthful with oneself — about oneself. Nobody is … Continue reading