The Soviet Union used new “mental illnesses” for political repression. People who didn’t accept the beliefs of the Communist Party developed a new type of schizophrenia. They suffered from the delusion of believing communism was wrong. They were isolated, forcefully … Continue reading
In enmeshment, people feel like their well being is not complete unless they’re meeting their partner’s needs all the time. They worry that their relationship is not “close” if they’re not their partner’s shadow–“if we’re not intertwined emotionally we’re nothing.” … Continue reading
“It’s all about him.” “It’s all about her.” You hear people say it. Maybe you’ve said it yourself, about someone you know. “She thinks she’s the Queen.” Or, “He acts like the little prince.” The analogy of arrogant royalty implies … Continue reading
Conclusion of yesterday’s column. Other research throughout the years has strongly suggested that most of us do not use nearly the capacity for intelligence that we possess. Those who do use their full intelligence stand out as the great innovators … Continue reading
Here’s a recent study that you probably won’t find widely discussed by the media. It would offend too many people: Religious people are less intelligent than non-believers, according to a new review of 63 scientific studies stretching back over decades. … Continue reading
The Greeks are some of the most hardworking in the advanced economies, putting in over 2,000 hours a year on average. Germans, on the other hand, are comparative slackers, working about 1,400 hours each year. But German productivity is about … Continue reading
Life is for the living, not for the dead or the dying. However, we can learn a lot from those who die. In a fascinating article entitled, “Nurse Discusses 5 Regrets People Tell Her Before They Die,” [source: Bronnie Ware, … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, We enjoyed your recent column about Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan’s approach to canine (and people) psychology. [National Geographic Channel] My wife and I were invited to a party at the home of a very nice couple we … Continue reading
Most of us claim we want to be happy—to have meaningful lives, enjoy ourselves, experience fulfillment, and share love and friendship with other people and maybe other species, like dogs, cats, birds, and whatnot. Strangely enough, however, some people act … Continue reading
Will Rogers said: “Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.” It’s true. What causes this? Lack of self-respect. If you respect yourself, you don’t need to spend … Continue reading
Here are some more arguments against “love is selfless.” If you love someone, you want them to be happy. And it’s very nice to think that you can make another person happy, but it’s also very arrogant. What really makes … Continue reading
Wow. I thought the worst news, these days, was in the politics and government sections. Who knew that the most horrible perspectives were found in the subjects of marriage and ethics? Of course, it makes sense. The wrong approach to … Continue reading