Dr. Hurd: In your recent article, “When Noises Drive You Mad”, [Daily Dose of Reason 1/29/13] the questioner was angered by hearing others eat. Could he be affected by an unconscious memory of people eating (leaving no food for him) … Continue reading
Category: Psychology & Self-Improvement
When Noises Drive You Mad
Dear Dr. Hurd: Ever since I was a small child, the noises made by other people while they’re eating (specially loud swallowing) have driven me mad. They make me squirm and feel really uncomfortable and angry. Doing a little bit … Continue reading
True to Self While Not Alienating Others: Possible, Or Not?
Dear Dr. Hurd: First off, I just want to say I am a big fan of your writing and I look forward to the Daily Dose of Reason every day. My question for you is: How are you able to … Continue reading
“It’s All In Your Head”
Dear Dr. Hurd: I recently discovered that I have had a serious flaw in my thinking my entire life. Today I read an article of yours I really liked on Capitalism Magazine’s website called: ‘Fear: The Great Inhibitor.’ As you … Continue reading
Listening With a “Third Ear”
‘I’m really worried about you.’ On the surface, it seems like a caring and considerate statement. And sometimes, it possibly is. But a lot of the time, people are annoyed when someone says it to them. They don’t know why … Continue reading
The Written Word as Healer
Some object to the idea of therapy or life coaching by email, Internet, Skype or telephone. The basis for the objections is almost always something like this: patients improve most in a strong relationship with a therapist experienced at reading … Continue reading
Education: “The Unfolding of the Human Soul”
The most important thing for a parent to remember is to teach his or her child to think. A reader once wrote me a note in which she elaborated on how she teaches her child to think in all kinds … Continue reading
The Faux Appeal of Conspiracy Theories
Dear Dr. Hurd: I would be interested, if you would like, to hear your thoughts on how and why people are so drawn to conspiracy theories, and why they react so negatively to being asked for proof. Dr. Hurd’s reply: … Continue reading
Blaming or Explaining? The Role of Childhood in Adulthood
People sometimes ask: “How much do you blame your parents for your problems in the present, arising from childhood?” All I can reply is: Hold your parents accountable for anything wrong they said or did. But hold yourself accountable for … Continue reading
Is Religious Belief Inborn?
Dear Dr. Hurd: I agree with today’s Daily Dose of Reason (see 1/1/13), but–because we have no choice in being born with an inborn fear, there always has been and always will be religion/supernaturalism. Dr. Hurd’s reply: Actually, there is … Continue reading
Happiness Down to Its Essentials (Part 2 of 2)
Conclusion of yesterday’s column: Reporter: I think lots of people confuse happiness with fun, and the dangers there are obvious. People who are always looking for that moment-to-moment ‘high’ are, it seems to me, far less likely to find long-term … Continue reading
Happiness Down to Its Essentials (Part 1 of 2)
Dr. Hurd recently engaged in a discussion with a journalist about issues related to happiness, self-esteem, psychology, self-help, and much more. What follows are some excerpts from that discussion: Reporter: It seems to me that we have a fundamental confusion … Continue reading