Shame is like static or interference in a radio, computer or television transmission. It serves no purpose. It gets in the way. Shame is not responsibility. Responsibility is adherence to reality and the willingness to hold in mind all the … Continue reading
The malevolent universe idea is the notion that life is by its nature difficult, hard and impossible. This attitude is caused by many factors, some of them personal and starting in childhood — for example, an all-pervasive sense that the … Continue reading
Q: Is there a way to harmonize conscious thoughts and emotions that conflict? A: It’s a process or habit developed over time. You identify a response that you know is irrational or mistaken, but it’s still emotionally present. You decide … Continue reading
It’s important to be rational. But what exactly does “rational” mean? A lot of well-intentioned people who mean to be rational don’t understand that the term refers to a method more than anything else. In other words, “rational” does not … Continue reading
Do you want people around you to be motivated by productivity and competence — or primarily by a sense of duty and compassion for you? I definitely vote for the first. I think most people do, at least if the … Continue reading
Can a leopard change its spots? The question is often asked as a metaphor as to whether people can change. My observations tell me that leopards tend not to change their spots. It’s not because they can’t; it’s because they … Continue reading
A bully (verbal or physical) by definition has low or no self-esteem. This is because any individual at war with reality, as a bully is, cannot have self-esteem. Self-esteem comes from having a rational relationship with reality. Reason as the … Continue reading
We create the psychological climate around us. This is not to suggest that we are responsible for anyone else’s actions, thoughts or emotions. However, our own actions, thoughts and emotions tend to bring into our lives certain kinds of people … Continue reading
Q: What communication skills can help avoid misunderstandings with others? A: Always keep in mind: What is in the other person’s interest? Appeal to that when you talk. This will help in communicating effectively. In short, people listen when they perceive you … Continue reading
Chronic hope for the impossible inevitably leads to hopelessness about the possible.
Existence is rational. Questions are reasonable. All questions can ultimately be answered — it’s only a matter of knowledge and time. In short: It’s a rational universe. Things are “figure outable”. Children start out with this unarticulated, but deeply held, … Continue reading
Negative attitude is the underlying cause of what everybody now calls “depression.” Attitude determines so much. The insidious thing about attitude is that it’s just beneath the surface, or even subconscious, unless you make it conscious. There’s nothing inherently wrong … Continue reading