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 →

When you’re less stressed, you can see more clearly. It’s like the difference between having 20/200 vision or 20/20 vision. When you see more clearly, you focus better, you’re more competent, and you feel better about things in general. The … Continue reading →

People who don’t like to be questioned are at war with facts. They assume that, “I’m bigger and better than reality.” But this is a contradiction. You cannot be bigger or better than something — reality — if you’re a … Continue reading →

Q: What would your reaction to following statement be? “You take politics too seriously. You get too upset over things you can’t control, things happening in other parts of the world.  Don’t worry about that stuff, go out and live, … Continue reading →

Assume that any person you encounter is of potential value to you. If they prove otherwise, then fine; but start with the assumption that they have something to offer you, by being who they are. Let them prove you wrong. … Continue reading →