Does suffering strengthen character? Not really. Suffering is never an end in itself. The avoidance of suffering is a goal–but not the primary one. Living a happy, self-interested and rational life is the overriding goal (and the purpose of morality). … Continue reading
Category: Psychology & Self-Improvement
Move Out of My Way!
Get out of your own way. Stop holding on to policies, ideas and behaviors that don’t work. If you’re happy, then fine. But if you’re unhappy, this is an indicaiton that you’re in your own way. The biggest single mistake … Continue reading
When You Assume…
What you communicate is based on what you assume. It’s best to know what you assume, and to verify it, before you communicate it. There used to be an expression that went like this: “When you assume, you make an … Continue reading
Why to Reflect
To introspect and reflect helps you know your thoughts. If you know your thoughts and your motives, you’re more in control. People who tend to avoid introspecting are usually the types who want control. They feel like they’re losing control … Continue reading
Don’t Stop–Quit
It’s one to thing to stop an excessive or addictive behavior; it’s another thing to quit. People in denial about their excessive behavior tend to say, “Oh, I can quit any time.” What they mean is they can stop. Of … Continue reading
Esteem of the Mind
Confidence in YOUR mind means confidence in “the mind.” In other words: If you appreciate that reason is the human method of knowing, surviving and thriving, then you are confident that the exercise of your own reason will get you … Continue reading
They’re Trying to Tell You Something
If friends or family implore you to “get help,” don’t get caught up in wondering if you need help or not. Don’t focus on whether they’re right. Instead, consider this: They are tired of hearing you complain. They are weary … Continue reading
Reason and Emotion
Reason gives you the truth — via facts and logic. Emotions put you in touch with the truth. Being in touch with reality is the essence of mental health and well-being. Therefore, emotions are obviously very important. Reason apart from … Continue reading
What’s a “Loser”?
To be a “loser” is not to have lost. To be a “loser” is to think YOU are the victim and everyone else is the victimizer, regarding anything negative that ever happens in life. A loser is someone who thinks … Continue reading
Think Before You Text
Speaking on impulse is one of the biggest mistakes people make. They don’t give themselves time to carefully choose their words and positions. They speak in a hostile and defensive tone, taking away from any validity in what they have … Continue reading
Arrogant Isn’t Confident
It’s not too hard to detect the difference between an arrogant person and a genuinely confident person. An arrogant person has found a way to control other people, at least so far as he is concerned. He considers this a … Continue reading
Insults and Critics
Insults from a fool are just as good as compliments from the worthy. Both serve as a testimonial to what you’re doing right.