Dependence doesn’t mean delegating to others what you’re able and willing to pay for. Dependence doesn’t mean learning from, or listening to, somebody else. It’s not dependent for a medical student to go to medical school and learn what previous … Continue reading
Listening doesn’t come from a desire to please others. Listening comes from a desire to understand and learn. A subject is either important and interesting to you, or it isn’t. A person is either important and interesting to you, or … Continue reading
If the purpose of mental health is “feeling good,” as many insist — then the proper standard of life should be: If it feels good, do it. But unless you are supremely rational, you might sometimes FEEL like doing something … Continue reading
Overly critical people lack self-esteem and self-respect. This is why they are quick to criticize. The flaws they see in others are sometimes valid, and sometimes exaggerated or overstated (in defiance of the person’s strengths). It’s the reason they criticize … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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