Q: Dr. Hurd, why do so many people become fascinated with the plight of others, especially celebrities? For example, there’s Britney Spears. Or the actor from “Brokeback Mountain” who may have killed himself? A: I don’t know that most people … Continue reading →

Q: What do people mean when they use the expression: “bigger than myself/themselves.” Sports commentators, for example, say about individual athletes in team sports: “No one player is bigger than the game (football, baseball, etc.) itself.” Or people who justify … Continue reading →

Nearly everybody complains that politicians are dishonest–yet the most dishonest ones stand the best chance of winning. (For details, check out the front runners in this year’s race). Nearly everyone agrees that education is a paramount value, and that public … Continue reading →

Having someone to look up to gives a sense of hope, inspiration and encouragement. It tells you that you too can have that success or, even if you cannot, that at least wonderful things exist in the world. Having someone … Continue reading →

“I have always voted for Chavez, but he wants a dictatorship like Cuba. I don’t want the government to take my small house. It’s mine.” I know we’re all trained to condemn selfishness, but this man (a voter in Venezuela) … Continue reading →

In any society, there are those who do the heavy lifting. They’re always the minority. And, they’re not motivated by concern for all; they’re motivated by self-interest. They might (or might not) care about concern for all, but in all … Continue reading →

Most are thankful to God. I am thankful to man — specifically, to those individuals who (over the centuries) have created the countless things I need for survival and enjoyment: automobiles, plumbing, mass produced food, medicine, electricity, computers, televisions … … Continue reading →