One always speaks badly when one has nothing to say. —Voltaire First World problems are things that bother people from wealthy countries that most Third Worlders would consider ridiculous. For instance, if you’ve been acting out over having to stand on public transportation, then you’re demonstrating a First World problem. If you just unfriended someone […]
First World Problems Read More »
Ever since “liberal” became a bad word in America, there has been a growing tendency to pass judgment on other people by using this four-word zinger: “Everybody has a choice.” This is to say that no matter what situation one finds oneself in, there is always a right or wrong response, and if one chooses
Choice and the Complexity of Human Nature Read More »
Superstitious thinkers have stood in the way of meaningful scientific innovation throughout history, and they still do. They obstruct the serious theoretical and technical challenges we face. Luckily, history also shows that most major scientific discoveries that promised to serve humanity especially well were adopted despite fierce resistance from misguided forces. Most people will do
Scientific Puritans Aren’t Helping Read More »
I just read Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. It’s one of those books worth exploring for the sake of cultural literacy. I wanted to understand its ongoing popularity, especially since some of my good friends value its message. Now I can at least join the conversation and gain stronger insight into what
On How to Win Friends and Influence People Read More »
Let’s just admit it. For some people, political obsession is really an extension of character flaws cloaked in a mantle of patriotic concern. If you live to be 82 years old, you have around 30,000 days on Earth. After subtracting the time for obligations like sleeping, eating, working, paying bills, and so on, you only
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“Jerome Bernard Parent, what are you doing?” my mother asked. Uh oh. Full name. I’m in trouble. “I’m just reading,” I said, showing her the book. “That’s rude for a guest to be doing. Now go outside with the other kids and play.” “All right,” I said. “In a minute.” I peeked down the stairs.
The Dark Side of the Pooh Read More »