Over the last several months my reading habits have shifted. While I used to read almost entirely non-fiction, I’ve since made a switch to mix fiction and non-fiction. This was a strategic decision, and I believe it has been paying off. I’d like to share some of the benefits I’ve found of reading good fiction. […]
How to Keep E-Mail From Wasting Your Time
I usually get a few dozen e-mail each day. On some days this can be over a hundred. But keeping my inbox empty is relatively simple compared to many people I know. Hundreds of messages a day are quickly becoming the norm. How do you keep connected without having e-mail waste all your time? Developing […]
The Virtue of Living Life Rationally
My recent posts on atheism and a highly speculative theory of how the universe might work sparked a lot of debate. Although I am pleased to find I have some incredibly intelligent readers here, I am alarmed by some of the comments that were made. I’m generalizing here, but the basic structure of the complaint […]
9 Steps to Stop Information Poisoning
A small amount of water reduces thirst. A large amount can poison you. The same principle applies to information. A small, carefully chosen amount can enhance your ability to make smart decisions. Too much and you fare no better than chance. The negative effect of too much information has been demonstrated in studies. One study, […]
I'm a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. Since 2006, I've published weekly essays on this website to help people like you learn and think better. My work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, Pocket, Business Insider and more. I don't promise I have all the answers, just a place to start.