I’m a selfish guy. I consider my time and energy important, so I don’t waste it on activities that aren’t important to me. Considering I lean towards self-absorption, it may seem odd that I’m a huge supporter of volunteering. The truth is, volunteerism has many selfish benefits if you can see past the stigma of […]
Why Superman is a Bad Role Model
Superman can fly, see through buildings and listen from large distances. He can run quickly and lift large weights. More importantly he is virtuous and his alter-ego is modest about his abilities. With so many excellent qualities, why wouldn’t Superman be a good role model? The problem with Superman, as it is with every role […]
Use Projects to Educate Yourself for Free
Last week I wrote about how working on projects is a great way to keep yourself motivated. The idea is that if you focus on results, it’s easy to get frustrated when you hit a patch of bad luck. If your emphasis is on completing projects, any feedback you get will come directly from your […]
How to Avoid Making Stupid Mistakes
I think most people like to see themselves as being unique. From early childhood most kids are taught that they are special and original. Western culture celebrates independence, so starting as toddlers, children are taught to think and act as being in a slightly different class than everyone else. While there are some benefits to […]
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.