One of my favorite stories comes from Zappos CEO, Tony Hsieh. Tony sold his first company to Microsoft shortly after graduating from college. One of the conditions was that he stay for another 12 months. In exchange, he would walk away an extra $8 million richer. The work conditions weren’t strenuous, as Tony himself recounts, […]
How to Find What You’re Passionate About (And Get Paid For It)
What should you do with your life? I’ve asked, and been asked, this question often. And while I can’t give a decisive formula for answering it, I have made one realization: most of the standard advice is terrible. Whether it’s multiple-choice personality quizzes that tell you to be a farmer, security guard or laboratory assistant […]
Is Being Rich Important for Living the Ideal Life?
I want to live an abundant life. I want to live to an old age knowing that my years were full of rich experiences and that I spent them doing something that matters. I’m guessing you do too. The question is, in order to accomplish that aim, how important is money? Basic economic textbooks will […]
If You’re So Smart, Why is Your Life Still a Mess?
Normally, more intelligence is a good thing. Yes, we all know examples of the anxious overthinker or the scholastic introvert who can’t get a date. But, for the most part, being smarter helps in life. However, I’ve noticed one problem that mostly strikes really smart people. The smarter you are, the more likely you are […]
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.