If not now, then when? Perhaps more importantly, why then and not now? I’ve been thinking about those two questions a lot lately. I feel like most of the time answers to the second question are just a weak excuse. Someday isn’t better than today, often that someday is never. The problem is worse for […]
Should You Strive to Live Happily or to Live Good?
Should your priority for living be happiness or virtue? Is it better to be a happy person of mediocre character, or noble and melancholic? I believe this is one of the biggest questions you can ask yourself. Not only because it guides so many life decisions, but because it changes your approach to life. The […]
Should an Atheist Be Reading the Great Books of Religion?
I’m one of the least religious people you can find. I’ve never been to a church service in my life and I’ve never leaned towards a theological explanation of the world. I’m also pretty hostile to the word ‘spiritual’. At best, it’s used as a glib catchphrase to suggest the person has non-materialistic motivations without […]
My Thoughts on Learning to Speak Another Language
It has been just over seven months that I’ve been living in the south of France. My major goal here has been to learn to speak French. I’m far from an expert on learning foreign languages. In North America, speaking a second language earns you a badge of praise. In Europe, being able to speak […]
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.