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Author Archives: N.S. Palmer
A Retro Idea to Improve the Net
In 1949, the legendary American comedian Groucho Marx resigned from the Friars Club of Beverly Hills. His reason? “I don’t want to belong to any club that would accept me as one of its members.” A lot of people are … Continue reading
Don’t Be Seduced By Hate
We’re all a mixture of good and bad impulses. That’s not new. Alexander Pope observed in 1734: “Virtuous and vicious every man must be, Few in the extreme, but all in the degree, The rogue and fool by fits is … Continue reading
Posted in Human Relations, Life, Political Science, Psychology
Tagged Aggression, Blaming Others, Hatred, Internet addiction, Projection, Social Conflict
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Don’t Be A Quitter
“Quitters never win, and winners never quit. But those who never win and never quit are idiots.” — Despair.com Don’t be a quitter. But don’t be an idiot, either. The problem in many situations is to know which is which. … Continue reading
Posted in Life, Psychology
Tagged Aristotle, Buddhism, Courage, Daniel Robinson, Determination, Goals, Golden Mean, Middle Way, Perseverance, Persistence, Virtue, Winston Churchill
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Confucius Said: “Consider the Source”
I admit it: the ancient Chinese sage Confucius didn’t really say “consider the source.” At least it’s not in The Analects of Confucius, a collection of his teachings that were compiled and edited after his death. (The linked edition provides … Continue reading
How Not To Be Crazy
People are crazy, and it seems to be getting worse. In addition, many heavily-promoted news stories turn out to be false. The reasons are various. There’s a lot we can’t do about the situation. But there are also things we … Continue reading
Posted in Life, Psychology, Society
Tagged Bias, Clear thinking, Emotional reaction, Framing, Groupthink, News, Objectivity, Overcoming bias, Propaganda, Snap Judgment
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What You Don’t Know
“Every person you meet knows something that you don’t know.” That was one of my grandfather’s favorite adages. He died when I was quite young, so I don’t remember him well. I remember his appearance, his book-lined study, his beloved … Continue reading
Posted in Human Relations, Life, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Society
Tagged Adages, Ancient Athens, Ancient Greece, Antigone, Brain Trust, Courage, FDR, Justice, Law, Moral Law, Open-minded, Sophocles, Wisdom
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Trust Not in Ideologies
“Put not your trust in princes,” advises the Bible. I would add “put not your trust in ideologies.” Ideologies don’t make decisions. People make decisions, for good or for ill. Every way to organize society has advantages and disadvantages. If … Continue reading
A High School Psychology Experiment
I’ve criticized people for not getting their minds out of high school, and I stand by that criticism. Even when it applies to me. On the other hand, high school is the first time we learn certain lessons about life. … Continue reading
Posted in Bible, Human Relations, Judaism, Psychology, Society
Tagged Building bridges, Defusing hostility, Do unto others, Friendship, Psalm 15, Reflection, Soft answer
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Help Wanted: Wise Leaders
I won’t be watching the State of the Union address on television tonight. It’s nothing against Trump, who will tell us about all the YUUUUGE things he’s accomplished. Nor against Pelosi, who will be sitting there stone-faced with her minions. … Continue reading
The Bad Side of In-Groups
You’re in the bedchamber of the dying King Henry IV (1366-1413), who united England through a bitter civil war. King Henry awakens and gives some final advice to his son, Prince Harry: “God knows, my son, By what by-paths and … Continue reading
The Thousand-Year View 