Category Archives: Human Relations

Touching on Joe Biden

Posted on March 31, 2019 by N.S. Palmer

I try to keep this blog non-political, and this blog post is no exception. It’s neither to support Joe Biden nor to denounce him. It’s just about my own personal experiences and thoughts. As most people know, Biden is preparing … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Relations, Life, Political Science, Psychology, Society | Tagged 2020 election, Biden, Democratic Party, Elderly, Harassment, Politics, Presidential campaign, Sexual Harassment, Unwanted touching | 2 Comments

Why Power Corrupts Us

Posted on March 23, 2019 by N.S. Palmer

Power tends to corrupt us. So do privilege and status. Of course, we like to believe that it happens only to other people. We could never be corrupted by power and privilege. We’re too good for that. Unfortunately, however, we’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Relations, Life, Psychology | Tagged Consideration for others, Courage, Empathy, Power, Power corrupts, Privilege, Serenity, Wisdom | 3 Comments

We Are What We Are

Posted on March 21, 2019 by N.S. Palmer

We are what we are. The only question is what we choose to do about it. When I worked on Capitol Hill, I knew a political writer who was a nasty, hateful person. Then he became a Christian. And — … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Human Relations, Judaism, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Society | Tagged Ashkenazi Jews, Ashkenazim, DNA, Evolution, Globalism, Group behavior, Hillel, In-Group, Kin Selection, Moment Magazine, Nationalism, Open borders, Out-Group, Proxy variable, Yoram Hazony | Leave a comment

You’re Responsible for You

Posted on March 14, 2019 by N.S. Palmer

When you’re a small child, you feel that everything is about you. Your parents often encourage that delusion. They try to create a bubble where your needs are satisfied, your feelings are considered, and your safety is ensured. It’s a … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Relations, Life, Psychology | Tagged Acceptance, Courage, Humility, Mental Health, Rationality, Realism, Self-Respect | Leave a comment

A Retro Idea to Improve the Net

Posted on March 6, 2019 by N.S. Palmer

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 →

Posted in Human Relations, Life, Political Science, Psychology, Society | Tagged Antitrust, AOL, BBS, Bulletin Board Systems, Competitive markets, CompuServe, Facebook, Internet, Internet drawbacks, Oligopoly, Online, Online antitrust, Online monopolies, Social Media, Twitter | 7 Comments

Don’t Be Seduced By Hate

Posted on March 3, 2019 by N.S. Palmer

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 | Leave a comment

Confucius Said: “Consider the Source”

Posted on February 23, 2019 by N.S. Palmer

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 →

Posted in Epistemology, Human Relations, Political Science | Tagged Analects, Asian Studies, Charlie Chan, China, Chinese, Confucius, Confucius Institute, Mandarin, National interest | Leave a comment

What You Don’t Know

Posted on February 16, 2019 by N.S. Palmer

“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 | Leave a comment

A High School Psychology Experiment

Posted on February 6, 2019 by N.S. Palmer

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 | Leave a comment

Help Wanted: Wise Leaders

Posted on February 5, 2019 by N.S. Palmer

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 →