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Category Archives: Psychology
Freedom Means Responsibility
My first summer job in high school was as a copy boy for The Indianapolis Star newspaper. Yes, it was so long ago that we were called copy “boys” and nobody got triggered about sexism or patriarchy. Every morning when … Continue reading
Why Are People So Mean on the Internet?
(Originally written for The Jewish Journal, published on August 16, 2016.) Why are people so mean on the Internet? Political polarization is sad, but it’s not the problem. Every day, we encounter people who disagree with us, but we do … Continue reading
Posted in Psychology
Tagged Anger, Internet, Misdirected anger, Polarization, Social Conflict, Social Media, Trolls
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A Moment from the Middle Ages
Let’s consider a moment from the Middle Ages. Of course, people in the Middle Ages didn’t think they were living in “the Middle Ages.” That term was invented during the Renaissance to denote the era between Late Antiquity (after the … Continue reading
Posted in Psychology
Tagged Courage, COVID-19, Fear, Freedom, History, Propaganda, Psychology, Rationality, SARS-CoV-2
2 Comments
A Pop Quiz About Government
We’ve got a pop quiz today, kids. But don’t worry: There’s only one question, and it’s multiple-guess. The authors of the U.S. Constitution were greatly influenced by a book called The Spirit of the Laws. It said there were three … Continue reading
Posted in Political Science, Psychology
Tagged Courage, COVID-19, Democracy, Fear, Freedom, Justice, Politics, Propaganda, Psychology, Rule of law, SARS-CoV-2, Social harmony, Virtue
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Are You Swimming or Treading Water?
Are you swimming, or are you just treading water? If you’re swimming, then you’re going someplace. If you’re treading water, then you’re just waiting to drown. Call me crazy, but I don’t think that waiting to die is a good … Continue reading
Posted in Life, Psychology
Tagged Constructive attitude, Goals, Life, Meaning of life, Positive attitude, Positive thinking, Viktor Frankl, Worthy goals
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Don’t Be Misled by Biased News
Note: With a presidential election coming up, the news media are full of misleading headlines, biased reporting, and less often, outright lies. Here’s how to avoid some of the most common traps. (Originally posted on my other blog in 2018.) … Continue reading
You Are Not Alone
You are not alone. Trust me on that. Right now, someone who loves you is thinking about you. Wondering if you’re all right. Wondering if you’re happy or sad. Wondering if now is a good time to give you a … Continue reading
Posted in Psychology
Tagged COVID-19, Depression, Friendship, Happiness, Lockdowns, Loneliness, love, Optimism, Positive attitude, Serenity, Wisdom
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Prevent Suicide But Don’t Miss The Point
You might not know it — I didn’t, until a couple days ago — but September is National Suicide Prevention Month. It’s a good cause, but focusing on suicide risks missing the point. The suicide is only the final act … Continue reading
Posted in Psychology
Tagged Courage, Despair, Faith, Hope, Suicide, Suicide Prevention Month
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You Are Responsible for You
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) was a poor boy from Illinois who became one of America’s greatest presidents. He was not a perfect person. He failed often, but he never let it stop him. He kept on going. And whether he failed … Continue reading
Posted in Human Relations, Life, Psychology
Tagged Advice, Constructive attitude, Cooperation, Lincoln, Positive attitude, Self-improvement, Wisdom
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You Have Been Deceived
You have been deceived. There’s no shame in that. You might even take it as an indirect compliment. Fake psychics love to have scientists “test” their powers because scientists are easy to fool. Scientists work with observable facts, so they … Continue reading
Posted in Life, Political Science, Psychology, Science, Society
Tagged COVID-19, Fear, Mass Hysteria, Panic, Propaganda, SARS-CoV-2
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