So much depends on perception. Perceiving identity as static results in static behavior where little is gained or learned, with minimal emotional reward. “This is who I am,” someone might think, “so this is the way things will always be.” Granted, disorders like schizophrenia and depression control behavior in certain immutable ways, as can things […]
Future Perfect and the Art of Perception Read More »
In Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell offers a curious definition of what most people consider to be satisfying work: “Those three things — autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward—are, most people agree, the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying. It is not how
Malcolm Gladwell, Happy Assumptions, and the True Nature of Work Read More »
Alan finished the last of his smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, turned to Monica, and said, “Let’s take a walk on the beach.” “The open air would be nice,” she said. The waitress arrived with the bill, and Alan said, “Wonderful service. Our compliments to the chef.” “And thank you for visiting Cuchulainn’s Pub, sir,”
The petals on the water drifted away with the message revealed in the depths of madness, a missing presence ruined by entitled indifference.
Of Ladies Most Deject and Wretched Read More »
The other day, a 17-year-old told me she didn’t think there was life beyond Earth. I mentioned the recent discovery by NASA scientists of seven potentially habitable exoplanets in a solar system just 39 light years away and suggested that astronomers will find a second Earth very soon. I also pointed out that scientists have
Rational Thinking: The Life of Real Possibilities Read More »
A while back, I told my girlfriend she needed to move out. To my surprise, she did so that very day. I figured she’d get lonely and scared of having to be by herself and wouldn’t be able to live without me. Instead, she got stronger and happier with every passing second. I thought to
The Way Things Go Sometimes Read More »