One of my favorite quotes is the following: "The fundamental delusion — there is something (or someone) out there that will make me happy and fulfilled forever.” This delusion is the search for utopia - in a system, a person, an institution, a movement

It can be difficult to persuade others of the rationale for ethical, thoughtful decision making. Because of obligation, because of guilt, because of hell are common reasons for virtuous behavior. Perhaps the best reason is this: because you will know. You say you’re

Many have heard of the 80/20 rule. This is a derivation of the Pareto principle - a square root law which applies to nearly everything related to human creative output: if you have 100 people doing work, ten will be responsible for half

Our society is experiencing a moral panic. It is: * Mistaking horrific anecdotes for objective reality * Viewing certain identity groups as better, rather than equal to others * Uninterested in nuanced, micro changes that will better provide justice and equality to all * Failing to aim for

One of my favorite lines is: “The ultimate luxury is not rushing.” Another: “An empty calendar is a peaceful mind.” Another: “Cool head, main thing." Good judgment requires experience and a clear mind. Good days require joy and a peaceful mind. Rushing works

The best minds on specific topics - like investing or philosophy - are available to anyone in the world, anytime, for free.  This is one of the most hopeful facts about the modern world. But after limited exposure, the messages of Warren Buffet or

It is rare for a writer and thinker to be revered by opposing political factions. But this is the case with George Orwell.  In the United States, it is common for Republicans and Democrats to quote, point to, and lionize this man. Why? He

For years, my job mostly involved writing and sending emails to current or potential customers.  A business-to-business, or “B2B" relationship. For years, I approached my approach to work the same way: when an email came in, I responded immediately.  I watched my inbox

If you crave undivided human conversation, this is a tough era.  People’s attention have been hijacked by modern tools. We bring out our distraction-engines to dinner with friends, setting them down next to our drinks.  Our tech pet. We’re eager to interrupt

We have learned something strange about the human mind: we have two modes, the experiencing self and the remembering self. The experiencing self is our moment-to-moment experience.  How we actually feel in real-time. The remembering self is our reflection on the past.  The story

The next time you have a Netflix binge, observe the room. If you're watching a comedy: how many belly laughs do you hear? If you're viewing a drama: how alert are those around you? The next time you watch friends

We’re brainwashed from birth: you need this product, this thing, this brand, this house.  It will make you happier. Who hasn’t fallen for this? We buy the new, shiny object.  A month later, that new-buy feeling is gone. The shimmering apartment with