Do your friends need to share your values, interests and philosophy of life? I believe the answer is no. As a self-described vegetarian, entrepreneur, speed-reading dance machine, do most of my friends match my eclectic interests and approach to life? Certainly not. My current roommate is delightfully unambitious, guitar-playing skateboarder. To my constant surprise he […]
Do People Want Riches to Buy Stuff or Status?
We’re richer, but we aren’t happier. At least, that’s what the research tells us. In The Progress Paradox, Gregg Easterbrook argues that, in some respects, happiness has actually fallen slightly in the last few decades. This is despite the fact that material conditions have improved significantly during the same time. To many people, this finding […]
Why I Hate Self-Help Platitudes
One of the most delightfully frustrating experiences I get is receiving book review requests. Normally, I don’t mind receiving these requests. If your book is brilliant, I’m more than happy to promote it without any compensation. However, I’ll often get press release emails for books which advocate an idea I’ve explicitly argued against on this […]
The Importance of Being Likable
Likability matters. In your career, most of the opportunities will come through other people, and people give opportunities to the people they like. In relationships, someone has to like you before they can love you. Anywhere in life, if people like you, they are more willing to help. Unfortunately, likability has picked up a bad […]
I'm a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. Since 2006, I've published weekly essays on this website to help people like you learn and think better. My work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, Pocket, Business Insider and more. I don't promise I have all the answers, just a place to start.