“They say that for every open audition for a role, there are 500 applicants. But that isn’t too important, so long as you remember 490 of those applicants are idiots.” This was an example given to me by Cal Newport (although the origin is lost). The numbers aren’t real, but I think the message is […]
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 […]
Is Employment Always a Bad Thing?
I love entrepreneurship. I’ve said before that anyone in their twenties with the itch to start a business should be doing so now. Because you have the time, energy and probably don’t have mortgage payments. Moreover, I believe now is the ideal time for anyone to start a business. The internet is still a teenager, […]
Know Which Stairs to Climb (Or How I Trained to do a Pistol Squat)
Recently, I managed to complete my first pistol squat. A pistol squat is a one-legged squat where you hold the inactive leg straight out in front of you. It requires considerably more balance and strength to do than a regular one legged squat. Finishing it got me thinking about a big problem that prevents many […]
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.