Would you rather serve soup at a homeless shelter for free, or for $2 per hour? If you’re in a country with a high minimum wage like Canada, you would probably rather volunteer. For the same reasons, your mother-in-law would be offended if you offered to pay her $20 for making a family dinner. I […]
In Defense of Food
How can a nation so obsessed with health, be so unhealthy? Why has our historically diverse diet gone down to mostly three crops: corn, wheat and soybeans? Michael Pollan argues that in a society where potato chips and corn oil can be awarded health claims (Frito Lays and Mazola, respectively), there is something seriously wrong […]
Never Eat Alone
I just finished the great book, Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time by Keith Ferrazzi. The books major premise: that the idea of rugged individualism, being a lone wolf and succeeding on your own is a myth. Instead, Ferrazzi argues, every success you get should be built off […]
Great Books
I get a lot of questions about what books I’ve read. I may mention the odd book in a post, but most of my reading is relatively hidden. Seeing as there are many excellent books out there, I’ve decided to add a ‘Great Books’ category in the sidebar. I’m keeping it intentionally small, limiting everything […]
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.