I’d say contentment is the difference between what you need and what you have. I’d also say that drive is the difference between what you have and what you want. Since both drive and contentment are important, I think it’s important to have as big a gap as possible between your needs and wants. Most […]
How Much Stuff Do You Need?
You need stuff to live. You need food to eat, water to drink and (at least in most climates) a roof over your head. At a basic level, stuff is necessary for survival. The question is, how much stuff do you really need? And, how can you own things without having them control your life? […]
The Value of Independence
There are few virtues more important than independence. Independence is a requirement for leading your own life. How can you make decisions if every action you take has to be filtered through other people first? Without independence, you can’t be the captain of your life. You must be satisfied scrubbing the decks while someone else […]
Would You Be Bored if You Had Everything?
Being successful isn’t enough. Success in most areas of life simply means you have one less distraction. You have financial freedom when you can stop worrying about money. You are fit when you can stop worrying about your health or how you look in a bathing suit. Social success means you are comfortable in a […]
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.