Watch Out!

These posts address topics that represent a danger to our well-ordered state of mind. Here we cover things that make us mad or give rise to passions. This can lead to bad decisions and suboptimal outcomes
Jan
13
Top-down view of the globe with swirling blue-green colors indicating ozone concentrations

The Healing Ozone Layer is a Warning, Not a Blessing

The good news is also a warning because it reminds us how incentives drive behavior
3 min read
Jan
09
Gravel path stretching off into horizon with cornfield on left, wheatfield on right, and sunflowers in distance

Is There Pleasure and Profit in Walking to Places?

Is it because we're pressed for time that we don't want to get out of our cars? Or because we don't want to walk?
5 min read
Dec
02
Screenshot of the top of the US Taxpayer Bill of Rights, also referred to as IRS Publication 1.

Do We Have Any Rights as Taxpayers? (Newsletter 075)

Only one in ten Americans trust themselves to file their tax return without outside help.
6 min read
Nov
18
Facade of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, seen from the edge of the National Gallery sculpture garden

What Will You Make That Lasts? (Newsletter 073)

There's always someone saying the system doesn't work perfectly. And they're almost always right.
6 min read
Nov
04
Empty airport walkway, with seats in foreground and escalators stretching off in distance

The Scorecard One Year On – Is Anyone Winning? (Newsletter 071)

We can turn America's score around if we want. But first we have to accept that no one else is coming to do it for us.
5 min read
Oct
26
The Downside to Academic Life in the United States

The Downside to Academic Life in the United States

I can either go along and not make waves, or I can be an interesting and honest teacher who challenges students to think and learn. I'm not at all sure I can do both.
4 min read
Oct
19
How Will America Decline?

How Will America Decline?

A history of success in almost any endeavor does not guarantee success forever. In fact, it would be foolish to assume so.
5 min read
Oct
07
Jump Right In, The Water's Fine (Newsletter 067)

Jump Right In, The Water's Fine (Newsletter 067)

With age comes a certain acceptance, if not wisdom. Because you have seen more, you take the daily outrages less personally. It's not about you, the world is just unfair sometimes.
5 min read
Oct
05
In Strangers' Living Rooms

In Strangers' Living Rooms

Every time I fly, the distance I contemplate driving to avoid flying goes up.
4 min read
Sep
21
Achieve Better Outcomes by Being Humble

Achieve Better Outcomes by Being Humble

When we get into the habit of considering what could go wrong before we act, we can improve our odds of future success without having to first personally experience failure.
7 min read