Writing

All the early writings, including many gems

Snow-covered landscape, with frosty trees and gray sky
It's warm inside, so cozy up for a good read | Picture by Author

Greetings friends!

I started writing my weekly newsletter in 2021. I've published more than 400 essays since then, on money, work, thinking clearly, and living well. Here's where to dig in.

Some reader favorites

Do You Have What It Takes To Be Independently Wealthy?
Money is just the start of it, perhaps not even the hardest part
Being Interesting Means You’ll Attract Controversy
By contrast, courting controversy is no guarantee of being interesting. Many controversial stories are not interesting
The World’s Worst Persuasion Tactic: Insults
If you’re tired of political insults, take the no-insult pledge with me
A Smattering of Early Retirement Surprises … Should We Have Known?
Would you have known? Did you plan better than we did?
Stakeholder Capitalism: the Myth, the Misunderstanding, and a Lie
Delivering shareholder value is entirely consistent with taking a long-term view. And short-term profits have nothing to do with it.

I hope this already gives you enough of a sense to hit the button

A Fine Idea

Browse Articles by Theme

Here are some topical collections that might interest you.

Money and the good life

How wealth really works and what it's for. See Economics and Money for more.

Do You Have Enough To Be Happy?
The chances are good the answer is yes. So why are so many people grouchy about “the rich”?
Would You Rather Be Smart, Attractive, or Have Wealthy Parents?
Imagine for a moment you can pick just one of the three. Which is most likely to bring you what you desire?

Thinking clearly

Spotting bad arguments, hidden incentives, and self-deception. See Thinking, Better, and Sustainability for more.

How Being Humble Can Help You Be Wrong Less Often
A person can be smart, well-intentioned, and sincere while also being dangerously wrong
Slouching Towards Catastrophe (Newsletter 069)
Without deprivation, plenty goes unremarked. Without hardship and suffering, ease is little regarded.

Working well

Getting ahead without losing yourself. See Decision-making and Lessons Learned for more.

What Kind of Person Argues With the Boss?
Three reasons why arguing with the boss is a terrible idea - and tips for how to prevail nonetheless
Effectiveness Can Drive So Much More Than Thriving at Work
A simple guide to accompany you on your way to a successful career and a happy life

Living well

Practical philosophy for a good life. See Stoics and Habits for more.

087 - On Living Simply - Moral Letters for Modern Times
When traveling light you think carefully about what you really need and leave aside all those things that you might need. I think that is the reason I so love the practice.
102 - On What Survives Us - Moral Letters for Modern Times
Serving as an example is more powerful than lingering in memory.

Contrarian takes

Questioning the consensus, which is wrong surprisingly often. See My Two Cents, Questionable Science, and Politics for more.

Definitive Proof That Women Are Smarter Than Men
We still believe that women today are disadvantaged compared to men
The Scariest Monsters Are Well-Intentioned (Newsletter 041)
Today I will offer two current day figures who have the potential to have massive impacts on humanity going forward, one negative and one positive.

Paradise found

Dispatches on Switzerland (and the United States) and the art of noticing. See Paradise Found for more.

18,000 Reasons Why the Swiss Are Still Awesome
We spend 13 Swiss francs per inhabitant per year to ensure we won’t run out of coffee … and other essentials for life
Switzerland Is Not Sweden (But It Might As Well Be)
We pay different attention to things close to home than we do those farther away.

And there's more

Check out some of the wonderful Guest Posts others have contributed. If you would like to see all the newsletters in order through the end of 2024, see Newsletters.

The career-minded will find much of value in Career Path and Perform Well.

The seekers of the good life will be rewarded in Happiness, Incentives, and Live Well.

Wherever your searches take you, I wish you happy reading!

Be well.