In a “zero sum game” (ZSG) one side must lose, in order for the other side to win. In life you often find people who every interaction as a ZSG. I remember when the essence of being a Liberal, was the core belief that in situations you should always strive for a win-win solution. Then…

I was listening to an episode of Tim Ferris’ podcast, an interview with Todd McFarlane. Since I haven’t read many comic books in the last few decades, I didn’t know who he was. Todd’s a high energy, driven, no BS kind of person, so hold onto something solid before you listen. Anyway, he said said…

I was listening to a podcast interview with Lance Armstrong. Lance Armstrong: The rise, fall, and redemption of a cycling legend. Near the end, the host asked Lance if he could do it over, would he do it again? His answer was indeed a piece of wisdom. “These are all strokes on the canvas, man,…

Listen to EconTalk, episode with Penny Lane, about Kenny G. 18:00 minutes: Then a reference to Adam Smith about people wanting others to hate the same things they do.

In the past people would debate ideas, with the goal being the search for the truth or for the better idea/solution. Today it’s just about winning. It’s no longer a debate, it’s an argument. And nobody wins an argument. The approach taken has one, or if needed, two, steps: If they do continue and try…

I’ve moved around a lot in my life. As a boy in NYC, as the neighborhood went bad we moved on. It’s the people, not the geographical location. The location may be beautiful, but if the people are ugly, it’s a horrid place.

How often do we hear dire, existential predictions? Why do proponents of a particular policy/ideology always warn that everything is at stake, and everything will be lost if you don’t… (you fill in the blank). Always look beneath the surface. For example, at a recent board meeting in my shul, people who wanted a specific…

I’m listening to Jocko Wilink’s “Extreme Ownership”. On CD3 at 03:00 he talks about standards. It’s not what you preach, it’s what you tolerate.