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Zero Sum Games
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…
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Set the Bar Low
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…
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Strokes on the Canvas, Man
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,…
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The Power of Hate DRAFT
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.
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What passes for “debate” these days
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…
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Is the Glass Half Full, or is it Half Empty
I’m listening to an EconTalk podcast with Annie Duke, author of “Quit” and the (great) host Russ Roberts. At the 0:30:00 mark, they discuss the cognitive state of “being in the losses”. We have a physical and mental ledger. For example, what’s the difference between completing a half marathon vs. only running half of a…
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But this is such a wonderful town…
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.
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The world will end in X years
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…
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When you burn your bridges behind you…
… it is unreasonable to expect others to rebuild them for you.
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Standards
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.