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How to Have Meaningful Conversations
A great conversation is a unique blend of empathy and assertiveness. Recently at a large social gathering, a techy friend of mine, who had been sitting next to a total stranger, said to me after their lengthy conversation was over, “That was the deepest conversation…
The Corrosive Nature of Power
When Lord Acton first uttered his famous words in 1887, “Power tends to corrupt, but absolute power corrupts absolutely,” he was unaware of how prophetic his words were. An English historian, liberal politician, and writer, Lord Acton was a staunch believer in…
Regret: A Path to Self-Knowledge and Wisdom
Recently I was on a cruise ship awaiting the evening show when I noticed a middle-aged woman standing a few rows in front of me dancing away. After witnessing her passionate performance several nights in a row, I spoke to her a few nights before the cruise ended,…
Truth Is a Vanishing Commodity
With political lies rampant, disinformation widespread, and AI providing a big boost to classroom cheating, the questions arise: What is truth? And why is it important to know what’s true? By truth, most people agree that objective reality is truth, that is, what we…
Why Is Self-Knowledge So Important?
Source: Marjana Self-awareness enhances self-regulation, giving us greater self-control. Key points Self-knowledge enables us to be more compassionate toward others. Self-aware people are less likely to engage in blaming, gaslighting, or projection. By becoming more…
Growing Old Gracefully Requires Flexibility and Resilience
Source: Cecile_Arcurs/iStock Aging is not a time for excessive rigidity. Key points Resilience is necessary to cope effectively with the many changes of old age. Novelty and variety of experiences can strengthen adaptability. Daily problem-solving activities provide…
Whether to Speak Up or Stay Quiet
Source: Liubomyr Vorona / iStock Being assertive isn’t always the best way to go. Key points Narcissists and other garrulous people, who are seldom receptive to others’ messages, make mutuality unlikely. A conversation that has evolved into an “attack-counterattack”…
The Limits of Forgiveness
Forgiveness needs to be earned, not dispensed lightly. KEY POINTS Forgiveness can reinforce destructive behavior when the offender shows little remorse or behavioral change. Forgiveness for serious destructive patterns of behavior should come with strings attached….
Trying to Resolve Conflict Via Texting Can Create Confusion
The lack of nonverbal cues in texting often obscures the intended meaning. KEY POINTS The absence of nonverbal cues in emotional texting often creates more conflict. Nonverbal cues are a rich source of information about the honesty and seriousness of the speaker….
The Illusion of Control
KEY POINTS Viewing our scheduled activities rigidly–as if carved in stone–can lead to unnecessary stress when our expectations are not met. Trying to control others without their consent is likely to lead to underlying resentment, passive-aggression, or overtly…
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