Not electrical power. The other kind, social power. The ability to influence other people and events. What psychologist Dacher Keltner says is the ability to make a difference. Continue reading
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Blog 99. Why can’t I make a difference?
As best I can tell, satisfaction comes from accomplishing something we regard as useful and meaningful. That seems to be true, whether you are a scientist, entrepreneur, gardener, or Mafia hit man. Most of us want to make a difference. We want to believe we’ve altered something for what we regard as the better. To assert our importance, we erect large monuments in graveyards Continue reading
Blog 95. Gentrification by Zen?
The term “Zen” suggests a process that is easy, masterful, and calming—something most of us are eager to experience. (1) And “gentrification” sounds like a gentle transformation of a pig sty into a pastoral abode. However, urban “gentrification” means conversion of decaying inner city housing into a “higher and best use,” Continue reading
Blog 92. Saviors are in short supply
I sense that Americans are increasingly defined by fear. Fear of what? Continue reading
Blog 90. How to boil an egg in a microwave
Submerge the egg in a mug of water. Turn on the microwave for one minute. Listen for snap as the eggshell cracks. That’s ok, the crack relieves pressure. Reduce power to 40% and run the microwave for another minute. At 35 seconds you will hear a loud pop. Continue reading
Blog 89. Why Trump trumps
Donald Trump holds the leading position among Republican presidential contenders (as of mid-December 2015). TV pundits say Trump’s followers have one common characteristic: they’re angry. The big question is why. Why does Trump even have a following? Continue reading
Blog 82. Temperature doesn’t forecast climate
Regarding climate change, the political arguments focus on whether the temperature is increasing. It is, but that’s not a firm indicator. Continue reading
Blog 78. The teen brain–rebel or recruit?
A newborn’s brain immediately learns who his mother is, but a teen’s brain seems to busy itself with learning what his mother forbids. We recognize that teens rebel. But they also join, seeking meaning as recruits for cults or terrorists. Continue reading