I’m currently reading The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt. Although I am still in the early stages of engaging with the book, I recently read a book review and commentary in The Economist that I found both interesting and closely related to Haidt’s work. The title of the article is “How Should Economists Treat Morality?” … Continue reading The Human Side of Economics
Category: Philosophy
The Danger of a Frictionless Life
A little over a week ago, I read an article in the Wall Street Journal titled, “Don’t Get Too Comfortable. Your Quality of Life Depends on It.” It was very interesting. Then, a couple of days later, I listened to Wynne Leon’s podcast The Life of Try, where she invited Lindsey Goldstein, author of Gap … Continue reading The Danger of a Frictionless Life
Reflections on the Integrity of Life: A Day at the University of Chicago
Last Thursday, I attended a wonderful conference at the University of Chicago called “Religion and Responsibility: Moral Reflection in a Global Age.” It was a two-day conference, but I decided to attend only the first day—specifically the first three lectures—because that was all the time I had. The conference was sponsored by the Divinity School, … Continue reading Reflections on the Integrity of Life: A Day at the University of Chicago
On Justice
“The cardinal virtue that most obviously deals with the social sphere, with our relationships, is ‘justice’ (dikaiosunê). The Stoics use this word to encompass both dealing fairly with others and acting with benevolence toward them, wishing for them to flourish in accord with virtue, Fate permitting.” — Donald Robertson, Stoicism and the Art of Happiness … Continue reading On Justice
Chasing Immortality: A Philosophical and Political Reflection
"While you live, while you may, become good.” – Marcus Aurelius It seems that the subject of immortality has entered my world over the past couple of months. First, I watched a Netflix documentary, Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, which narrates the bizarre experiment that Bryan Johnson, a tech millionaire, is … Continue reading Chasing Immortality: A Philosophical and Political Reflection
I Just Want a Normal Life
I was reading a news article about politics in Germany this weekend, and something a 20-year-old said caught my attention. This young man said, "… but we just want a normal life.” All politics aside, this declaration took me back to when I was 20—yes, a little over 31 years ago for those who want … Continue reading I Just Want a Normal Life
Philosophical Reflections: on Life, Freedom, and Governance
I’m currently reading The History of Philosophy by A.C. Grayling1 and am at the part where the author describes the philosophical thoughts of Baruch Spinoza, born in 1632 in Amsterdam. Grayling explains Spinoza’s ideas about the best life and the purpose of the state (or government). Below are some parts that caught my attention. Regarding … Continue reading Philosophical Reflections: on Life, Freedom, and Governance
Today Matters
John C. Maxwell wrote an outstanding book titled "Today Matters." In it, he describes the process to better understand what we need to do to have a meaningful and sucessful life. He says, "People create success in their lives by focusing on today. It may sound trite, but today is the only time you have. … Continue reading Today Matters
Gratefulness Tolerance
Every morning, I sit in the same spot to savor my cup of coffee. I like this spot because it offers a nice view of nearby farms, allowing me to appreciate the rolling hills and the beautiful sunrise while enjoying my hot cup of black Puerto Rican coffee. The tranquility of my quiet neighborhood is … Continue reading Gratefulness Tolerance
Simplicity
“Simple living is not trouble free. Simplicity offers no permanent protection against adversity, but it will help you to deal with ill fortune more calmly and sensibly, while giving you the foresight to head off unnecessary setbacks. By establishing reasonable expectations and responsible habits you will no longer be a ready candidate for victimization. You … Continue reading Simplicity
