(Preface: this is not a sub-post aimed at anyone in particular, nor is it sparked by any recent incident. I've already talked about this with anyone who needed to hear about it personally from me ( Read more... )

I was particularly interested to read this article on the "second economy" -- that of computers talking to computers -- and how it's failing to create jobs for humans. It comes very close to touching on some Deep Thoughts I had a few weeks ago ( Read more... )

When I heard that I was going to have the house to myself this evening -- for only the second time in four months -- I abruptly changed my mind about tonight's Solstice plans and decided to stay in and indulge in some quiet, solitary reflection. It seemed like the most fitting way to celebrate the changes the last year has wrought in my life ( Read more... )

(Cross-posted from G+, for those of you having deja-vu ( Read more... )

I read this on the commute this morning, and it elucidates much more clearly than I did a distinction I was talking about with Ben the Philosopher last night (emphasis mine):

If Jerry's analysis was right, and the downturn was caused by mathematical wizards and greedy salespeople who profited hugely in the short run by selling derivatives that ( Read more... )

The book I'm reading, Flourish, has a companion website at http://authentichappiness.org. There are a slew of tests available there if you're willing to register; the four categories of test are emotions (positive and negative), engagement (character strengths, grit, gratitude), meaning ( Read more... )

(Can you tell it's the last day before vacation? Posty posty posty!)

( Another excerpt from Mindsight that hit me particularly hard )

( long, wifty, ventful, and contains minor spoilers for Crow clan )

A thought that occurred to me last night: I much prefer people who have all the questions to ones who have all the answers.

Edit: Exception, since it seems to need to be said: people who habitually question my judgement because they think they always know better.

sandhawke just made an interesting post questioning the common perception of the "justness" of the American Civil War ( Read more... )