“Where do I get my ideas,” is probably the most common question I get asked. I have no idea how to answer it. To be honest, I don’t usually set out to write about a topic. I simply go about my business of living a normal life. I talk to people, I see things, I [...]
Category Archives: Human nature
Why put off until tomorrow what you can put off until the day after tomorrow
I used to think that my biggest fault was my tendency to procrastinate. All my university papers were finished at the last possible moment. They were started not much earlier. Every single time, I swore to myself I would do better next time. Eventually I simply gave in and stopped deluding myself. I always laugh [...]
Sad anniversary
Today is the 20th anniversary of Marc Lépine’s rampage. Yesterday, I was in my car and heard two riveting interviews on CBC’s As It Happens. The first was with Nathalie Provost, who was shot by Lepine. The other was with Monique Lépine, Marc’s mother. I thought it might be a good time to re-post a [...]
With all due respect I think you’re a jerk!
Some of the most obnoxious people I have ever met are psychologists. I’ll never forget the time years ago when I attended the annual convention of the American Psychological Association in Washington, D.C. You would not believe how many restaurant meals were returned during those few days! Apparently psychologists have little trouble asserting themselves. “I’m [...]
Great Canadian literature?
Hi Folks. Back from vacation. It was nice acting like a kid again (outside most days riding my bike, playing golf, or kayaking). After throwing in plenty of quality time with the family and significant stretches of time spent sitting around scratching my a**, it was perfect. I’ll keep this post brief. I just wanted [...]
Who ate my muffin?
How long would a platter of chocolate chip muffins last in your office fridge? Well, according to research by Dan Ariely, not long. Ariely’s research inspired my May 26 column. After he published his book, Predictably Irrational, much of the discussion surrounded some of the more sensational white collar crimes like the Enron fiasco or [...]
The power of beliefs
A few months ago I was listening to a radio program where an anthropologist was interviewed about a West African village where children were killed on a regular basis. These kids were believed to be inhabited by evil spirits. One had been born with a withered arm. Another was a child whose mother died during [...]
Mistrust: A self-fulfilling prophecy
What’s worse; blind trust or paranoia? I suppose it depends a great deal on circumstances. If one were living in a war-torn country where suicide bombings and hidden allegiances were common realities, paranoia would certainly serve to protect. But like all psychological states, paranoia and mistrust are double-edged swords. They serve a useful purpose in [...]
More, more, more
Why would a person drive a Hummer? It seems that the more we have, the more we want. It never ceases to amaze me how demand quickly outstrips supply. Any time we desire something that is beyond our reach we think we will be satisfied with “just the basic necessities.” How many people without personal [...]
