Self-Made Men (1875)
Fortune may crowd a man’s life with fortunate circumstances and happy opportunities, but they will, as we all know, avail him nothing unless he makes a wise and vigorous use of them. The subject announced for this evening’s entertainment is not new. Man in one...
How To Celebrate Ayn Rand’s Birthday
February 2nd is the birthday of Ayn Rand, the author of Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. Ayn Rand developed and defended Objectivism, a philosophy that advocates “rational selfishness.” To celebrate Randsday, you do something not done on any other holiday: you...
The Joy of Football: The Super Bowl Offers a Too-Rare Celebration of Goal-Achievement
As half the nation eagerly awaits the kickoff of the Super Bowl, the other half looks on in wonderment at what could be so enthralling about grown men running up and down a field carrying an oblong ball. Football fans who cannot articulate why they feel such passion...
Making Resolutions Outlast January
I love the concept of New Year’s resolutions. They’re always positive and typically involve self-improvement. I mean, whoever heard of anyone resolving, “This will be the year when I finally get fat” or “I hereby decree to spend less time...
What is the Meaning of New Year’s?
The meaning of most holidays is clear: Valentine’s Day celebrates romance; July Fourth, independence; Thanksgiving, productivity; Christmas, good will toward men. The meaning of New Year’s Day–the world’s most celebrated holiday–is not so...
The Lure of Baseball
As half the nation eagerly awaits the next game of the World Series, the other half looks on in puzzlement at what could be so enthralling about grown men hitting a little ball and running around in circles. Baseball fans who cannot articulate why they love the game...
Speed Up by Slowing Down
Speed up confusing, bogged-down tasks by slowing down your thinking. Sometimes, when there’s more work on your plate than ever, your output slows to a crawl. When this happens, you may feel you should just speed up. But that impulse is mistaken. To get moving...
Fear of Aging
Q: I’m terribly afraid of aging. I’m only in my forties, but I think about it a lot. Is there anything you can do to help? A: You’re aging — we’re all aging — from the minute we’re born. Ruminating about something over which...
