The Economics of Szasz: Preferences, Constraints, and Mental Illness

In the paper, The Economics of Szasz: Preferences, Constraints, and Mental Illness, Bryan Caplan summarizes Thomas Szasz’s views on mental illness and translates them into the language of economics. Caplan is an economist with a wide variety of interests. He is an interesting writer, thinker, and regularly provokes conversation on Twitter and his blog. Caplan won … Continue reading The Economics of Szasz: Preferences, Constraints, and Mental Illness →

Existential Therapy: Distinctive Features

The book, Existential Therapy: Distinctive Features by Emmy van Deurzen is a good reminder to view each person as a free individual, responsible for their life. But, on another level, it is a book about how to push a particular set of belief on another person. Van Deurzen describes the existential therapy approach as: The life … Continue reading Existential Therapy: Distinctive Features →

Heresies

The book Heresies by Thomas Szasz delivers insights into the human condition. It has a cool cover as well! Reading Heresies was a delight. It is like having a conversation with a wise friend. If you have not delved into Szasz's aphoristic books, take a look at the many quotes I've reproduced in my post of … Continue reading Heresies →

The Philosophical Practitioner

The book, The Philosophical Practitioner, is a surprisingly interesting novel about a man who makes a living by talking to people about their moral dilemmas, and struggles of navigating life. His somewhat mundane life is interrupted when a femme fatale enters his office. He is left trying to figure out what sort of quandary he … Continue reading The Philosophical Practitioner →

I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships

We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. - Epictetus I just listened to the book, I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships. The book is a good reminder about what it takes to be a good listener. So often we are … Continue reading I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships →

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: A Short Guide to REBT

I recently published the book, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: A Short Guide to REBT on Amazon Kindle, paperback, and Audible.

Existential Perspectives On Coaching

Existentialism (as I see it) is the idea that we can explain human behavior according to reasons (choices), not causes. To this end, I have been interested to read how existentialism is used as a practical tool to help people understand themselves and their lives. I picked up the book, Existential Perspectives On Coaching, edited … Continue reading Existential Perspectives On Coaching →