Love, in the Objectivist ethics, is a response to values. It is the emotional price paid by one person for the joy they receive from the virtues of another. It’s not a payment for services rendered nor a compensation for disvalues, but a celebration of all that is good in another person and oneself. Love…
Author: Carl Barney
Trump’s Playfulness
President Trump’s unpredictability, flexibility, and impulsivity is criticized. But perhaps these are strengths. Perhaps he’s playing; perhaps he is negotiating. Perhaps this is his Art of the Deal. President Trump’s behavior is brilliantly characterized by Joe Klein, a former Time Magazine columnist. He writes: I’ll not fall for the bait. I watched Trump’s press conference….
Falling Asleep
I’ve been working on my sleep. Formerly, I would get four and a half to five and a half hours of sleep per night, and I thought that was healthy. It’s not. I’ve now achieved seven hours of sleep a night on average. I’ve been working on falling asleep and have come up with some…
Strategic Planning
I recently came across an exceptionally clear article detailing Israel’s strategic planning during its confrontation on three fronts: Gaza/Hamas, Lebanon/Hezbollah, and Iran—the so-called “axis of evil.” This analysis is a masterclass in strategy and demonstrates how precise, targeted actions can change the course of history. You can read the full article here: Netanyahu: The Inside…
Power
(Intended for Objectivists) I recently came across a scene from the TV series Yellowstone where there was an amusing exchange between a student and his teacher. You can watch it here: She says power is “the ability to direct or influence another’s behavior or course of events…. That’s power. And you don’t have any.” This…
Warfare – Lawfare – Regfare – Polfare
We know what warfare is. It’s the intense and deliberate attempt to harm, destroy property and kill people. Lawfare is the abuse of the legal system to harm, bankrupt, or destroy opponents. I have added the term: Regfare, which is the abuse of regulations to control, harm, cripple and close down individuals or companies; and…
Thanksgiving Message: Generosity, Appreciation, and Gratitude
I’ve learned some important lessons about generosity and its emotional offspring, gratitude. I’m pleased to announce that my book, The Happiness Experiment, is at the publisher and will be launched next year. While writing the book, I researched and struggled with many philosophical, psychological, and practical issues. I learned a lot. Generosity, appreciation, and gratitude…
Leonard Peikoff, Kira, and Grace
I’ve resisted writing this for months. Since “The Grace Affair” has developed into an unseemly circus, I feel I need to speak up after reading Kira Peikoff’s Facebook post and comments: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15L8GERexJ/. I have facts. I hired Grace for Leonard. I’ve had hundreds of teachers, but none compare to the masterful Professor Leonard Peikoff. He…
American Sense of Life
During this election year, I despaired over the American sense of life: Had the life and spirit of America finally died? And I’m delighted that émigré Konstantine Kisin captures the American sense of life that went into play with the recent election. Here, in full, are his ten reasons we didn’t see Trump coming: 1….
An Amazing Film
I’m reluctant to use the word “amazing,” as it is so overused. But the word truly describes the movie Wild Tales. Or perhaps “wild” is the better description? Regardless, it is remarkable. Directed by Damian Szifron, the anthology film blends suspense, dark humor, and themes of revenge and societal breakdown. It consists of six standalone…