We’ve all been near children to recognize the scenario. One child begins to complain, then cry or wait, and, like a siren causing a dog to harmonize with its own howl, the lament sets off another child, nearby. It’s never clear whether the second child is complaining about the noise or feeling the other child’s…Read More
The Rich Are Different
In empathy
In a conversation that never actually happened face-to-face, this is what F.Scott Fitzgerald ostensibly told Ernest Hemingway, to which he eventually replied: yes, they have more money. A recent study in Health and Science suggests that the rich are less scrupulous than the rest. To the cynical, this comes as no surprise. But personally, I’m…Read More
Reader Response
In Biff Poggi
Peter, Early this year, you wrote on your blog (“No One Eats Lunch Alone Here”) about a book called Season of Life. As the author of that book, I would like to thank you for your kind and meaningful words. I apologize for being so late with this note, but it was only yesterday that I learned about your blog. I’m pleased to…Read More
Being Good is Good for Your Heart
In compassion
I learned recently that being kind is, chemically, physically, good for your heart. Not your metaphorical heart—though it’s good for that too, I’ve always known that. I’m talking about the muscle itself. I learned about the physiological processes behind this from a TEDx speaker. (I’m on a TEDx kick now, watching many of these talks…Read More
Here is a message for book clubs, students, and all Americans. It will foster deep and valuable insights — the kind we should all experience. After divulging the story of his horrendous early years in Romania he presents an outsider’s view of the America he came to, entirely without knowledge of the reality of our…Read More
