As a young man, my formal education was cut short. As a result, I’ve spent my later years reading the works of great authors that I should have read years ago, exploring history I should have already been familiar with, devouring the biographies of others in order to gain a better understanding of my place … More Jane Austen: The Original Snark
My first reaction on this blog to the rash of headlines about artificial intelligence was, in retrospect, a little reactionary and a little short-sighted. I simply prefer a human experience when I conduct a transaction to an interaction with AI. Call me old-fashioned, a lot of people do. I initially saw AI as an option … More The Economic Tsunami
Every year at this time, I offer up my best advice for a back-to-school wardrobe that is lean, economical, durable, versatile, and timeless. There are rarely any surprises: polo shirts, oxford cloth button downs, khakis, chinos, or corduroys, deck shoes and LL Bean boots, wool crew neck sweaters, and the inevitable blue blazer. Nothing with … More The Annual Old Money Back To School Wardrobe List
Years ago on this blog, I warned of the dangers of social media. Now, one by one, governments, school districts, and concerned parents are restricting the use of mobile phones and access to social media for children under the age of 16. Entire countries have banned the use of mobile phones in classrooms. Lovely. Wonderful. … More The Moat Around Your Mind
Every couple of weeks, I receive an email from an American who’s considering moving abroad. They want to know about my experiences. They want to know what I was thinking. They want to know the costs. They want to know the trade-offs. They want, in short, to know if they should leave the US, too. … More Should I Stay or Should I Go?
It’s been eventful here recently, hence the extended absence from the blog. On the professional front, I’ve been digging into revisions on the novel (an Italian renaissance trilogy) for the past couple of months. The manuscript is finally in a presentable condition, even though involved parties (agents, editors, and publishers) will certainly have their comments … More Update From Paris
When it comes to inherited wealth, we all have dreams of being on the (fortunate) receiving end. We seldom have to face the (possible) nightmare of being on the bequeathing end. It’s often obvious who you’re going to give your money to when you die. Once you’ve made that decision, you then need to decide … More Where There’s A Will…
Having lived in Paris for almost a decade now, I’m long past the ‘infatuation phase’ experienced by most tourists and many expats when they first arrive in the City of Lights. I’ve encountered the good, the bad, and the ugly, that concentrated mix that any metropolitan city serves up to its residents on a daily … More Paris and Patience
In today’s current political and social climate, it’s important to hear an articulate commentary on WASP values. After all, that’s pretty much what I advocate for here on this blog and in several of my books. Obviously, I don’t think that White Anglo Saxon Protestants have the monopoly on traditional Upper Class values. I see … More Legacy of the WASP: An Articulate Reminder
Every once in awhile, I’m asked why I encourage people to elevate their social standing or improve their financial position. What difference will it make? Granted, some people do have a world-view that is fairly laissez-faire: just go with the flow, do what you can do, take it easy, don’t worry…be happy. I don’t condemn … More Why Elevate?