For Americans and our politics, these last few years–and months–and weeks–have been highly charged ones. Polarization, animosity, hostility, and violence would seem to be at an all time high…if one forgets the Civil War. Families and friendships have been split and destroyed by political disagreements that a decade ago would have been dismissed with a … More Where I Stand
We’ve had a few comments lately about the word ‘class’. As the author of The Old Money Book, which has ‘Secrets of the Upper Class’ in its title, I feel it’s important to clarify the term, the context in which it’s used, and how I use it. ‘Class’ has been defined as: A set, collection, … More Let’s Talk About Class
Since living in Europe for the past few years, I have become familiar with the work of Stacey Dooley, a British television presenter–as they’re called on this side of the pond. In one of her series, a camera crew follows her as she spends the weekend with a unique or unusual family. Reality television being … More Stacey Dooley Meets The British Upper Class
Bethany, one of our Members of the Tribe here on the blog, recently asked “How much do you spend on your children’s education?” She astutely noted that I do place a great deal of emphasis on education in The Old Money Book and on this blog. It is, as many have noted before me, the … More How Much Do You Spend On Education?
During my book tour in Poland last month, I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with my publisher, Tom Miler, and discuss the fundamentals of the Old Money philosophy on camera. We also talked about how these principles play out in the real world and our shared experiences about how the Core Values of … More The Old Money Conversation
With the new year upon us and new year’s resolutions kicking in–or fading away–I think it’s important to remind ourselves that there is usually a cost (or two or three) associated with making a commitment. This is concept is commonly known as ‘the price you pay’ for making a certain choice: the freedom you give … More The Costs of Commitment
As the new year begins, we inevitably consider changes we can make in order to improve our lives in the 12 months that follow. One strategy I’d like to introduce is one of ‘participation’. If we choose, we can consciously elect to participate in something…or not participate in something. The subjects of such contemplation can … More Participation
My apologies. A family situation is keeping me occupied at present. I have not posted as regularly as I would have liked. A few weeks ago (!) I came across the following article which addresses India’s future in particular, but can be applied to any person, community, or country. It explores culture, the work ethic, … More The Work Ethic
It’s a grammatically butchered term, and I’m sure sociologist and psychologists have a more technical or clinical label for it. However, regardless of what we call it, it’s a behavior pattern that is easy to recognize: acting out in public like a teenager. Like someone who’s in high school. Like someone who is probably old … More The High-Schoolization of Society
After ten days of entertaining American friends in Paris, I am back to the welcome quiet of the house, fairly recovered. While I’m the most sociable of people for short periods, I find myself a little burnt after extended visits. But I love my friends, and I was happy they had a good time. Sitting … More Correct Me If I’m Wrong…