In the previous post, I articulated the sense of loss that we might be feeling as so many aspects of our everyday life have been truncated, restricted, delayed, modified beyond all recognition, or completely vaporized. All that, in a matter of weeks. Usually, life allows us to adapt, change, and grow gradually. Going through school … More A Sense of Hope
I graduated from law school wanting to help people. I started practicing in a rough neighborhood, representing people who otherwise couldn’t afford a decent attorney. I ate at the local cafe and engaged people socially and tried to become part of the community. It wasn’t working. I’d been raised in New Haven. I was young … More Old Money: In Their Own Words
This is the second installment of a series of posts addressing the issue of Privacy. As one of the Core Values I articulated in The Old Money Book, Privacy is essential to living a full, rewarding life. You just can’t have your business in the street. One of the French sayings I think I’ve mentioned … More La Vie Privee
You’d think there would be much to complain about in Paris, but Parisians, well, I guess they’re entitled to a little discontent: they’ve been born in the most beautiful city on earth and it’s not perfect. When not participating in the same, they complain about the labor protests of the ‘gilets jeunes‘ that have been … More That Most Precious Luxury
One of the most dangerous things in life is denial: to be presented with facts, evidence, or a set of circumstances and choose to refute them or ignore them. This is the enemy of progress and growth. The parasite that feeds on reason. The opposite of awareness. The abdication of responsibility. The accelerant of disaster. … More It’s Not Just a River in Egypt
“I don’t have time for depression. I don’t have time for doubts. I do all the research I can. I get all in the information I can. I think about whatever it is long and hard. And then I make a decision. “Sometimes I get awful results, but more often than not, things turn out … More Old Money: In Their Own Words
Is it worthwhile? Is it my best? Would I be proud of it? Would I be ashamed of it? Would it leave the world a better place? What is my motivation for doing it? Would I be required to explain it? Would I be required to apologize for it? Would it benefit anyone else besides … More Personal Questions
The road to refinement is paved with repetition. – Byron Tully
David, one of our longtime readers and contributors, forwarded this, which appeared in The London Times. Enjoy… Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in … More An Obituary in The London Times
I recently read a short, interesting book by Yanis Varoufakis. He is a former finance minister of Greece and was an all-round thorn in the EU’s side during Greece’s financial collapse a few years ago. The book, Talking to My Daughter About the Economy – A Brief History of Capitalism, is worthwhile. The history behind … More The Greek, The French, and Me