Tag: logic

“That’s an Appeal to Authority!” No. It Isn’t.

Name a fallacy, win the argument. That is the ritual, and it is nonsense. This essay takes apart the most abused phrase in modern discourse: the reflexive charge of "appeal to authority." It traces what Locke actually meant by argumentum ad verecundiam, lays out the narrow and specific conditions under which the fallacy is real, and explains why citing Einstein on physics is not one of them. It also gives the skeptics their due, because institutional authority has earned suspicion. But the answer to unreliable experts is getting better at evaluating them, not declaring all expertise fallacious. Featuring the fallacy fallacy, Schopenhauer being characteristically ruthless, and a direct answer to the most common objection to "Not All Opinions Are Created Equal."

13 Things You Should Give Up If You Want To Be Successful, And What Each One Actually Costs You

Originally appearing on Medium.com, '13 Things You Should Give Up If You Want To Be Successful' by Zdravko Bato Cvijetic is a MUST READ and now it is proudly part of my #requiredreading list. Below is the pithy list but trust me, not only should you read the entire essay, you should soak it up and make it a part of who you are.

The End of Privacy: Why Cameras Everywhere Might Save Civilization

If there’s no expectation of privacy in public, why fear the camera? A fully transparent world—where everyone is both the watcher and the watched—could make crime nearly obsolete. Accountability is the true price of freedom.

The Absurdity of Sending American Tax Dollars Overseas

This essay exposes the moral and fiscal absurdity of the U.S. government sending billions in taxpayer dollars overseas while millions of Americans suffer at home. It argues that since the government can create money freely, the real crisis is not scarcity but misplaced priorities. The piece calls for keeping tax revenue within America to address homelessness, education, and veteran care before funding foreign causes.

Most Things Deserve No Opinion

Most things deserve no opinion. Marcus Aurelius reminded us that we always own the option of having no opinion—a superpower in an age addicted to hot takes. Why waste energy pretending to know or care about everything? Clarity often comes not from saying more, but from saying nothing at all.

Achieving Peace Through Understanding and Education

The content emphasizes that true peace is achieved through understanding, as stated by Albert Einstein. Nicholas J. Nicastro builds on this by asserting that understanding is a product of education, distinguishing between education and mere schooling, inspired by John Taylor Gatto's ideas.

#RequiredReading: Pro-Child Politics by Katy Faust

Pro-Child Politics by Katy Faust challenges the status quo by centering children in every cultural and political conversation. This powerful collection of essays delves into critical issues like race, gender, education, and the economy, advocating for a child-first approach to policy and societal values. While I don’t align with every perspective, the book offers a profound opportunity to reflect on how we shape the next generation. A must-read for anyone seeking to protect children from ideological extremes and foster a better future.

The Mirror of Faith: Sam Harris and the Case for Universal Understanding

Nearly every monotheistic theist who has ever existed believes that their god is the one true god. In his brilliant work, Letter to a Christian Nation, author & thinker, Sam Harris, simply & eloquently describes why that belief is simply not correct.

Celebrity Advice vs. Real Health: Who Should You Listen To?

In today’s world, celebrities and fictional characters are increasingly used to promote health messages. While raising awareness through popular figures is common, true health comes from personal responsibility. The reliance on celebrities can distract from encouraging individuals to take control of their own health. It is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals and focus on personal health goals.

Apple’s Pregnant Man Emoji: When Nonsense Becomes Mainstream

Criticizing Apple for including a pregnant man emoji, arguing that it reflects a departure from scientific and biological realities in favor of appeasing a vocal minority.