The following two quotes are attributed to the late science fiction writer Isaac Asimov: "Education isn't something you can finish." "Self-education is, I firmly believe, the only kind of education there is." The prolific Asimov, who wrote or edited over 500 books and penned roughly 90,000 postcards and letters in his lifetime, was absolutely correct on both counts. It's a shame that in this age of rapid technological advancement, students leave education in the rear-view mirror, maintaining that their learning days are surely over. But who says that we have to dump our books in crates as soon as we snag our diploma? Why not continue delving into Shakespeare, Newton, or Lincoln even after we've left the Ivory Tower? What many people fail to realize is that schools, colleges, and universities merely scratch the surface of the course offerings they make available to students. You can't possibly expect more than a cursory look, for exa...

Which qualities do you possess that you wish other people shared? In my case, it's two in particular: 1. Non-judgmental: While many other people have a knack for criticizing something about everyone else -- whether it's their weight, house, or the clothes they wear -- I've remained largely non-judgmental throughout my life. As a kid, I was often teased about my weight, so I know firsthand what that's like. I also refrain from pressuring people into doing things they don't want to do, even if it goes against the grain. In general, many tend to criticize people's looks, decisions, and lifestyles when they deviate from the norm. I'm proud to say I've never been that way. 2. Intellectually curious:  Unfortunately, most people don't share my passion for learning. The vast majority of those I come across are unwilling readers. They admit that they haven't opened a book or watched a documentary since graduating from college. In my view, this...

I am so sick and tired of this blowhard. This egomaniac. This pathological liar. And it has nothing to do with his positions on the issues that matter most to the American people, from the economy to foreign affairs, which he fails to elaborate on regardless. I've just grown weary of seeing and hearing him every time I tune into Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, and virtually every other news outlet. These stations are having a field day with this guy. They're ostensibly willing to give him all the exposure he craves in return for a ratings boost. He's nothing short of ubiquitous. They mention him on everything from awards shows like The Oscars to Saturday Night Live. And more likely than not, you've heard someone at work or at the local grocery store chatting about Trump. If we're sick of him now, the thought of seeing him in the Oval Office for four long years no doubt sends chills down our spine. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I've never seen the medi...

In the Republican debate on Tuesday, senator Marco Rubio said the following: "We need more welders and less philosophers." If the point Rubio was trying to drive home is that we need more people in stable, well-paying jobs, I agree -- but I don't think he articulated it properly. His statement, in my opinion, smacks of anti-intellectualism. As I've stated in many of my posts, we live in a time where being intellectually-driven puts you in the minority. Conversing about the solar system or the American Revolution isn't as "cool" or easy as talking about the Kardashians. One thing a social psychology professor I had in college once told my class that has since stayed firmly etched in my mind: Human beings are cognitive misers; we are naturally inclined to waste as few mental resources as possible. Is it any wonder, then, that most people can't name the capitals of five U.S. states? Or that many don't know when the Civil War took place and...

It’s no secret that society tries to dictate how we ought to live our lives – whether it’s the number of kids we should have, the kinds of people we should date, or the types of professions we should be in. What’s more, we often feel pressured by friends, coworkers, and relatives alike to follow a certain path – one that they themselves took (which may or may not have turned out favorably for them), or one that simply makes sense to them since “it’s what most people would do.”  Though they mean well, those closest to us don’t always have an answer to the grand question:  How can we be happier in our lives?  Read on to learn why heeding others’ suggestions isn’t always the surefire prescription to a happier life – and how looking deep within yourself and following your gut is a better road to take.  - Society says that, as a man, I should have an affinity for cars and tools.  In actuality, I’m into reading, writing and learning. - Society says that I shoul...

By now, you've probably read or heard something about this story, as pictures have been making the rounds in the news and on social media all day. Caitlyn Jenner, the Olympic athlete formerly known as Bruce, made her debut as a transgender woman on the cover of "Vanity Fair." The cover reads "Call Me Caitlyn" and shows Jenner posing in lingerie. Within hours of joining Twitter as Caitlyn on Monday, she already had more than 500,000 Twitter followers, and went on to log over one million followers in under 5 hours. The news has triggered an outpouring of support from celebrities, relatives -- the Kardashian clan among them -- and fans alike. She posted the following on Twitter: "I'm so happy after such a long struggle to be living my true self. Welcome to the world Caitlyn. Can't wait for you to get to know her/me."  Jenner will be presented with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, given each year to individuals whose contributions tran...