Lesson from the Past. Dr. Don Levinthal was chairman of the Psychology Department when I attended Washburn University in the early 1960’s. In one of his lectures, he told a story of the power of conditioning attitudes. The story left an indelible impression on me. He was a clinical psychologist. Read more…
Operator error last week. I failed to post this blog on time. Sorry. Positive Stories. Last week, I easily saw several stories that give me hope. I did not have to look far; the first was from a few miles away in Mississippi. The state of Mississippi is looked down Read more…
Media and My Student. Several years ago, I gave a lecture on conditioning. I mentioned how many of our attitudes are shaped by our learning experiences. After class, one girl lingered until everyone left. She approached me cautiously with a few obvious tears and said “Thank you.” I told her Read more…
Correction. Last week I wrote “Today is the last day of Yom Kippur.” I should have said, today is Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is only one day. As always, I appreciate someone pointing out the need for a correction. Recommendation. A book was given to me by a good friend Read more…
University life. Last week I briefly discussed an article referred to me by our youngest son. One of the key parts of that article was an analysis of how the current “twitter culture racing to conclusions” has negatively affected inquiry at universities. The article was fresh on my mind when Read more…
Jerry’s Adage for Today: If I focus on myself, I can always find someone to compare myself to and feel sorry for myself. If I focus on others, I can always find someone who needs my help and provide it. Beginnings. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish tradition of New Year, was Read more…
Union. Happy Labor Day everyone. Labor Day was intended as a celebration of the Labor Movement. Since Labor Movement is code for union the original intention has fallen on hard times. In today’s world and particularly in the South the concept of a worker’s union is thought to be a Read more…
Mac Davis. “O Lord it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way” is the first line in a song made famous by Mac Davis a long time ago. Putting the lousy theology aside, the song is a fun song. I thought about a modification of the song Read more…
I have received several good recommendations of information to read or see in recent weeks. I have not digested the books but I have digested one video clip and one article. I recommend both. Listen to Everyone. I got to practice what I preach this week. I preach dialog: listening, Read more…
Numbers divisible by 10. Today I celebrate my 100th blog. What a joy and privilege! Thank you for sharing your life with me. I have learned through our interactions. Staying in touch with you is a deep joy. Please continue to raise questions and help me address important issues of Read more…