Category: philosophical counseling

• February 3, 2026

  A Minimum Viable Metaphysic For Thought Power

  In order for thought power to make any sense, you’ll have to go beyond “mere technique” as well as “mere psychology.” You’ll need a minimum viable metaphysic. To render a first sketch of this metaphysic, let’s begin by distinguishing between what’s inside of me and what’s outside of me, what’s internal and what’s external. Start…
• February 2, 2026

  Stoicism Is No Match For Thought Power

  In 2011, when I was interviewed by The Washington Post, I recommended Stoical philosophical exercises with the aim of preparing the reader for Hurricane Irene. To be sure, Stoicism was then all the rage–it’s carried on, even grown in popularity since–and so it wasn’t surprising that I would have implied that Stoical philosophy was suitable…
• January 30, 2026

  How Did You Sleep?

  Innocent questions can be loaded guns. When a loved one asks you, “How did you sleep last night?,” don’t dig in and say, “Oh, you know, I slept all right. I fell asleep easily, but in the middle of the night my mind was racing. I fell back asleep ultimately but I feel a bit…
• January 29, 2026

  How To Actually ‘Do’ Positive Thinking

  Let’s suppose that, upon reading the recent spate of posts on positive or right thinking, you’re willing to throw your hat in the ring. Great. Your next question is: “How?” Here’s a clean method: S1: You’ll need to up your introspective game because you first have to label a thought a “negative thought.” Your best…
• January 28, 2026

  Is Right Thinking Just Pollyannaism?

  The Pollyanna objection to “thought power” has been, I trust, on your mind since you’ve been reading the last series of posts. The thought power thesis states that positive thinking is more powerful and truer than negative thinking, and it doesn’t flinch with regard to the twin implications. One, your life is “the product” of…