Eight Social Rules— 1. Silence in Arguments—Not every opinion needs a reply. 2. The calmest voice controls the room—power doesn’t shout. 3. Gossip once, lose trust forever—people remember. 4. Ask more, talk less—Silence is golden. 5. Praise in public, correct in private—Respect goes viral. 6. Facing an implacable individual, mirror their energy, not their chaos—Stay in control. Amendment—Challenge people in...

Embed from Getty Images Ethics begins where self-interest ends. We’re facing a moment that goes far beyond politics. This is not about party affiliation or ideological differences. It’s about the preservation of the rule of law, the integrity of public institutions, and the ethical core of our democracy. A president who believes he is above accountability is dangerous.  » Read more...

In his first inaugural address, Franklin D. Roosevelt declared, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” At the time, the country was in the depths of the Great Depression, and fear was everywhere—fear of poverty, fear of failure, fear of the unknown. Roosevelt knew that fear, if left unchecked, could paralyze a nation. More importantly, he understood...

Near the end of Ken Burns’ documentary on the Statue of Liberty, historian David McCullough reflects on the statue’s symbolism. “She isn’t a warrior. She isn’t bombastic or threatening. She isn’t a symbol of power. The Statue of Liberty is an act of faith.” McCullough emphasizes the core values that have always been essential to America’s growth and resilience in...

I recently descaled my espresso machine—removed the limescale buildup that hinders efficiency. How might we descale the returning president from our psyches? Donald Trump has emotionally consumed our minds for the last four years, polarizing communities and remaking much of the political landscape into his image. As the next chapter in the Trump saga begins, how do we disentangle Trump...

If you live on the West Coast, fires are part of life. Yet the fires raging in California right now—five at last count—are unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. The Palisades Fire alone has burned over 19,000 acres, leaving destruction and heartbreak in its wake. California’s wildfires remind us of two things: our shared vulnerability and the extraordinary strength we summon...

Today, five years after Parisians and the world watched in disbelief as flames engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral, a prayer was answered and the hard work of thousands and faith of millions reopened Notre Dame for the world. Five years ago, the spire collapsed, the vaulted ceilings crumbled, and its interior was scarred by fire and smoke. The devastation was not...

CBS News journalist Steve Hartman has built a career on finding the extraordinary within the ordinary. At a time when headlines are dominated by division and despair, Hartman’s stories remind us that hope and kindness are far from absent, they’re simply waiting to be discovered. In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to close and children to learn from...

Veterans Day is a time to honor the countless men and women who’ve served our country through war and peace, putting the nation’s needs above their own. Their courage and dedication remind us what it truly means to defend our freedom—freedom to speak, worship, assemble, and live in peace and safety. In many schools, each day starts with the pledge...

After all the votes are counted, will the country stand united, committed to overcoming our differences, or will we continue to let division define us? This is a moment to reflect and decide who we want to be and what kind of country we want to build. We can’t allow ourselves to be drawn into anger, to see one another...