The Workedge Blog
Mark's Remarks
Remember the Eskimo!
In a world overflowing with pleasure, we are starving for balance. Drawing from Anna Lembke’s Dopamine Nation, this post explores how our brains—wired for survival in scarcity—are now overwhelmed by abundance. Through a chilling Eskimo parable and modern data on addiction, we uncover how unchecked desire can lead us to feed on ourselves, both metaphorically and literally. This is a call to remember the value of pain, the limits of pleasure, and the urgent need to restore equilibrium in our lives.
How Not to Get Your Fix
Here’s something you may not know: Prohibition actually worked. While it’s often remembered for speakeasies and gangsters, the ban on alcohol in early 20th-century America led to a dramatic drop in alcohol consumption and addiction. As Stanford professor Anna Lembke notes, rates of public drunkenness and liver disease were cut in half. Today, as we grapple with new forms of addiction, Lembke’s concept of “self-binding”—intentionally limiting our access to tempting behaviors—offers a powerful tool for regaining self-control, whether it’s with alcohol, technology, or other habits.
Addicted to Something?
Do you ever wonder if your daily habits might be more addictive than you think? Whether you’re struggling with obvious addictions or simply curious about your own behavior, understanding how dopamine shapes our pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain is crucial. In this post, we’ll explore what addiction really means, why it can happen to anyone, and how finding balance is key to a healthy, fulfilling life.
Driven by Dopamine
Dopamine is nature’s way of affirming that the action you take is helping sustain you and keep you alive….But dopamine can also work against you. While it can reinforce good behavior, it can also encourage bad behavior. Dopamine can become addictive.
Breaking the Chain of Childhood
In the heart of East Texas, a boy named S. W. Fears witnessed the moment his father left for good. But instead of being defined by this loss, he forged a life of purpose, devotion, and strength. This is the story of how one man transformed pain into a proud legacy—and how “Fears” came to be a name of honor.
Do Your Homework
Preparation is a critical component of success. This article underscores the importance of planning, attention to detail, and readiness through real-world examples—from missteps in job interviews to pivotal historical moments. Achieving excellence begins long before the opportunity arrives.