Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

The Howard Center’s retired president defends an overlooked school of economic thought. Authored by Dr. Allan Carlson, Third Ways cites case studies from European countries and emphasizes little-known economists. He is a history professor at Hillsdale College. Ever since America’s founding, a commitment to freedom has fueled a prosperous outcome. An enterprising spirit resulted in…

Many – if not most – folks today lack polished manners. Fortunately we have Candace Smith, M.A., to teach us a lesson. She is a recipient of the Milken Foundation National Educator’s Award and the Colorado Enterprising Teacher of the Year Award. Your study began after your husband, Dr. Vernon Smith, won the Nobel Prize…

Whether aiding rebels in Africa and Eastern Europe, penning news articles, or teaching the principles of free enterprise, Lawrence Reed carries liberty’s torch. He is one fascinating public figure. You’ve taught economics in formal university settings, researched at policy think-tanks, and instructed the rising generation via the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE). During the past…

A former money manager, John Tamny writes and edits for Forbes and RealClearMarkets.com while serving as senior economic adviser to Toreador Research & Trading. Wealth management and writing aren’t alike. Was there an event that provoked your career switch? While working wealth management, CNBC was on the various televisions on the floor that I worked…

Raymond Arroyo is managing station editor/lead anchor of a television program that reaches a worldwide audience. Off-air he writes books and produces musicals. His charitable work aims to reduce illiteracy. (Does this man sleep?) We are fortunate to have had eight questions answered in great detail. With all that you’ve got on your plate, you…

In a busy world, capturing anyone’s attention is daunting, especially for marketers. Just ask small-business owners. But for public relations strategist Dan Janal successfully conveying a message comes easy. He wrote one of the first books on Internet marketing; taught the subject at elite universities; and helped launch America Online (AOL), the CD-ROM player, GPS…

No one knows more about bicycle safety than this guy. John Forester has devoted much of his life to advocating for commonsense legal reforms, having had unnecessary regulations eliminated. He’s also the son of a world-renowned novelist. By trade you’re an industrial engineer. In terms of work, what exactly is that? Industrial engineering is the…

Celebrated author Judith Barrington knows how to tell a story. A poet and memoirist, her work has won numerous awards in the United States and overseas. She teaches creative writing at the collegiate level. The memoir is such a powerful medium for telling one’s story. You’re a masterful storyteller. How did you wind up entering…

Ron Wellman is athletics director at Wake Forest University. Under his leadership the Demon Deacons have won four national championships. He has held a couple of prime organizational positions, which we discuss. While serving as National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1-A Athletic Directors’ Association president, what did you learn? The fact that has been…

Dr. Christopher Burkett is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Ashland University. He also co-chairs a Master of Arts program in American History & Government. He edited a book on some of America’s most important essays, speeches, Supreme Court cases, etc. The Ashbrook Center’s 50 Core American Documents collects works from the founding era…