As an economics teacher I like to think about how best to structure things to increase good outcomes. We can think of philanthropy as a market, where the donors and charities are trading. Economist James Andreoni explained this as an exchange relationship where people donate something tangible and in turn receive a “warm glow.” But he [...]
Motivation 3.0 (and What’s Wrong with Schools Today)
Dan Pink is a master of creative swiping, which is MBA-speak for “he steals other peoples’ ideas.” Which isn’t to say he’s not a clever chap. And we certainly guys like him, crafty writers who aren’t put off by research, who weave the latest ideas into pithy, punchy, compelling narratives. Certainly, for every articulate Dan [...]
How to save the world
The new problems of the world require fresh approaches. They require our ingenuity and our careful, creative consideration. You and I know this, but still most of us don’t often get meaningfully involved. Why is this? I think there is a collective feeling that these problems are too big for any of us to make [...]
The Tim Commandments
These ‘’Commandments’’ are actually just life lessons. They are reminders to myself about my favorite insights into how to keep myself happy and moving forward. 1) A clear target I’ve found it’s not enough to try hard, if you’re not working toward a clear outcome. Everyone says this, but I like it because, if I’ve [...]
How to Create a Community
The gift is to the giver… it cannot fail. -Walt Whitman Lewis Hyde’s book The Gift has taught me a lot; for one thing, it explains how gifts are the currency of community. The lesson: if you want to make someone a part of your community, be generous to them. If they accept your kindness (and [...]
