Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

Opinion & Prospective

Hear Dan’s viewpoints about how things work and the intended and unintended consequences, delivered with humor to keep you entertained and engaged.

They are delivered with humor, breaking down the barriers of reality, truths versus illusions, and manufactured narratives.

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Critical Thinking Has Deep Historical Roots:

The concept of critical thinking has deep historical roots, but it was Socrates (469–399 BCE) who is widely credited as one of its earliest pioneers. Through the Socratic method, he encouraged questioning assumptions, examining beliefs, and seeking clarity through dialogue—principles that are foundational to critical thinking today.

When Political Ideologies Become Warfare Against the People

Warfare against the people is a powerful and timely concept. It suggests a moment when political systems, originally intended to serve and represent the public, instead become tools of control, coercion, or oppression.

Henry David Thoreau’s Life and Major Works

Thoreau was one of America’s originalists and no conformist. From refusing to pay a poll tax to spending two years alone on Walden’s Pond, his super famous essay, "Civil Disobedience, reflects profound thinking and reasoning. Any enquiring critical thinker and non-conformist will want to explore this world-class historic character.

Henry David Thoreau’s Life and Major Works

Thoreau was one of America’s originalists and no conformist. From refusing to pay a poll tax to spending two years alone on Walden’s Pond, his super famous essay, "Civil Disobedience, reflects profound thinking and reasoning. Any enquiring critical thinker and non-conformist will want to explore this world-class historic character.

Peter Drucker: The Father of Modern Management

Peter Ferdinand Drucker (1909–2005) is widely regarded as the father of modern management. His pioneering work laid the foundation for contemporary management theory and practice. This essay examines Drucker’s biography, key contributions, influence on both the business and nonprofit sectors, and his enduring legacy.

Ernest Renan, a Great Philosopher, Historian, and Scholar of Religious Faiths

Renan was considered one of the greatest intellectuals in history, particularly in his studies of religion. His name and writing should be brought up more frequently due to his profound perspectives. His writings are memorable to any reader, providing insight into the origin and purpose of religious faiths.

Ralph Waldo Emerson: A Brief Overview Of A Great American Intellectual

Ayn Rand vs. Adam Smith: A Philosophical Comparison of Self-Interest

Ayn Rand’s many books are a preferred go-to for accumulating knowledge of self-interest, self-sufficiency, and one’s contribution to society. Her view is that by prioritizing self-interest, humanity as a whole will be better served. Adam Smith referred to this concept as the invisible hand.

The History of Self-Sufficiency and Individual Accountability

In America, we seem to have lost the supreme values of self-sufficiency and individual accountability, replacing them with collectivism and entitlement, where no one is held accountable. Our society has become a free-for-all frenzy without consideration of the long-term effects.

The Disintegration of Societal Foundations: A Critical Examination

The Power of Benchmarking as a Necessary Component Of Success

Benchmarking every task and project is not just a routine, but a crucial practice for continuous improvement. It helps in identifying opportunities for efficiency and informs data-driven decisions. This process provides an objective, reality-based view of performance, allowing you and your team to move past assumptions and guesswork.

Benchmark Each Task to Maximize Results in Terms of Time and Effort.

In the context of evaluating various jobs, benchmarking is a crucial process that allows you to compare the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation of specific jobs against a standard or reference point. This reference point often plays similar roles in other organizations or industry norms. By doing so, you can ensure that your job roles are competitive, fair, and aligned with industry standards, which is essential for attracting and retaining top talent.

The History of Social Engineering

The U.S. government is deeply intertwined with broader global trends in governance, psychology, and public relations. The term “social engineering” may conjure images of manipulation or control. Still, its application in the U.S. has a rich history, ranging from public health campaigns to education and economic policy. It’s similar to obedience training.

The 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified on December 15, 1791, is part of the Bill of Rights.

The 10th Amendment is necessary because it clearly separates the powers and authorities of the Federal and State Governments.

The Federal Supremacy Clause is found in Article VI, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution.

It establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties made under its authority are the supreme law of the land, overriding any conflicting state laws.

Temperance: The Virtue of Self-Control

Temperance is one of the classical cardinal virtues, often defined as moderation in action, thought, or feeling. It involves: Self-restraint, balance, and discipline.

How Many Different Ideologies in America Rise to The Level of a Political Force of Dominance?

In the United States, many political ideologies have become dominant or influential forces in shaping policy, public discourse, and electoral outcomes. While the two-party system (Democratic and Republican) tends to obscure the diversity of thought, many more ideologies are widely recognized as having significant political influence:

Strategic Investment Opportunities

How Private Money Lenders Enable Success Where Banks Hesitate

A Chorus of Personal Liberty

People experiencing poverty and the middle class beat their drums, A chorus rising—“This freedom is all that comes.”

The Poor and the Middle Class Beat their Drums—

A chorus of voices crying, “We are as free as we’ll ever be.”