BASSAM TARAZI

Life, relationships, measurements, work, travel, money

Race, as a field of study, is not (forgive the pun) black and white. It’s a labyrinth through layers of thought; from Aristotle to America. To make your way out of these catacombs you have to rub against the walls of The Old Testament, polygenism and the Age of Enlight...

We’re told that the difference between optimists and pessimists is what side of the coin they look at in a random situation. Is the glass half full or half empty? Was this a blessing in disguise or the universe sending a message?

We’re told that optimism is about stayin...

Life is at best indifferent and at worst cruel. Times of great loss are especially difficult. Simultaneously, we’re forced to search for meaning and a way forward, because one thing life won’t tolerate is stagnation. So we crawl out of the quicksand of our own minds be...

Years ago I worked from home a considerable amount. Currently, my wife works from home. Last night she and I came up with 13 lessons to keep your sanity (and consume some nutrients) while being productive from home.

What are those unplanned or imperceptible moments on a nowhere Wednesday that didn’t seem remarkable, or even memorable at all, but that if they hadn’t happened, you wouldn’t be who are today?

This past weekend, I was the final speaker at TEDx Salem(you can see the talk here). It was about my recent book. It was a hell of an experience: part exhilaration, part terror. I’d like to think that I nailed the talk; the feedback from the attendees (friends and stra...

The new year is almost upon us, and with that comes the inevitable resolution. Whether or not this new “you” includes a more creative or eloquent self, becoming a better writer is an invaluable skill. 

So as a Christmas (or “holiday” if that works better) gift, I wanted...

Instead of being the compass of our lives, accountability has become the yoke around our necks. It’s more cattle brand than north star.

Because, look at how we talk about accountability:

• “You should be more accountable.”

• “You have to take accountability.”

• “...

We've all been there; enduring a meeting at work where someone is droning on about accounts payable, or data loads, or project specs. To everyone in the room you are still present (because you've mastered the art of "mmhmm" and "that's a good point"), but in reality yo...