Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

Personal Growth & Development

Dan’s personal and professional growth guide can be a powerful tool for success. Dan's many articles cover success practices, such as goal setting and time management, sales approaches like relationship building and negotiation, time allocation, and reinventing yourself.

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Why Bureaucracies Keep Growing (Even When There’s No Productive Work Or Action Items To Be Accomplished)

C. Northcote Parkinson nailed it back in 1955:

Parkinson’s Laws - About Personal And Organizational Structure

C. Northcote Parkinson: Timeless Insights for Modern Business

The Life and Times of The Iconic WolfMan Jack

Here are some of Wolfman Jack’s most memorable and iconic statements that capture his personality and philosophy: Wolfman was the most iconic radio disc jockey in history. His approach was authentic and truthful to the common person, which made him real in their minds, including me.

American Graffiti, a Movie that left an indelible mark on our culture, particularly for those of us who are more mature, is an iconic piece of cinematic history.

As a junior teenager, I found myself living every minute of American Graffiti. From the car hops on roller skates to the thrill of cruising to show off your car and your chick, it was a world I was a part of.

All in the Family Will Never Be Forgotten: Archie and Edith Bunker Will Never Be Forgotten.

Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton, with their unparalleled comedic talent, brought to life the iconic characters of Archie and Edith Bunker. Their masterful portrayal of ignorance and bigotry, playing off each other, was a key element in the show’s enduring appeal.

The Great Transformation: Transforming Ourselves, Our Country, and Our Way Of Life.

The primary transformation is about ourselves, as we learn and adapt to the rapid changes around us.

Idioms: Learning about idioms is not just an exercise; it’s a fun journey into the cultural history of language.

Idioms are not just linguistic tools; they are cultural treasures that carry the vivid imagery and history of a society. Here are 20 of the most significant idioms, each with its own unique story and cultural significance:

Identity, Ideology, and Estrangement: Understanding Family and Friendship Breakdowns in Polarized Times

In an era of heightened ideological polarization, families across America are grappling with a painful reality: loved ones becoming so radicalized that they reject facts, embrace illusions, and sever ties with anyone who disagrees.

When Ideologies Become so Radicalized that the Participant will Falsify any Illusion to Defend their Beliefs?

When someone’s ideology becomes so radicalized that they will believe any illusion to defend their beliefs, several psychological and social dynamics are often at Play. Radicalization may manifest in the form of extremist views on the world in general, financial pressure, family pressure, politics, and religion.

Earners (Workers Who Pay Taxes) vs The Non-Productive (So-Called Bureaucratic Worker) Class and The Parasitic Takers Who Produce Nothing But Expect Everything as an Entitlement.

It’s a question of profound significance. It delves into economic productivity, social policy, and cultural values, making it a topic of great interest and relevance. Who earns, pays taxes, and contributes to the economic engine of the U.S., and who are merely takers who subsist while exploiting the productive people? I intend to exclude those who are genuinely in need of help because of age, mental, or physical handicaps.

Milton Friedman, Most Influential Economist in the 20th Century.

Milton Friedman (1912–2006) was one of the most influential economists of the 20th century, renowned for his strong advocacy of free-market capitalism and his foundational contributions to the development of monetarism. His ideas continue to shape modern economic policies, making him a significant figure in the field.

Who is Howard Roark from the Novel, The Fountainhead?

Howard Roark is the protagonist of Ayn Rand’s 1943 novel The Fountainhead. He’s a fiercely independent and idealistic young architect who represents Rand’s philosophy of individualism and creative integrity. Roark is known for his uncompromising commitment to his own architectural vision, refusing to conform to traditional styles or societal expectations.

“Who is John Galt?”

Who is John Galt?” This enigmatic question, immortalized in Ayn Rand’s novel, Atlas Shrugged, published in 1957, serves as a poignant expression of despair and confusion in the face of societal decline and bureaucratic overreach.

The Concept of Benchmarking and How Critical Thinking Contributes to Its Success

Benchmarking is a strategic process used in business, economics, and management to measure an organization’s performance against industry best practices or best practices from other sectors. It helps identify areas for improvement, set performance goals, and drive innovation.

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.

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