Authenticity of Tradition Chinese Medicine

I have had an interest in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for my entire adult life. I studied TCM and acupuncture in England as part of my undergraduate college education (in 1974) and I have a degree in human development with a concentration on natural medicine. One herb that is particularly important in TCM is Astragalus, which is traditionally used to support a healthy immune system. Research at biotech company Geron has shown that a molecule in Astragalus helps prevent the shortening of telomeres (the ends of the DNA) which has a strong correlation to aging. Here is an article about a person committed to, in his words, "Curing Aging". I hope you find it as interesting as I did. http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-07/man-who-would-stop-time

Handling Criticism

When I was in my 20’s, I had started a business with a good friend of mine. At that time I was not a very introspective or self reflective person. One evening he took me aside and he told me how difficult I was to work with… that I always felt that I was right when I was often wrong. It was really the first time I had taken a look at my behavior in business or how it affected other people. I realized that he was right and I worked on changing my behavior. My friend’s constructive criticism was one of the greatest gifts of my business career.

When it comes to criticism, especially from people we respect, it is important to keep an open mind. As the expression goes… when there is smoke, there’s fire, even when it comes to our own faults. Especially when we are starting out in business, it is important to have a real handle on
our strengths and weaknesses. Self knowledge is really important for success.

Thoughts on Happiness

When I started in business 30 years ago I was so poor I had to live in my friends living room and I drove a car with plywood over the floor since the frame was so rusted out without it my feet would hit the pavement. When I started making money and I had enough money to afford a comfortable (but not lavish) place to live, a safe car, pay my bills, buy food and go on a vacation, I must say that my happiness did increase as my life become less stressful.

Since that time I have found that the greatest happiness money can buy beyond the basics is by using it to help other people. In the end having a positive impact on the people and places of this world (whether the charity is large like Bill Gates or small like me) will bring you more happiness than the constant accumulation of things you don't really need.