The World's Best Book Summaries
What are “near enemies”? What are some examples of emotional near enemies? According to Brené Brown, emotions and traits have “near enemies”—states that feel similar but come from a different place. For example, the near enemy of hope is blind optimism, and the near enemy of self-sufficiency is hyper-independence. Here are some of the common near enemies you might fight within yourself.
What triggers insulin release? How does insulin cause weight gain? Insulin is released every time you eat. Most people eat every few hours, which leads to chronically high insulin levels. Constant feeding means a constant influx of glucose, which is the body’s preferred fuel—there’s no need to tap into fat stores for energy. Keep reading to learn about the role of insulin in weight gain.
Is Nathaniel Branden’s The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem worth reading? How did readers rate the book? In The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem, psychotherapist Nathaniel Branden challenges the prevailing assumption that self-esteem is unconditional love for yourself. Instead, he argues that your self-esteem depends on your behavior—and that only by behaving according to certain tenets, or pillars, can you improve your self-esteem. He also examines the role external influences play on your self-esteem and how you can influence others’ self-esteem with the right behaviors. Keep reading for The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem review and commentary.
Do you feel like you’re wasting your life? How can you stop wasting your time on things that don’t contribute to your happiness? Most of us waste tremendous energy and effort on things that don’t ultimately matter. According to Richard Koch, the 80/20 principle can help clear out the waste in your life and devote your energy to the people and activities that bring you joy and success. Here’s how to stop wasting your life by applying the 80/20 principle.
How many people can the Earth accommodate? Is our planet in danger of overpopulation? According to biologist David Sinclair, there’s no evidence that there is a limit to how much population the Earth can support. In his book Lifespan, he discusses the implications of increased longevity for the planet, coming to the conclusion that planet overpopulation is not something we should be worried about. Here’s why human overpopulation concerns are overblown, according to David Sinclair.
What causes psychosomatic disease? How can a mental problem manifest physically? According to Gay Hendricks, psychosomatic ailments often ensue following very positive or pleasurable experiences. For example, if you get sick on your honeymoon, this may be a psychosomatic effect of nearing what he calls “the Upper Limit Problem.” If this is the case, it may be your mind affecting your body as a means of self-sabotage, or self-punishment. Here’s how your mind makes you sick, according to Hendricks.
Can you transmute negative emotions? How can you turn negative emotions into your greatest advantage? If the negative emotion you’re feeling is not appropriate based on the situation, it doesn’t serve you—it’s only making you miserable. The good news is that emotional states are malleable—you can transform negative emotions into positive ones. Here’s how to turn negativity into positivity, according to mind coach Vex King.
What is the difference between guilt and shame? Where do shame and guilt stem from? According to Brené Brown, shame and guilt are similar emotions. Brown says that shame is feeling inadequate and unworthy as a person, while guilt is feeling bad for something we’ve done rather than for who we are. Here’s how Brené Brown explains shame and guilt.
What is Richard Koch’s The 80/20 Principle about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In his book The 80/20 Principle, Richard Koch explains that the successful few are simply leveraging a fundamental truth at work in all of our lives: 80% of results stem from 20% of inputs. Therefore, Koch says you must spend more time on what matters, and less time on what doesn’t—for example, by finding work you enjoy, spending less time on things you’re not good at, and avoiding people who drain your energy. Below is a brief overview of the key themes.
Do you experience extreme hunger pangs when fasting? How long does it take for hunger to dissipate? It’s normal to experience constant hunger during fasting, especially in the beginning stages. As your body gets used to going without food for extended periods, you’ll begin to tune back in with your natural appetite signals. However, getting there will take time—in most people, these signals have been messed up by constant feeding. While your body is adjusting, learning to eat intuitively will help keep hunger at bay. Here are some tips on how to control hunger during fasting.