The World's Best Book Summaries
Do you know how to find what makes you happy? Are you looking for joy in all the wrong places? What makes someone else happy might not work for you. In The How of Happiness, Sonja Lyubomirsky discusses general strategies for finding joy in life, but she also emphasizes the importance of each person crafting a personal path. Continue reading to get Lyubomirsky’s recommendations for personalizing your pursuit of happiness.
Is any Billy Graham criticism deserved? What feathers has he ruffled? Billy Graham was a highly effective Christian evangelist who’s admired by many. But, history and gender studies professor Kristin Du Mez has a bone to pick with him. She contends that Graham advocated for militant masculinity. Keep reading to learn about Du Mez’s criticism of Billy Graham.
Do people pleasers make good leaders? How can you appropriately balance candor and care with those you lead? A common misconception is that, to be a good leader, you must please everyone and get them on board with your plans and ideas. John C. Maxwell says that you should focus on what makes people better, not what makes them happy. This means balancing candor and care. Continue reading to learn about this candor/care approach to leadership.
What’s SPECT imaging? How does it aid in brain dysfunction diagnosis and subsequent treatment plans? Psychiatrist and brain health expert Daniel G. Amen’s approach is informed by SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scans—a type of brain imaging that shows a brain’s blood flow and electrical activity. According to Dr. Amen, SPECT imaging revealed the flaws of traditional treatment. Read more to learn about SPECT scans and how they’re a useful tool for brain health.
What does Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu say about Israel’s presence in Gaza? What are the consequences for Gaza’s civilian population as a result of the Israeli military activities? On NPR, Netanyahu discussed his commitment to Israel’s mission in Gaza. The NPR News Now episode also explored the impacts of Israel’s persistent military presence in Gaza and the critical consequences for Gaza’s civilian population, with high casualty counts and resource limitations adding to their plight. Continue reading for a summary of this podcast episode from NPR News Now.
What’s wrong with focusing on goals? Are you comfortable with established ways of doing things? John C. Maxwell argues that leaders must make an active effort to grow and improve instead of just treating growth as a natural result of their experiences. You can do this by pursuing growth instead of achievement and by innovating instead of sticking to tradition. Keep reading for Maxwell’s advice on leading with a growth mindset.
To find long-lasting happiness, what should you actually do? What changes should you make in your life? Psychology professor Sonja Lyubomirsky asserts that positive thoughts and behaviors are the happiness factors you can control. She says that you can encourage this positivity by practicing happiness activities across three life areas: mental and physical health, relationships, and purpose. Read more to learn nine of Sonja Lyubomirsky’s happiness activities from her book The How of Happiness.
What’s the complementarian view of scripture? Does it represent “soft patriarchy” in Christianity? Professor of history and gender studies Kristin Du Mez writes that, in the early and mid-20th century, evangelical Christians shifted toward a militant view of masculinity. Then, a lack of a US military opponent in the ’90s caused this conception to soften. Continue reading to understand Du Mez’s perspective on “soft patriarchy” within evangelicalism.
Where did the APEC meeting (2023) take place? What national leaders did President Biden meet with? What signal might this send to China? President Biden’s recent meeting with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in San Francisco holds significant implications for US-Mexico relations. The meeting coincided with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. Continue reading for a summary of this podcast episode from NPR News Now.
How does your mental health affect your thinking? What kind of friends are particularly good for your health? Psychiatrist Daniel G. Amen takes a holistic approach to brain health. According to Dr. Amen, mental health—including your thought patterns, social connections, and spiritual beliefs and practices—affects your brain’s well-being. Keep reading to take a closer look at how your mental health impacts your brain health.