Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

A History of Christian Masculinity: From the Victorian Era to Trump

A man standing outside a church with a Christian cross.

How have Christians perceived masculinity over time? What influences have shaped these views? In Jesus and John Wayne, Kristin Du Mez argues that evangelicals endorsed Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election because he was the paradigm of militant masculinity that became orthodox among evangelicals in the last century. She traces the history of Christian masculinity from the Victorian era on. Read more for Du Mez’s historical assessment of American Christian masculinity.

How to Stop Feeling Nervous: Tackling Basal Ganglia Dysfunction

A worried man with a beard in front of a window

Do you experience unwarranted or excessive nervousness? Do you bite your nails or have other compulsive habits? Psychiatrist and brain health expert Daniel G. Amen argues that basal ganglia dysfunction might be to blame if you’re nervous or worried much of the time. He discusses the symptoms and shares several treatments that could calm your nerves. Keep reading to learn how to stop feeling nervous by addressing basal ganglia dysfunction.

Influence Perception (and Stop Trying to Change Reality)

How important is it to understand how people see things? How might you shape the way people see things? In Alchemy, Rory Sutherland discusses the importance of understanding human perception and the functions that psychological biases serve. He also explains how meaning and language are vital tools for influencing perception to a positive advantage. Read more to learn why you should stop trying to change reality and instead seek to influence others’ perceptions of reality.

Limbic System Dysfunction: Symptoms & Remedies (Dr. Amen)

Do you feel more guilty than you probably should? Do you have trouble sleeping? Is it hard for you to concentrate? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you might suffer from limbic system dysfunction. In his book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, psychiatrist and brain health expert Daniel G. Amen lays out the common symptoms and provides several recommendations to restore your system to health. Continue reading to learn about symptoms of—and repairs for—limbic system dysfunction.

The Limitations of Logic: How It Fails to Decode Human Behavior

A Logic Limit Ahead road sign in front of mountains

In what disciplines does logic come up short? When does unreason triumph over logic? To be clear, Rory Sutherland doesn’t attack logic as a tool for scientific understanding, but he warns against using pure rationalism as the only method for guiding policy and business decisions. Humans are illogical beings, so any solution to human-centered problems must factor unreason into the equation. Continue reading to understand the limitations of logic.

Prefrontal Cortex Dysfunction Symptoms & Remedies (Dr. Amen)

An orchestra playing in a concert hall with lights shining on them.

Would you like to be more organized? Are you easily distracted? How can listening to Mozart help? Your prefrontal cortex oversees your executive function. If it’s not hitting on all cylinders, you could experience difficulty with focus, directions, emotions, learning, managing daily life, and more. Dr. Daniel G. Amen discusses ways to identify and address prefrontal cortex dysfunction. Read more to learn about the symptoms of—and treatments for—prefrontal cortex dysfunction.

How to Use Psycho-Logic: 3 Ways to Tap Into the Magic of Unreason

What’s psycho-logic? How can you use it to persuade people to do something or buy something? It’s essential to acknowledge and tap into the instinctive, unconscious reasoning behind how people make decisions. Whether you’re selling a product, planning a business strategy, or trying to convince people to eat healthful food, the “magic” of unreason can be far more persuasive than logical arguments and facts. Keep reading to learn what Rory Sutherland has to say about the value of psycho-logic and how to use it.

What Does the Prefrontal Cortex Do in the Brain? (Dr. Amen)

What does the prefrontal cortex do in the brain? How is it connected to your emotions and behaviors? One of the regions of your brain is your prefrontal cortex. Psychiatrist and brain health expert Daniel G. Amen explains its vital functions in his book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life. Continue reading to learn what the prefrontal cortex does in the brain.

Rory Sutherland Quotes From Alchemy (+ Context)

A middle aged man with a five o clock reading a book in an office

What’s the problem with logic? What do people value more than things? Why should businesses ignore what their customers say? In Alchemy, Rory Sutherland suggests that, to solve economic and political problems, we should leverage people’s illogical—and even magical—ways of thinking. If business and political leaders can better understand the human psyche, they can use it to tackle the issues of the modern world. Read more for several Rory Sutherland quotes from Alchemy that will give you a good sense of the book.

What Does the Anterior Cingulate Gyrus Do? Dr. Amen Explains

A person thinking with colors around them

What does the anterior cingulate gyrus do? What does it have to do with decision-making and conflict resolution? Most people have never heard of the anterior cingulate gyrus, but they use it all the time. This part of your brain helps you think more effectively. Dr. Daniel G. Amen explains its role in his book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life. Keep reading to learn what the anterior cingulate gyrus does in your everyday life.