Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Abraham Lincoln’s Stance on Slavery & Its Historical Context

What’s the difference between abolition and emancipation? Why didn’t Abraham Lincoln support a federal mandate to free slaves? In And There Was Light, historian and biographer Jon Meacham discusses Abraham Lincoln’s stance on slavery. He explains where Lincoln’s beliefs came from and the actions he took in an effort to end the practice in the United States. Read more to learn about the Great Emancipator’s views and actions in relation to slavery.

Sam Bankman-Fried’s Personality: A Lifelong Social Outcast

How many childhood friends did Sam Bankman-Fried have? On what rare occasion did he wear a suit? In his recent biography Going Infinite, Michael Lewis provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Sam Bankman-Fried’s life. Lewis writes about the time before Bankman-Fried became a crypto mogul, explaining why he spent his life as a social outcast. Read more to understand Sam Bankman-Fried’s personality.

How to Choose a Target Market: Tips From Russell Brunson

How to Find Your Target Audience and Competitors

Why is marketing easier when you understand basic human needs? How much do you know about the ability and desire of potential customers to spend money on your product? Russell Brunson made his name selling online marketing tools specializing in sales funnels. He contends that to successfully launch a business, you must start by solidly identifying your market. Until you know whom you’re aiming at, you can’t effectively come up with details for your offer. Keep reading to get Brunson’s advice on how to choose a target market for your product.

4 Economic Narratives We Can’t Shake (+ How They Work)

What are the consequences of the “American dream” narrative? What’s the truth about the gold standard? Economist Robert J. Shiller writes that narratives are extraordinarily powerful because they help us make sense of the world. By organizing random events and observations into stories with clear narrative arcs, we come to understand our world, how it came to be, and our place within it. Keep reading to understand how narratives work and to learn about four recurring economic narratives.

Lincoln and Johnson: A Conflict of Visions (Jon Meacham)

Why did Abraham Lincoln choose Andrew Johnson as his running mate? Did Johnson carry on Lincoln’s work? Historian and biographer Jon Meacham writes about the life and leadership of Abraham Lincoln in his book And There Was Light. He also discusses the drastic change of course in the presidency and nation after Lincoln’s assassination. Read more to learn about Lincoln and Johnson, according to Meacham.

Sam Bankman-Fried: Effective Altruism as a Path to Utilitarianism

What’s effective altruism? Why did Sam Bankman-Fried adopt this philosophy? According to biographer Michael Lewis, Sam Bankman-Fried’s effective altruism is rooted in another philosophy that he learned from his parents. Lewis writes about Bankman-Fried’s adoption of this concept and its particular path of “earning to give.” Keep reading to learn about Sam Bankman-Fried’s effective altruism beliefs and practices.

Lost Cause Ideology: A Romanticized History of the Civil War?

How did some Confederates view the Union’s victory? How did they hope to keep their cause alive and secure some victory after all? According to historian Jon Meacham, after the Civil War, some of the vanquished Confederates developed an idealized view of their cause. Meacham argues that at least some aspects of this “Lost Cause” ideology persist even today. Continue reading to learn about this perspective on Civil War history.

Sam Bankman-Fried at Jane Street: Success—but Not Enough

How did Sam Bankman-Fried get a job with Jane Street Capital? Why didn’t he stay with the firm longer? Sam Bankman-Fried left MIT for Wall Street, taking a job with Jane Street Capital. In Going Infinite, Michael Lewis discusses Bankman-Fried’s hiring and success with the firm and reveals why the young trader didn’t stay there for the long haul. Continue reading to learn why, for Sam Bankman-Fried, Jane Street wasn’t enough.

Abraham Lincoln’s Legacy: Emancipator or Tyrant?

How do people think of Abraham Lincoln today? What if his life hadn’t been cut short? In And There Was Light, Jon Meacham breaks down the myths and legends surrounding America’s 16th president. He seeks to present a fair and honest account of Abraham Lincoln’s life and concludes with what he believes is a balanced view of the president’s legacy. Continue reading to learn about the weighty and complex issues entailed in Abraham Lincoln’s legacy—and decide for yourself.

Sam Bankman-Fried: Alameda Research & the Quest for More

How a Passive Investment Strategy Wins Big

Why and how did Sam Bankman-Fried build his cryptocurrency empire? Why did his managers and half of his employees quit? According to biographer Michael Lewis, Sam Bankman-Fried’s financial empire began with Alameda Research. Lewis explains why and how Bankman-Fried started the quantitative cryptocurrency trading firm. Read more to learn about the development and rise of Sam Bankman-Fried’s Alameda Research.