Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Sic Semper Tyrannis: The Wrath Behind the Lincoln Assassination

What did John Wilkes Booth expect after he assassinated President Lincoln? Why did some people prefer that Booth had been taken alive rather than killed? After April 14, 1865, America would never be the same. That day, President Abraham Lincoln became the target of the wrath that afflicted some who were sympathetic to the Confederacy’s cause and bitter about its demise. Keep reading to understand the anger behind the Lincoln assassination.

Why Traditional Liberalism and Religion Are Vital to Society

What stabilizes society? What are Grand Narratives, and how do they help people find meaning? Douglas Murray believes there’s an important connection between the stability of a society and the ability of people to find meaning in life. Further, he contends that certain traditional institutions and belief systems provide that all-important meaning that contributes to social order. Read more to understand why Murray thinks liberalism and religion are central to a strong society.

How Did Sam Bankman-Fried Get Rich? Michael Lewis Explains

How did Sam Bankman-Fried get rich? What drove him to make money? Sam Bankman-Fried quickly became one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. Biographer Michael Lewis details how Bankman-Fried found financial success in his first job at Jane Street Capital and his first two companies—Alameda Research and FTX. Continue reading to learn how Sam Bankman-Fried became wealthy.

How Sam Bankman-Fried’s Donations Reveal His Values & Aims

What did Sam Bankman-Fried do with his millions and billions? What did think Donald Trump might do if he gave him $5 billion? Sam Bankman-Fried quickly became one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. Biographer Michael Lewis says Bankman-Fried used his money in three main ways: Lobbying politicians to further his business interests, donating money to mitigate existential threats, and minimizing the influence of Donald Trump. Continue reading to learn about Sam Bankman-Fried’s donations.

President Lincoln and the Civil War (And There Was Light)

How did Abraham Lincoln’s faith inform his view of the Civil War? How did the Emancipation Proclamation contribute to the Union’s war effort? The American Civil War dominated Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. Historian and biographer Jon Meacham discusses Lincoln’s motivations and actions during the war, covering in particular the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and the war’s beginning and end. Keep reading to learn about President Lincoln and the Civil War.

Oppression Rebranded: Marxism in Today’s Society

What’s cultural Marxism? How is it different from traditional Marxism? Is it an actual threat to society? Douglas Murray believes that a new ideology of wokeism, intersectionality, and identity politics has gained a foothold in mainstream society and that it’s causing great harm. One of the culprits he points to is the influence of leftist academic ideas such as Marxism. Keep reading to learn Murray’s perspective on Marxism in today’s society.

Why Do People Read Fiction? 2 Things They Want From a Story

Why do people read fiction? What do audiences want writers to give them? If you’re a writer of fiction or an aspiring story writer, it’s important that you know what readers are looking for when they pick up a story to read. They want to feel something, and they want to understand life better. Continue reading to learn about these two elements that fiction readers hope to find in each story.

Why Did FTX Collapse? 3 Precipitating Events on One Day

Why did FTX collapse? What happened on Twitter that got the ball rolling? How did Caroline Ellison make matters worse? Although Sam Bankman-Fried’s cryptocurrency empire skyrocketed in just a few years, its demise was far more sudden and dramatic. Michael Lewis provides an account of the downfall of FTX in his book Going Infinite. Read more to learn how three events on November 6, 2022, led to FTX’s collapse within days.

The Unholy Marriage of Social Media and Social Justice

How does the social justice movement use social media? What contributes to cancel culture? In his book The Madness of Crowds, Douglas Murray asserts that there’s something about the toxic social media experience that fuels the social justice movement. Not only does it contribute to the airing of grievances, it stifles the free exchange of ideas. Continue reading to understand why Murray sees an unhealthy linkup between social media and social justice.

How to Write the Theme of a Story: Tips From King, McKee, & More

How can your story’s theme inspire you as you write? At what point in the writing process should you select a theme? A good story is more than just a series of events. A story should be about something, and you develop that element as the story unfolds. We’ve put together several insights and pieces of advice from story-writing experts Stephen King, Rob Biesenbach, Lisa Cron, Joseph Campbell, and Robert McKee. Read more to learn how to write the theme of a story in a way that inspires you as well as your readers.