Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Free Will and Moral Responsibility: Sam Harris’s Apparent Paradox

If free will is an illusion, are we responsible for our behaviors? Can we just blame external factors for our misdeeds? Many argue that, if we throw free will out the window, moral responsibility goes with it. Sam Harris rejects free will as a reality and asks us to consider moral responsibility in that context. And, he contends that embracing the illusory nature of free will actually helps us think and act in more ethical ways. Read on to understand Harris’s intriguing view of free will and moral responsibility.

Linking Natural Resources and Wealth: For Richer or Poorer

Do natural resources make a country wealthy? What if natural resources are the primary driver of a nation’s economy? A key factor of geography theory is access to natural resources—everything from farmable land to oil to fresh water. These resources can determine whether a nation becomes rich or poor. But, it’s not necessarily a straightforward proposition. Continue reading to learn about the complex link between natural resources and wealth.

Geographic Inequality: How Resources & Topography Impact Wealth

When are natural resources a detriment rather than a benefit to a nation? How can the presence of a coastline make a country richer? The geography theory of international inequality argues that differences in the physical locations of countries determine—or at least strongly influence—their economic success. Proponents of this theory point to two main geographical factors: natural resources and topography. Read more to learn about these factors that can lead to geographic inequality among nations.

3 Ways to Maintain a Sense of Agency in the Absence of Free Will

If free will is an illusion, does that mean that we must be disillusioned? Can we still somehow have a sense of self and agency? Sam Harris argues that we don’t have free will. But, he doesn’t believe that accepting free will as an illusion—which requires a major shift in perspective for many of us—has to undermine everything we believe about ourselves and others. Keep reading to discover three ways Harris says we can maintain a sense of agency even in the absence of free will.

Linking Culture and Economy: 3 Values That Affect Wealth

Why do Protestant nations generally have more wealth? Why did the American South develop more slowly than the North? It’s no secret that some countries and regions have more wealth than others, but it’s not always obvious why that is. Proponents of cultural theories of inequality argue that three cultural values contribute to whether a nation is rich or poor. These are work ethic, openness to new ideas, and public trust. Read more to learn about the intriguing connection between culture and economy.

The Free Will Myth: Sam Harris Explains 2 Reasons We Buy Into It

Do you believe that you have free will? If so, what might you be overlooking? Sam Harris contends that free will is an illusion. But, most of us are absolutely convinced that it’s real. Harris says this is because we’ve accepted two misguided beliefs about our thinking and decision-making processes. Keep reading to understand why people buy into the free will myth, according to Harris.

Global Wealth Gap Solutions: From Karl Marx to Thomas Sowell

Is the global wealth gap inevitable? Is it possible that we can minimize—or even close—it? Some countries have more wealth than others because of some combination of geographical differences, cultural differences, political differences, and exploitation. Various economic analysts have suggested some ways that nations and peoples can work to close the gap. Keep reading to learn about three proposed global wealth gap solutions.

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry

Do you want to cultivate a healthy relationship with your child? Do you wish you had the tools to understand them better? The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry offers guidance for strengthening your bonds with your child and raising an emotionally secure individual. Perry argues that you can improve your parent-child relationship no matter your child’s age. Continue reading for an overview of this book that your child will be glad you read.

How to Deal With a Crying Baby: When Should You Respond?

Do you feel guilty when you just let your baby cry? Do you feel guilty when you respond every time? Sometimes it seems like you can’t win in parenting, and crying babies are a well-traveled battlefield. It’s hard to know what to do when you feel guilty regardless, and conflicting advice doesn’t help. Mother and psychotherapist Philippa Perry weighs in on the debate with an opinion rooted in attachment theory. Read more for Perry’s advice on how to deal with a crying baby.

How Do Politics Affect the Economy of a Nation? 5 Key Factors

How do politics affect the economy of a nation? What internal and external political factors could be in operation? Of course, geography and culture impact a country’s economy. But, politics also play a significant role. When we examine the global wealth gap, we must consider political factors from inside and outside a nation that contribute to its wealth or poverty. Continue reading to learn how politics make a difference in a nation’s economy.