Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Examples of Absurdism: Sisyphus & Others Who Press On

Why did Albert Camus use Sisyphus as his primary model for absurdism? Why did Camus consider Sisyphus to be fulfilled in life? In his definitive philosophical essay The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus argues that human existence is fundamentally absurd. This is because the human drive for purpose and meaning is at odds with the reality that death is inevitable and humanity is cosmically insignificant. Read more to learn about the figure of Sisyphus and other examples of absurdism from Camus and elsewhere.

J. Robert Oppenheimer After the Bomb: The Embattled Advocate

What did J. Robert Oppenheimer do after World War II? Were his political enemies successful? Biographers Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin suggest that, after the war, Oppenheimer’s life was marked by his consistent advocacy for transparency and regulation in nuclear policy. Then, a politically motivated hearing effectively ousted him from the upper echelon of the US government. Read more to learn what happened to Oppenheimer after the bomb.

Michio Kaku: Quantum Physics & the God Equation

What surprising things does quantum physics tell us about motion and how matter functions? What’s the most powerful force known in nature? For centuries, scientists have sought a resolution that some call “the God equation”—a single theory that would unify physics, cancel out its contradictions, and provide one simple, underlying equation from which we can derive a complete understanding of the universe. According to Michio Kaku, quantum physics makes a vital contribution to this quest. Read more to learn about this fascinating field.

Embrace the Absurd: Albert Camus’s Advice for a Fulfilled Life

Don't Wait to be Happy — Use Love to Get Happiness

What’s the meaning of life? Why does Albert Camus think that’s a ridiculous question to ask? The existentialist philosopher Albert Camus believes that, ultimately, life is absurd. We search in vain for meaning and purpose because it’s impossible to find them. He says we can choose to live in denial of this reality, end our own lives, or accept the absurd reality we inhabit. Keep reading to learn why Camus believes we should embrace the absurd.

The Neurology of ADHD: 2 Psychiatrists Explain the ADHD Brain

What, exactly, is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? What term for this condition might be more accurate and less judgmental? Edward Hallowell—a psychiatrist specializing in ADHD—and John Ratey—a professor of psychiatry—are the authors of ADHD 2.0. They also have ADHD themselves. Their book, published in 2021, explores recent developments in the field of psychiatry to help people understand this condition. Read more to learn what scientists now understand about the neurology of ADHD.

4 Common ADHD Challenges in Everyday Life

Is it hard for you to keep your attention on something? Do you often show up late to things? In ADHD 2.0, Edward Hallowell and John Ratey describe what it’s like to live with ADHD, highlighting a few of the most typical challenges that people with this condition face in everyday life. They explain that the inability to shift between two kinds of brain activity lies behind many of these challenges. Keep reading to understand some common ADHD challenges and what’s going on in the ADHD brain.

Robert Oppenheimer’s Later Life: An Intellectual in Exile

What happened to J. Robert Oppenheimer after he lost his security clearance? Was his public reputation ever restored? In American Prometheus, Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin examine J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life before, during, and after the bomb, detailing the politically motivated security hearing that saw him lose his security clearance in 1954. Then, they shift to his exile from the upper ranks of the US government. Read more to learn about Robert Oppenheimer’s later life.

The Myth of Sisyphus: Quotes by Albert Camus to Inspire Thought

What does Albert Camus regard as the limits of his knowledge? What does he believe is “the most urgent of questions”? In his 1942 essay The Myth of Sisyphus, philosopher Albert Camus describes his theory of the absurd. Both a feeling and a condition of existence, the absurd describes the irreparable tension between the human desire for meaning and purpose in life—and the inevitability of oblivion and death. Continue reading for The Myth of Sisyphus quotes that will have you thinking like a philosopher.

Is String Theory Correct? We Might Know—If We Could Test It

Is string theory correct? Is it even possible to find out whether it is or not? In The God Equation, theoretical physicist Michio Kaku suggests that string theory might be the path to uniting all the different laws of nature. But, many scientists reject string theory as a piece of mathematical sleight-of-hand. Read more to learn about the fascinating debate surrounding string theory.

America’s Prometheus: Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project

Why was J. Robert Oppenheimer chosen to lead the Manhattan Project? What was his attitude toward the work and its implications? According to Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin, J. Robert Oppenheimer represents a modern-day Prometheus, the Greek Titan eternally punished for stealing fire from the gods and imparting it to humanity. Their book provides a comprehensive biography of the man best known for developing the atomic bomb. Keep reading to learn about Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project.