Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

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.

Michio Kaku: String Theory Might Be the Answer We’re Looking For

What’s string theory? How close is it to a unified theory of physics? Physicists have yet to reconcile relativity, gravity, and quantum mechanics. But, according to Michio Kaku, string theory could be the solution. It’s the pioneering field that Kaku has been working to advance for all of his professional career. Continue reading to learn about this thought-provoking theory and why Kaku finds it promising.

4 Advantages of ADHD: The Silver Lining to the Cloud

Does ADHD have any benefits? What’s the “ADHD superpower”? In ADHD 2.0, psychiatrist Edward Hallowell and professor of psychiatry John Ratey argue that people can succeed and thrive because of—not in spite of—having ADHD. One reason for this is that the cloud of ADHD has a silver lining. Continue reading to discover four advantages of ADHD that people with this condition can leverage.

Steven Pinker’s Rationality: Book Overview & Takeaways

What does it mean to be rational? Why is being rational important? How can you be a more rational person? According to Steven Pinker, rationality and reason are essential for improving our world and society. But, people often misunderstand them, acting irrationally even when they think they’re not. In his book Rationality, he unpacks this mystery and seeks to help people think and behave more rationally. Continue reading for an overview of this bestselling book.

How to Listen to People in a Way That Helps Them Think

Would others say that you’re a good conversation partner? Do you hear people out and give them space to think? Good thinking comes from good listening. That’s the view of Nancy Kline—a teacher, a researcher, and the author of Time to Think. She asserts that you can help people think through things by listening attentively for as long as they need, showing that you’re paying attention, and letting them express their emotions. Read more for Kline’s advice on how to listen to people in a way that helps them think.

How to Lead a Thinking Group: 3 Tips to Achieve Breakthroughs

Are the meetings or classes you lead designed to elicit productive thinking? What can you do to boost creativity and problem-solving? Nancy Kline has a step-by-step process for taking on the role of the listener to help someone else engage in higher-quality thinking, resulting in ideas that lead to powerful action. Her process can be adapted for group settings such as work meetings, family conferences, or classroom discussions. Continue reading to learn how to lead a thinking group that gets results.