The World's Best Book Summaries
Do you enjoy a strong sense of community? How well do you know—and care about—your neighbors? David Brooks argues that the relationalist approach to life requires a commitment to many people in the form of a local community. He makes a case for the importance of building community, and he offers some steps for doing so. Continue reading to learn why and how you can make a strong commitment to community.
What’s the most effective way to stand out from competitors? Is it wise to undercut your competitors’ prices? The central theme of Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestley is to have more customers than you can handle. So, a great deal of the book is devoted to ways of attracting those customers. One of those ways is to differentiate your product from all the others on the market. Keep reading to learn how to differentiate a product and neutralize the competition.
What is associative thinking? How can it help you succeed in business and other endeavors? Innovative businesses change the world. The world’s most innovative business leaders develop their radical and creative ideas by practicing five Discovery Skills. The chief among these skills is associative thinking. Learn what associative thinking is and how you can develop this world-changing skill.
Does plastic ever degrade? Have we taken care of the CFC problem? What’s the worst byproduct of modern living? Garbage leaves a mark on our planet. That’s because much of our modern garbage never leaves the planet. In The World Without Us, science journalist Alan Weisman addresses the problem head-on. He explores the impact of waste on the environment and identifies the major culprits we need to tackle. Read more to learn what Weisman discovered in his investigation.
Is carbon neutrality a realistic goal? What would it take to get there? As we look for solutions to climate change, the elimination of carbon emissions seems to be near the top of everyone’s list. However, this is not a practical solution, at least for now. That’s the view of former energy industry scientist Steven E. Koonin. Read on to learn why Koonin believes we must accept the reality of our reliance on fossil fuels.
When and how did human language begin? Why did language develop in the first place? In The Language Instinct, experimental psychologist Steven Pinker argues that language is an innate, biological ability in humans—not just an element of human culture that gets passed from person to person. He discusses the theorized origin of human language—the when, the how, and the why. Read more to learn about the possibilities of this fascinating subject.
How did Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn endure life in a Soviet gulag? What happened when Mother Theresa’s faith wavered? In The Second Mountain, David Brooks identifies religious commitment as one of the four major commitments we should make in life. He argues that religious commitment is crucial for leading a selfless and fulfilling life. Keep reading to learn why Brooks believes this is true and to get his recommendations for sticking to such a commitment.
What life goal should be your first priority? Do you schedule time for personal growth? Who’s your mentor? In The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, John C. Maxwell argues that personal growth is key to a successful, fulfilling life. It enables you to realize your potential. He discusses the themes of character building, self-awareness, self-worth, intentionality, and lifelong learning. Keep reading for an overview of this practical and inspiring book.
How can you take advantage of the law of supply and demand? What’s the best way to build brand loyalty? Serial entrepreneur Daniel Priestley begins his business guide Oversubscribed with an unusual premise: Get more people interested in your product or service than you could possibly serve, and don’t start selling it until that happens. He discusses practical ways that you can generate that interest. Keep reading for Priestley’s advice on how to create demand for a product (even more than you can meet).
Does your company budget for innovation? Are you willing to risk failure? How do you deal with mistakes? Innovative leaders infuse their whole organizations with a commitment to innovation. Company mindsets are most effective when they’re shared among everyone. The Innovator’s DNA outlines three core tenets you can adopt to support your employees in having the courage and ability to innovate. Continue reading to learn how to foster an innovative mindset in your organization.