Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Richard Feynman at Los Alamos: Serious Business & a Bit of Fun

How did Richard Feynman irritate the folks in the Los Alamos mail room? Why did he consider it his patriotic duty to break into his colleagues’ file cabinets? Richard Feynman’s Los Alamos experience blended serious business with enjoyment. This first stop on his professional journey set the pattern for his career. In his memoir, he talks about some of the work he did on the Manhattan Project and shares some of the lighter moments. Keep reading to learn about Richard Feynman at Los Alamos.

Adam Smith’s Labor Theory of Value: Everyone’s a Merchant

Could you live your life without ever buying something that someone else produces? What do you produce that others buy? In The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith lays much of the groundwork for the field of economics. He makes the case for free markets, and he puts forward his theories on what markets exchange and how they’re able to facilitate this exchange. One of his theories is that labor is the basis of value. Let’s take a look at Adam Smith’s labor theory of value.

Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! (Book Overview)

How was Richard Feynman a nuisance at philosophy lectures? How did the atomic bomb change his life? How did he react to winning the Nobel Prize? Richard Feynman’s scientific discoveries were merely one result of his lifelong love of learning, his spirit of adventure, and his determination to live life to its fullest. His memoir demonstrates his drive to solve puzzles, his joy at new discoveries, and his sense of inquisitive delight. Here’s our overview of Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!

Nelson Mandela’s Childhood: The Early Life of a “Troublemaker”

How did Nelson Mandela’s birth name set the stage for his extraordinary life? How did he get the name “Nelson”? Long Walk to Freedom chronicles Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary life story, as told by the man himself. Mandela is known as one of history’s great peacemakers, but his own life wasn’t a peaceful one. Even his birth name reflects this. Continue reading to learn about Nelson Mandela’s childhood based on what he wrote in his autobiography.

Is Market Self-Regulation a Thing? Adam Smith Thinks So

How are prices set? What role does competition play in an economy? Do markets actually regulate themselves if they’re free? In The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith argues that free markets are the most efficient way of directing the production and exchange of goods to grow a nation’s wealth (and thereby enable the specialization of labor). He explains the mutually-beneficial interplay of markets and prices. Read more to understand Smith’s argument that market self-regulation really works.

5 Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! Quotes to Delight You

What kind of freedom does Richard Feynman advocate in particular? What’s his opinion about rote learning? Why did he want to learn to draw? Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! doesn’t take the form of a traditional autobiography. It’s a collection of Richard Feynman’s personal stories that give us a good look into the life of this extraordinary scientist and human being. Keep reading to see several Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! quotes, along with context and explanation.

Nelson Mandela and Apartheid: The Battle of a Lifetime

What was apartheid? How did it impact people’s lives? When and how was it defeated? Long Walk to Freedom chronicles Nelson Mandela’s decades-long fight against the evil policy of apartheid in South Africa. He discusses the background of apartheid, the rise of policy, his efforts during his imprisonment, and the ultimate defeat of apartheid. Read more to learn the history of Nelson Mandela and apartheid.

What Makes a Story “Good”? Robert McKee Explains

What makes a story good? What basic human longing does it fulfill, and how does it fulfill it? Robert McKee began teaching stories in a university class and has since become one of the most sought-after lecturers on the topic. In his book Story, he discusses why people love stories and shows writers how to take advantage of this obsession. He also explains why writers should learn story theory. Continue reading to learn McKee’s ideas on what makes a story good as well as the purpose of story theory.

The Cost of Capital: 3 Factors That Influence Capital Lending

How is the cost of capital determined? What impacts capital lending markets? One of a business’s costs is its capital, which it usually borrows from capital lenders. This lending happens in a competitive market. In The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith discusses three factors that influence that market: risk to the investor, profit on capital, and changes in supply chains. Continue reading to learn how the markets determine the cost of capital, according to Smith.

Nelson Mandela’s Educational Background: Tenacity 101

What was Nelson Mandela’s educational background? Why did it take him so long to complete his education? Nelson Mandela’s formal education was over 40 years in the making. When he was a young Black man in segregated South Africa, he enjoyed the rare opportunity to attend university and law school. However, his journey got derailed a couple of times. Keep reading to learn about Nelson Mandela’s educational background.