Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Focusing on Others: Empathy, Social Intuition, & Body Language

Are there different kinds of empathy? What is social intuition? How important is attention when it comes to social interactions? In Focus, Daniel Goleman discusses various directions of attention. One way we can direct our attention is toward others. According to Goleman, an effective focus on others builds several life skills: empathy, social intuition, and the ability to read body language. Keep reading to learn how focusing on others can help you develop these skills.

Darwinian Evolution vs. Intelligent Design: Clashing Concepts

How did Darwinian theory come to the fore? How is Intelligent Design different from creationism? In A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson offers up an accessible guide to our cosmological, geological, and biological history. He discusses the theory that Charles Darwin honed and popularized, which is best understood in the context of the competing hypothesis of Intelligent Design. Keep reading for a brief discussion of Darwinian evolution vs. Intelligent Design.

Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence—Book Overview

Is mind-wandering beneficial? Can attention be trained? How can systems awareness make you a better leader? In Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, Daniel Goleman explores how you can understand, harness, and improve your attention. This results in a more fulfilling, productive life as you become a healthier, more adaptive, and more engaged citizen of society and the planet. Read more for an overview of this practical book.

Major Extinction Events & Human-Caused Extinctions

When have major extinction events occurred? What causes mass extinctions? Are there ever human-caused extinctions? A Short History of Nearly Everything is an accessible overview of the natural sciences that discusses major scientific discoveries, mysteries, and controversies. It’s in this context that author Bill Bryson addresses the serious matter of extinction and its causes. Keep reading for an introduction to this sobering reality of our history and probably our future.

The History of Hominids: From Homo Erectus to Homo Sapiens

How did human ancestors evolve from being ape-like to being human-like? Have scientists found fossils of a common ancestor of humans and apes? Most scientists believe that the history of hominids includes Homo Erectus (first appearing about two million years ago) and Homo Sapiens (first appearing about 100,000 years ago). Bill Bryson explores this history in A Short History of Nearly Everything. Keep reading for an overview of the history of hominids from Homo Erectus to Homo Sapiens.

Precambrian Life: What Geology Tells Us About Early Life Forms

What were the earliest life forms? How do we know? Scientists believe they have pieced together a history of the successive types of life forms that have prevailed on Earth from the earliest bacteria to modern man. The earliest life forms existed in the Precambrian period. Keep reading for a brief overview of Precambrian life.

Daniel Goleman: Leadership and the 3 Directions of Attention

Why is important for leaders to pay attention to themselves? How does systems awareness help a leader? According to Daniel Goleman, leadership is one of those major life areas where our deployment of attention is particularly impactful. He discusses three directions of attention—inner, other, and outer—in the context of leadership. Continue reading to understand where leaders should direct their attention and why.

The First Life on Land: Migration From the Shallows

What were the first terrestrial lifeforms? Why did life migrate from water to land? Most scientists believe that the first life on land consisted of plants. Plants were followed by simple animals and, later, more complex life forms. Bill Bryson explores the timeline in his book A Short History of Nearly Everything. Keep reading to learn a bit about these milestones in biological history.

What Was the Cambrian Explosion? A Fossil Record Mystery

What was the Cambrian explosion? How can the sudden appearance of so many new species be explained? The fossil record shows something intriguing: A ton of new species suddenly appeared about 540 million years ago. Author Bill Bryson explores what this might mean. Keep reading for a brief overview of the Cambrian explosion.

The Bezos Blueprint: Book Overview & Key Takeaways

What does Jeff Bezos talk about constantly? Why did he ban PowerPoint presentations at Amazon? What’s parallel structure, and how can it help you communicate more clearly? In The Bezos Blueprint, Carmine Gallo explains how to improve your communication by internalizing the principles that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos uses in his writing and speaking. We organized the book’s ideas into four principles that you can apply in your communication. Continue reading for an overview of this practical book and see how you can put these principles to work for you.